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The Power of God's name
Study Biblical Hebrew online
God in a name

Many modern names in Western civilization have Biblical roots. Elizabeth, for example, in the original Hebrew was Elisheva (אלישבע), meaning "my God swore an oath". Elijah, from Eliyahu (אליהו) means "my God is the Lord". Both names begin with “El” (אל), which is God’s most common name in the Bible. This same combination appears at the end of names like Michael ("who is like God?"), Daniel ("God is my judge") and Gabriel ("God is my strength").


The Secret of the Divine

Other biblical names contain a different divine Hebrew root Yah (יה), from the Lord’s most sacred title, the unspeakable four letters YHWH (יהוה). Ancient Israelites considered it a blessing to add these sacred letters to the end of someone’s name. For example, Jeremiah (ירמיה) means "the Lord exalts" and Zechariah (זכריה) means "the Lord remembers." These same letters Yah also appear at the beginning of names: Joshua (יהושע) meaning "the Lord saves" and Jonathan (יהונתן) meaning "the Lord gives".


Discover the Hidden Hebrew Source

Although the pronunciation of these names has changed slightly, they are all Hebrew originally, testifying to the central role God played in the lives of the people of Israel. Today, millions of people worldwide have biblical names. But names are just the beginning. We invite you to discover the hidden power of God embedded in all things, by learning to see the Hebrew words in modern language. Enroll today in our live online Biblical Hebrew courses!