Names of God in Judaism

Photo by Rene Bohmer

Each name reveals
a unique quality of divine expression.¹

— Marcia Prager

the Tetragrammaton

This is the four-letter personal, ineffable name of God, often associated with divine mercy and compassion. It relates to God's self-existence, eternal nature, and active presence, linked to the verb "to be" or "He causes to become." It is often rendered as "LORD" in English Bibles.

Ein Sof

Ein Sof translates literally as “there is no end.” Ein Sof is the Infinite, the God beyond God.

El

A common Semitic term meaning "god" or "mighty one," El emphasizes divine strength, power, and primacy. It is often used in compound names like El Shaddai (God Almighty) and El Elyon (God Most High).

Elohim

This plural form (used with singular meaning) signifies God as the powerful Creator and judge of the universe, representing strength, power, and the aspect of justice. The use of the plural form can also emphasize God's majesty.

Ayin

Ayin is the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a silent letter that means "eye," symbolizing sight, understanding, and perception, and also refers to a spring of water, representing tears or a life-giving source, appearing in place names like En Gedi. Deeply symbolic in Jewish mysticism, it represents divine providence, humility (as it "sees" but doesn't speak), and spiritual yearning, connecting physical vision with deeper spiritual insight. 

Zot

Daniel Matt says, “Of the various names for God, one of the most beautiful is the Hebrew word zot, which means this. God is this. 

Ehyeh

Revealed to Moses as "Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh," this name signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and being as the source of all existence. "I AM" directly represents God's active, self-sufficient presence.

Hashem

Literally "The Name," this term is a circumlocution used in Judaism to refer to the unpronounced Tetragrammaton out of reverence and holiness. It represents respect for the divine mystery.

Adonai

Meaning "My Lord" or "Master," this name emphasizes God's sovereignty, authority, and mastership over all creation. It is often used in prayer and Torah reading as a substitute for the Tetragrammaton.

I AM

"I AM" signifies God's eternal, self-existent, and self-sufficient nature, revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

Shaddai

Often translated as "God Almighty" or "Almighty," this name conveys God's boundless power and might, suggesting sufficiency and omnipotence.

Tzevaoth

Meaning "Hosts" or "Armies," this name, usually found in prophetic literature, refers to the "God of the armies of Israel" or the heavenly host. It represents divine authority over all heavenly and earthly forces.

Shekhinah

This term (not a formal name of God, but a concept) refers to the divine presence or indwelling presence of God, particularly in the Tabernacle, Temple, or among the people. It represents God's imminent, nurturing presence in the world. 

Waves of the Ocean

[1] Rabbi Marcia Prager, ALEPH 2025 Smicha/Ordination Ceremony, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7SblWS2nq8&t=4159s 01.12.2025  AX 8231