The most common word for God in the Old Testament, appearing over 2,600 times. Elohim is grammatically plural but is used with singular verbs when referring to the one true God of Israel — a feature that has fascinated theologians for centuries. When used of pagan deities, angels, or judges, the plural sense applies. The word derives from the root ʾel (אֵל), meaning "might" or "power."
Elohim as a plural form with singular meaning has been understood by Christian interpreters as a potential hint at the Trinity — a "plural of majesty" or "plural of fullness." Jewish interpreters typically explain it as an intensive plural expressing God's supreme power and authority. The word encompasses God as Creator, Judge, and Sovereign. In Genesis 1, Elohim is the God who creates by speaking — the God of cosmic power and order.
The semantic range of Elohim is broader than English "God." It can refer to: (1) the God of Israel — by far the most common usage; (2) pagan gods (Exodus 20:3); (3) angelic or divine-council beings (Psalm 82:1, 6); (4) the spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:13); and even (5) human judges acting in God's authority (Exodus 21:6). The shift from Elohim (the powerful Creator) to YHWH (the covenantal, personal God) in Genesis 2 reflects not two sources but two dimensions of God's character.