In ancient Hebrew texts, the title "Elohim" (𐤀𐤋𐤄𐤉𐤌) appears grammatically plural but consistently denotes a singular entity when referring to YHWH. This linguistic feature, known as the "plural of majesty," emphasizes supreme authority and power, not multiplicity. Paleo-Hebrew and early scrolls use singular verbs with Elohim, affirming YHWH’s unity and challenging later interpretations that suggest plurality.
The title “Elohim” (𐤀𐤋𐤄𐤉𐤌) is grammatically plural due to its -im ending, but when referring to YHWH, it never implies multiple beings. This is a Hebrew linguistic device called the "plural of majesty" or "intensive form," used to denote greatness, not number.
📜 אֱלֹהִים – Elohim
"A title of singular power, not plurality."
The verb בָּרָא (bara, "created") is singular, not plural (bar’u, "they created"). This indicates Elohim refers to one entity, not multiple.
The word אֶחָד (echad) denotes united singularity, reinforcing YHWH as one, not a group.
Paleo-Hebrew texts and Dead Sea Scrolls consistently use YHWH (𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄) with singular verbs and titles, never indicating plurality.
Hebrew plural nouns typically end in -ים (im) for masculine words, like מַלְאָכִים (mal’akhim, "messengers") from מַלְאָךְ (mal’akh, "messenger"). For YHWH, Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) uses singular verbs, such as בָּרָא (bara, "he created"), not בָּרוּ (baru, "they created").
This "plural of majesty" conveys unmatched strength and authority, akin to a monarch saying "We are pleased" to signify singular power.
When referring to pagan gods, Elohim takes plural verbs, as in Exodus 20:3 ("no other gods," אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים), showing clear contextual difference.
| Context | Word | Verb Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| YHWH | אֱלֹהִים | Singular (e.g., bara) | One Mighty Power |
| Pagan Gods | אֱלֹהִים | Plural (e.g., contextual) | Multiple gods |
The notion of YHWH as plural arose from later influences:
Ancient Hebrew texts emphasize YHWH’s singular authority and supremacy, free from such interpretations.
YHWH is one, singular entity, as affirmed by Paleo-Hebrew grammar and texts. The title Elohim (𐤀𐤋𐤄𐤉𐤌) uses the plural of majesty to denote supreme power, not multiple beings. Singular verbs like bara and statements like "YHWH is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4) confirm this. Later Greek and Roman influences introduced false plural interpretations, but the original texts uphold YHWH’s unity.
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