THE NAMES OF GOD

NAMES OF GOD IN THE BIBLE: A DISPENSATIONAL APPROACH : PROF. M. M. NINAN
III
The name Adonai אדני)‏ – Aleph Daleth Nun Yod, ADNI) is a traditional Hebrew name of the One
Being most often translated as ‘Lord’. A more accurate rendition may be ‘Ruling Power’ since whilst
the root meaning of the name implies ‘ruling’, the name itself has only by tradition been associated
with the masculine. ADONI is actually a plural name, the singular forming being ADON. ADONI is
substituted normally whereever the unuterable name of YHVH appear. Otherwise the word
‘ha-Shem’ (literally “the name”) is used as substitute.
ADON is singular (Isaiah 10:33)
The word Adon derives from a Ugaritic word meaning “lord” or “father”.
Adon Olam אֲדוֹן עוֹלָם ; "Eternal Lord"
ADONAI: "Master'' or "Lord"
"Master'' or "Lord" is used 300 times in the OT and then it is always in plural when referring
to God. When the singular word is used it refers to a human lord. Thus it is used 215 times to refer to
men of power.
Adonai is from Aden – meaning foundation socket of a building. “It is the presence of God in all things
that joins them to one another, that lends coherence to Creation.
The first use of Adonai is found in Gen. 15:2.
35