Adonai

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WHAT IT MEANS…

Adonai is the plural form of the name, Adon which means Lord or Master. Like Elohim, the use of the plural form of a singular noun suggests the Trinity to many Theologians. (See note at the end of the article)

It’s defined as one who possesses complete authority and absolute control.  

The name Adonai has a very significant similarity to the name YHWH in that these holy and revered names were replaced in the majority of our English translations.

When we see the name LORD in Scripture, it is actually the Hebrew name of God, YHWH, in the original text. This is because Jewish translators revered God’s name so much that they would not utter or write it.

The vocalized expression of YHWH which was permitted was the name Adonai. It is also the word Kyrios (Lord) in the Septuagint… which is the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures.

So when you see the name LORD in all capitals, it is actually the name YHWH (over 6,800 times in Scripture)

When you see the name Lord (only capitalizing the first letter), it is used in place of Adonai (over 400 times in Scripture). Both YHWH and Adonai are replaced with LORD and Lord respectively because of reverence for God’s name.

Psalms 110:1 gives us a good example of the use of LORD (YHWH) and Lord (Adonai) used in one passage:

‘The LORD (YHWH) said to my Lord (Adonai),
‘Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.'”

I included the definitions of the names noted in Psalm 110:1 to help you see how Adonai is used often in correlation to YHWH.

Adonai, Lord over all! The One we are subject to yet the One who loves us like no one else ever could.

HOW IT APPLIES TO OUR LIVES…

Sometimes, we call on God in various ways without really knowing what we’re saying or what the significance of that name, title, or description.

As I look in the rearview mirror of my journey with the Lord and reflect on what happened when Jesus saved my soul, I realize that when I called upon Jesus to be Lord of my life, I was actually calling upon Him to be Adonai over my life. 

A few years prior to being saved, I had called upon Jesus to save me ~ but I wasn’t willing to turn from my sins and let the Lord be Lord of my life. I wanted to be saved but keep living the way I was living.

I prayed a prayer but my life didn’t change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 didn’t become a reality until I was sincerely willing to surrender my life to the One who gave His life for me.

When I surrendered to Him as Lord, He made me eternally His.

So often, people want Jesus to be their Savior but not to be their Lord. But Jesus won’t be our Savior until we call upon Him as Lord. After all, Romans 10:13 says, “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

I’m so thankful that I know Him as Adonai personally. He’s my Lord ~ my Master.

How about you? Have you called upon Him as your Lord (Adonai)? I’d love for you to share your testimony in the comments today!!

HOW WE CAN PAUSE TO WORSHIP HIM TODAY…

  • Praise Him for who He is. Adonai… your Master. Lord over your life. Lord over absolutely everything.
  • Thank Him for being Lord of your life, knowing you can trust Him to rule your life so much better than you can.
  • Repent of any rebellion or disobedience to His Lordship of your life and ask Him to help you submit to His perfect will.
  • And just take a few minutes to listen to this beautiful song. Allow yourself to bask in the beauty of knowing Adonai and worship Him for who He is.

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HOW WE CAN FIND OUT MORE…

There are many theological nuances and insights to this beautiful and wonderful name. More than we can cover in this brief time tougher. But if you’d like to know more, there are some verses below that will help you get to know Adonai more.

Below are a list of several verses where Adonai is found. Remember, Adonai is used over 400 times. This is just a sampling of some of the them…

SUGGESTIONS TO HELP DIVE DEEPER: 

    • Visit blueletterbible.org to find all of the passages that include the powerful name, Adonai.
    • Create a “Knowing God More” Journal. Write out what you learn & how God speaks to you.
    • Write each name on a 3 X 5 and meditate on them throughout the day.
    • Contemplate the significance of the name or title in context.
    • How does that name or title relate to you?
    • How can you honor Him more as ______________?
    • In what areas have you seen Him be ______________ in your life?
    • How can you pray to Him by this specific name or title?
    • How can you pray His specific names or titles over your husband, your children or those you know and love?
    • Look up any corresponding Scripture references that may give more contextual understanding to the name.
    • Use a Bible Dictionary and Commentaries to help deepen your level of understanding. 

What did you know about Adonai before today? How has this helped you know Him more? 

Thanks for joining me in this journey to know Him more!!! Please be sure to share any comments or questions you might have! 

Eternally His,

Steph

Phil 3:7-14

NOTE: As a note of warning when it comes to studying the Word of God, we never assume what it not clearly there. So, while the name Adonai is in the plural form, we can not assume what is not unmistakably there. Therefore, we can consider that it may reference the Trinity, however, we can’t state with any assurance that it actually does.

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