EL SHADDAY: GOD ALMIGHTY

The Meaning of El Shadday

El Shadday (EL shad-DAI) is often translated as "God Almighty." It may literally mean "God, the Mountain One," evoking the strength and immovability of mountains. In the ancient Near East, gods were often associated with mountains, and El Shadday portrays a God who is powerful, unchanging, and capable of sustaining the universe.

Covenant Name of God

God revealed Himself as El Shadday to Abram (later called Abraham) when establishing an everlasting covenant with him and his descendants. Until the time of Moses, this was considered the covenant name of God. El Shadday emphasizes God's power to fulfill His promises, showing that nothing is impossible for Him.

• Shadday appears 31 times in the book of Job and 17 times in the rest of the Bible.
• In the New Testament, the Greek term Pantokrator is used to convey a similar meaning as "Almighty."

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Praying to El Shadday

Abraham and Sarah’s Story

God Almighty made a promise to Abraham and Sarah, even though Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90. God pledged to give them descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore.

• Sarah laughed at the promise because of her old age, but God revealed Himself as El Shadday, showing that nothing is beyond His capability.

Ruth and Naomi’s Story

The story of Ruth and Naomi also illustrates El Shadday’s power to overcome any obstacle. Although Naomi initially expressed bitterness, saying El Shadday had made her life difficult, she later rejoiced when God blessed her with a grandchild and a future.

A Big, Big God for a Big, Big Covenant

If we believe in Jesus, we become part of Abraham and Sarah's lineage, entering into a covenant with El Shadday, a God whose power far exceeds our imagination. His promises to us include:

• "Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you." (Luke 11:9-10)

• "Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

• "Don't worry about what you will eat or drink. Your Father knows you need these things. Seek His kingdom, and these things will be provided for you." (Luke 12:29-32)

• "If your faith is as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

Only El Shadday can keep such promises—unlike worldly securities like the stock market, government, or even loved ones. His power is unmatched and His word is unbreakable.

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A Prayer to El Shadday

El Shadday, God Almighty, thank you for your great and awesome power. You never grow weary, you never give up, and you always keep your promises no matter what. Help me to stop chasing after worldly security and to start pursuing your kingdom. Reign over my life. Use me for your purposes. Make me single-hearted, focused on doing your will. As I follow you, fulfill your promise to provide everything I need.

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Promises Associated with the Name El Shadday

• "The name of Yahweh is Migdal-Oz (a strong tower). A righteous person runs to it and is safe." (Proverbs 18:10)

• "I will make you a great nation, I will bless you. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse." (Genesis 12:2-3)

• "I will certainly bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the seashore." (Genesis 22:17)

El Shadday—the God of unimaginable might—invites us to trust in His power and faithfulness. He is more than able to fulfill His promises regardless of the circumstances.