What does the Hebrew word Shaddai mean or imply?
The Hebrew word Shaddai implies far more than the simple translation 'Almighty.' It carries the sense of the Sustainer, the Provider, the provisions He supplies, and even a security blanket—a picture of God's ongoing care and protection for His people.
In the context of Exodus 6:3, God says He appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by the name God Almighty, which in Hebrew is El Shaddai. Les explains that translating it merely as 'Almighty' is unfortunate, because Shaddai implies much more. It implies the Sustainer, the Provider, the provisions He gives, and what Les likes to call a security blanket—a picture of God's sustaining, providing, and securing care for His people.
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
More Questions
What is the fuller meaning of the Hebrew name El Shaddai?
The Hebrew name El Shaddai, often translated 'God Almighty,' actually implies far more: it portrays God as the sustainer, the provider, the source of provisions, and a security blanket.
Why is El Shaddai translated as 'Almighty' considered an inadequate translation?
The Hebrew name behind 'God Almighty' in Exodus 6:3 is El Shaddai, and the translation 'Almighty' is unfortunate because Shaddai actually implies the sustainer, the providing/provisions, and the security blanket.