El = God

The Hebrew word El (which is derived from a root word meaning “power, might, or strength”) is the most basic Hebrew word for god (referring to pagan gods) or God (referring to the God of Israel, the one true God). It is rarely used by itself in the Bible. Almost always, it is joined with additional descriptive words for Israel’s God. Take, for example, these names for God:

- El Echad (“one God,” Malachi 2:10)

- El Hanne’eman (“the faithful God,” Deuteronomy 7:9)

- El Emet (“God of truth,” Psalm 31:5 KJV)

Clearly, it takes a lot of names to describe an infinite God! But El is more than just a prefix. As stated previously, it connotes the mighty, relentless power of God. It refers to His omnipotent strength. And when combined with other names (or attributes) of God, it works to magnify them.