Dictionary Home / E

El

original_language_term theological_term standard

A common Semitic word meaning “god,” used in the Old Testament both as a general term for deity and as a title or name applied to the God of Israel.

At a Glance

El is a Hebrew and broader Semitic term meaning “god.” In Scripture it can function as a generic noun, a divine title, or part of compound names that highlight God’s power, supremacy, or sufficiency.

Key Points

Description

El is a common Northwest Semitic word meaning “god.” In the Old Testament it appears both as a general term for deity and as a reverent title applied to the LORD, the God of Israel. It is especially important in compound expressions such as El Shaddai and El Elyon, where the context emphasizes divine power, supremacy, or covenant faithfulness. Because the term is shared with the wider ancient Near Eastern world, biblical interpretation must give priority to Scripture’s own usage and theology rather than to background material alone.

Biblical Context

In the Bible, El may stand alone or appear in compounds that describe God’s character and actions. The term can occur in narratives, poetry, and worship language, where it points either to deity in general or specifically to the LORD as the one true God.

Historical Context

El was a widespread Semitic term for deity in the ancient Near East. That broader usage helps explain the word’s form and familiarity, but biblical writers consistently shape its meaning under the authority of Israel’s monotheistic faith.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Second Temple and later Jewish usage continued to treat El as a sacred term for God, especially in inherited compound divine names. In biblical and Jewish contexts, the word is not a separate god in itself but a title or descriptor applied to the God of Israel.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Hebrew and related Semitic languages use el as a common word for “god.” In the Old Testament, context determines whether it is generic or functions as a title for the LORD.

Theological Significance

El highlights both the reality of deity and the true God’s majesty, strength, and supremacy. In Scripture, the term serves the biblical claim that the LORD alone is God and that all other supposed gods are false.

Philosophical Explanation

As a word, El shows how a shared ancient term can be filled with distinct theological meaning by context. The Bible does not define God by pagan categories; it uses familiar language to reveal the unique identity and character of the living God.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not flatten every use of El into a direct name for God, and do not assume that every background parallel controls the biblical meaning. The term must be read in context, especially when it appears in compounds or poetic language.

Major Views

Most interpreters agree that El is a generic Semitic term for “god” that can also function as a biblical title for the LORD. The main interpretive question is not its basic meaning, but how each occurrence should be classified by context.

Doctrinal Boundaries

El is a linguistic and theological term, not a separate deity in biblical faith. It should be understood in harmony with biblical monotheism and with the LORD’s self-revelation in Scripture.

Practical Significance

The term reminds readers that Scripture uses ordinary language to speak truly about God. It also helps Bible readers recognize divine titles in names and phrases that might otherwise seem unfamiliar.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for El

↑ Top