Denotes one who holds authority and lordship — a master over servants, a ruler over subjects, or God as the supreme sovereign over all creation. In its plural form ʾădōnāy, it serves as the reverential address for the LORD, reflecting absolute dominion. The word carries connotations of ownership, governance, and the right to command obedience.
The theological weight of ʾādôn is immense. When applied to God as Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), it proclaims His uncontested sovereignty over heaven and earth. The Masoretes later pointed the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) with the vowels of Adonai to prompt readers to say 'Lord' aloud, demonstrating the deep reverence this word carried. In messianic prophecy, Psalm 110:1 distinguishes between YHWH and another ʾādôn — 'The LORD said to my Lord' — which Jesus cited to demonstrate His divine authority (Matt 22:44). The title confesses that God is not a distant creator but an active, reigning King to whom all owe allegiance and worship.