El is the basic Semitic word for God or deity, appearing over 230 times. It carries connotations of power, might, and strength. It forms the basis of many compound divine names: El Shaddai (God Almighty), El Elyon (God Most High), El Olam (Everlasting God).
El emphasizes God's power and transcendence. While Elohim is more common, El appears in some of Scripture's most intimate moments — Jacob at Bethel, Hagar in the wilderness (El Roi), Abraham on Moriah. The compound names reveal progressive facets of God's character throughout the patriarchal narratives.