Biblical Hebrew Forum

[James Christian <jc.bhebrew AT googlemail.com>]

Hi all,
In many cases we see 'ha-elohim' used clearly as one of YHWH's titles.
However, in Genesis 1:1 we see Elohim used without the definite article:

בראשית ברא אלהים את השמים ואת הארץ

In fact, Elohim seems to be used this way pretty much consistently
throughout the creation account from Genesis 1:1 - 2:3. Could it be that
Elohim is being used as a proper name and not as a title in these instances?

However, these verses in the LXX are pretty much consistently translated ὁ
θεὸς with the definite article it titular fashion. The Latin Vulgate simply
translates as Deus (there is no definite article in Latin) and is not much
help in understanding whether the sense was of name or of title.

The plural form Elohim is, of course, worthy of discussion seeing that YHWH
is to be understood in the Tanakh as the only true god. It has been
suggested that plurality indicated majesty. This is not a completely alien
concept to many nationalities which use a plural form of you to convey
respect when speaking to elders (cf French and all the Slavonic languages).

Regarding the origin of the name/title Elohim in its plural form I have
often toyed with the following idea (this is the first time I have ever said
it aloud though). Many ancient cultures worshiped many gods. There were gods
of Thunder of the Sun of the Sea of the rain etc. Logically, offering would
be made to the respective god for each of a tribe's or individual's needs.
However, YHWH being the only true and almighty god who commands the seas,
the Sun, the rain and everything else encompasses all of these gods who were
worshiped as individuals by those who did not worship YHWH. Could it be that
this name/title of Elohim in some was indicative of YHWH being the whole
pantheon of gods in one almighty god?

James Christian