Elohim

Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים) is a Hebrew word derived from eloah (אֱלֹהַּ), which means "god" or "deity." The plural form elohim can refer to gods in a general sense, but in the context of Judaism, it is often used to denote the singular God of Israel. This usage is an example of the grammatical construct known as the "plural of majesty" or "plural of excellence," where a plural form is used to convey grandeur or intensity. In the Hebrew Bible, elohim is frequently employed as a name for the God of Israel, particularly in the Torah. The term is also found in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic (الوهيم, al-elahim) and Aramaic (ܐܠܗܝܡ, alahim), where it carries similar meanings. The use of elohim in Jewish theology underscores the unique and transcendent nature of the divine being, setting it apart from the gods of other nations.