How the Bible Defines "God"
It is common to assume to much about the definition of the English word "God" as used in the Bible. In the old testament it is most-commonly translated from the Hebrew word "elohim". Here are two different uses of "elohim" with different meanings in the 1st commandment:
Exodus 20:1-3 elohim spoke all these words, saying, 2 I am Jehovah your elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 You shall have no other elohim before me.
Here are 3 more different uses of "elohim" with different meanings:
In Ex7:1, Jehovah referred to Moses as elohim/God. In Ps8:5, the angels were referred to as elohim. And, in 1Sam2:25, the judge in court was elohim.
So, the Hebrew word "elohim", translated "God" or "gods" in the KJV is applied to those with great authority and also to false gods. In other words, it is a generic word that often does NOT refer to the ALMIGHTY...
In the NT, the Greek word "theós" was used in a similar way to "elohim" in the ot. Here is a good example from Paul:
1 Corinthians 8:4 ... there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
The word God/gods was used four times. Every time, it was translated from the Greek word "theós". Twice it was used in reference to the "one God, the Father" and twice it was in reference to other so-called gods.
Conclusion: The use of the English word "God" or "gods" in the Bible is NOT always a reference to the Sovereign, Almighty God of the Universe. It may be there would be less confusion about this if the Bible translators had kept the original language words, "elohim" and "theós", rather than using the words "God" and "gods".
Desiring to live by every word that comes from the mouth of Jehovah ( Deut8:3; Matt4:4 )
-Sid Nash: 01/23/2025. Latest version: http://sidnash.org/docs/GodDefined.html