El Shaddai
El Shaddai is a Hebrew divine title, commonly rendered “God Almighty.” In Scripture it emphasizes God’s supreme power, sufficiency, and covenant faithfulness.
At a Glance
El Shaddai is a Hebrew divine title often rendered God Almighty.
Description
El Shaddai is a Hebrew title for the true God, found especially in Genesis and elsewhere in the Old Testament. Most English Bibles traditionally render it “God Almighty,” and that translation fits the way the title functions in many passages: it presents the Lord as the One who is fully able to accomplish His will and keep His covenant promises. While scholars debate the precise etymology of Shaddai, Scripture’s usage is clear enough for safe definition: the title stresses God’s unmatched power, His sufficiency for His people, and His faithfulness in blessing and preserving those to whom He has bound Himself by covenant. Because the meaning of the underlying term is not entirely certain, the entry should avoid dogmatic claims beyond the biblical context.