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Genesis 17:1-2 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as Jehovah identifies Himself to Abraham using the name El-Shaddai, often translated as “God Almighty.” The text reads:

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Jehovah appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty [El-Shaddai]; walk before me and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.’”

This divine declaration introduces an essential aspect of Jehovah’s character, emphasizing His supreme power and ability to fulfill His promises, even when human circumstances appear impossible. At ninety-nine years of age, Abraham was well beyond the natural age of fathering a child with Sarah, whose barrenness had been a defining obstacle. By revealing Himself as El-Shaddai, Jehovah assured Abraham that His might transcends human limitations.

The Meaning and Derivation of El-Shaddai

The term Shaddai is derived from the Hebrew root shadad, which conveys the idea of overpowering strength, despoiling, or utterly defeating opposition. This aligns with the depiction of Jehovah as One whose might cannot be resisted. Some modern scholars have posited alternative etymologies, such as linking Shaddai to the Akkadian word for “mountain” (shadu), suggesting a meaning like “Mountain God.” However, this interpretation lacks robust linguistic and contextual support. The overwhelming consensus remains that Shaddai signifies the Almighty One, reflecting Jehovah’s all-encompassing power.

The title El-Shaddai appears seven times in the Old Testament, including Genesis 28:3, 35:11, and Exodus 6:3. Each instance emphasizes Jehovah’s strength in blessing, protecting, and fulfilling His covenantal promises.

El-Shaddai and the Covenant Promise

In Genesis 17, Jehovah reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham, promising to multiply his descendants and give them the land of Canaan (Genesis 17:4-8). The title El-Shaddai underscores Jehovah’s capability to accomplish these promises despite seemingly insurmountable barriers, such as Sarah’s barrenness.

Jehovah’s covenantal interaction with Abraham highlights the dual nature of His almightiness. On the one hand, He exercises creative power to bring life and fulfillment where none existed. On the other hand, He demands faithful obedience, as reflected in His command for Abraham to “walk before me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). The covenant sign of circumcision, introduced in this chapter, further symbolizes the intimate and binding relationship between Jehovah and His chosen people.

El-Shaddai in the Patriarchal Period

The name El-Shaddai is most frequently associated with the patriarchal accounts in Genesis, where it signifies Jehovah’s providential care and ability to bless. For instance, in Genesis 28:3, Isaac blesses Jacob, saying, “May God Almighty [El-Shaddai] bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples.” Similarly, in Genesis 35:11, Jehovah reiterates His promise to Jacob: “I am God Almighty [El-Shaddai]: Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.”

In these contexts, El-Shaddai emphasizes Jehovah’s role as the source of life and abundance, fulfilling His covenantal promises across generations. His almighty power is evident not only in His ability to create and sustain but also in His capacity to protect His people from external threats.

Theological Implications of El-Shaddai

The title El-Shaddai conveys several profound theological truths:

Jehovah’s Sovereignty Over Creation: As El-Shaddai, Jehovah demonstrates His unparalleled control over natural and supernatural realms. His promise to give Abraham descendants “as numerous as the stars” (Genesis 15:5) exemplifies His ability to create life and fulfill His purposes.
Jehovah’s Faithfulness to His Covenant: The use of El-Shaddai in covenantal contexts underscores Jehovah’s reliability. Despite human weakness or failure, Jehovah’s power ensures the fulfillment of His promises. This is evident in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who each experienced Jehovah’s blessings despite personal and circumstantial challenges.
Jehovah as the Source of Blessing and Protection: In Genesis 49:25, Jacob attributes blessings to “the Almighty [Shaddai]” and describes Him as the provider of “blessings of heaven above” and “blessings of the deep.” This imagery reinforces Jehovah’s role as the ultimate source of provision and security for His people.

El-Shaddai and the Name Jehovah

Exodus 6:3 provides additional insight into the distinction between Jehovah’s name and the title El-Shaddai:

“I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty [El-Shaddai], but by my name Jehovah I did not make myself known to them.”

This verse has led to some debate, as the patriarchs were aware of the name Jehovah and used it in their interactions with God (e.g., Genesis 12:8; 22:14). The explanation lies in the nature of Jehovah’s revelation. While the patriarchs knew the name Jehovah, they primarily experienced Him as El-Shaddai, the Almighty God who made and upheld His covenant promises. The fuller understanding of Jehovah’s name, encompassing His deliverance of Israel and His role as the covenant-keeping God, would be revealed in the Exodus account.

The Almighty One in the Book of Job

The title Shaddai occurs prominently in the book of Job, appearing 31 times. Here, it is used to emphasize Jehovah’s unmatched power and authority in the face of human suffering and questions about divine justice. Job 37:23 declares, “The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.” This passage reflects the awe-inspiring nature of Jehovah’s might, which is always exercised in harmony with His perfect justice and righteousness.

The frequent use of Shaddai in Job underscores that even amid adversity, Jehovah’s power is neither arbitrary nor capricious. His almightiness ensures that His purposes will ultimately prevail, offering hope and assurance to those who trust in Him.

El-Shaddai and the New Testament

While the specific term Shaddai does not appear in the New Testament, its Greek equivalent, Pantokrator (All-Powerful or Almighty), is used ten times, primarily in Revelation. For instance, Revelation 4:8 describes the heavenly beings proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” This echoes the themes of sovereignty and eternal power associated with Shaddai in the Old Testament.

Paul also invokes this imagery in 2 Corinthians 6:18, quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures: “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” This New Testament application reaffirms Jehovah’s role as the Almighty One who sustains His people and fulfills His promises.

The revelation of El-Shaddai to Abraham in Genesis 17:1-2 encapsulates the essence of Jehovah’s almightiness: His power to create, sustain, and fulfill His covenantal promises. This title, deeply rooted in the patriarchal narratives, emphasizes Jehovah’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and provision. Whether through the miraculous birth of Isaac, the protection of Jacob, or the promises extended to Israel, El-Shaddai remains a testament to the God who is sufficient and whose power knows no limits.

The theological implications of El-Shaddai extend beyond the Old Testament, finding resonance in the New Testament’s portrayal of Jehovah as the Almighty One. For believers, the name El-Shaddai offers comfort and assurance, pointing to a God whose power and faithfulness are unchanging, even in the face of human frailty.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).