God of gods

The name “God of gods” expresses the truth that He is supreme over every spiritual entity. It is related to other names for God that speak of His supremacy over the rulers of the world: Lord of lords (Deut. 10:17; Ps. 136:3; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16), Lord of kings (Dan. 2:47), and King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14; 19:16). One of the names of Jesus Christ is the ruler (or prince KJV) of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5).

A name of God pictured in the Hebrew text: God of gods (El elim) in Daniel 11:36.

God of gods (El elim) in the Hebrew text of Daniel 11:36.

Hebrew words for God of gods

’El ’elim

Strong’s numbers: 426, 426

Bible reference: Dan. 11:36

 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. (Daniel 11:36, KJV)

 

’Elohei ha’elohim

A name of God pictured in the Hebrew text: God of gods (Elohei haElohim) in Deuteronomy 10:17.

God of gods (Elohei haElohim) in the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 10:17.

Strong’s numbers: 430, 430

Bible references: Deut. 10:17; Ps. 136:2

The full phrase in Deuteronomy 10:17 contains other names of God: “Yahweh your ’Elohim is ’Elohei ha’elohim and ’Adonai ha’adonim (Lord of lords), an ’El (God) who doesn’t show partiality”.

The expression “God of gods” found in Joshua 22:22 in the King James Bible and the Message Bible (which does the same in Ps. 50:1) is a translation of the Hebrew phrase ’El ’Elohim Yahweh, which is better translated “God, God the LORD” or (as NASB has it) “the Mighty One, God, the LORD.”

Aramaic Words for God of gods

A name of God pictured in the Hebrew text: God of gods (Elah elahin) in Daniel 2:47.

God of gods (Elah elahin) in the Hebrew text of Daniel 2:47.

’Elah ’elahin

Strong’s numbers: 410, 410

Bible reference: Dan. 2:47

The king answered Daniel and said, “Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, since you have been able to reveal this mystery.” (Daniel 2:47)

Some of this group of names appear in the New Testament but God of gods is never found there.