Unveiling the title Elohim (𐤀𐤋𐤄𐤉𐤌) in early West‑Semitic: singular verbs, one Mighty Power.
Begin AnalysisIn early West‑Semitic texts, the title Elohim (𐤀𐤋𐤄𐤉𐤌) carries a plural ending yet consistently governs singular verbs when pointing to Yhwh (𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄). This is an intensive or majesty plural—about greatness, not number. The grammar itself testifies that Yhwh is one.
When Elohim names Yhwh, it pairs with singular verbs (e.g., “created” = bara, singular), never plural (“they created” = baru). The form amplifies honor and supremacy rather than indicating a group.
The opening creation line pairs Elohim with a singular verb for “create” (bara), not a plural verb. The grammar itself rejects a plurality of beings for the Maker.
Core witness statements in the early stream affirm: “Yhwh is one.” The unity is grammatical and conceptual—one will, one authority, one source.
In early West‑Semitic streams and related inscriptions, the name 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 appears with singular grammar. There is no textual need for a multi‑person interpretation.
Masculine plurals often end with -im. Yet when the subject is Yhwh titled as Elohim, verbs and adjectives align as singular. When the same noun points to many pagan gods, the surrounding grammar signals plurality.
| Context | Form | Grammar Nearby | Sense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yhwh | Elohim (𐤀𐤋𐤄𐤉𐤌) | Singular verb (e.g., bara) | One Mighty Power |
| Many gods | elohim | Plural sense from context | Multiple deities |
Centuries later, post‑AD philosophical systems tried to read plurality back into the title—especially through Roman councils and Greco‑Latin translations in the 4th century AD. Those frameworks are foreign to the older stream that simply testifies: Yhwh is one.
Yhwh is one. The title Elohim uses a majesty plural while grammar, context, and the name 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 hold to singular action and singular authority. No priests, councils, or later philosophies are needed to explain this—just the plain grammar of Yhwh’s Word.
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