If there is only one God.....?

Question

Then why is the original Hebrew word for God a plural noun? And why is there a commandment about not worshiping something that doesn't exist?

Answer 1

In principle you are correct about the Hebrew word "ELOHIYM", but there is even more to wonder about than many suppose.

Consider this:

"The mystifying part is that it is used with a singular verb. In other words, if the first part of Genesis were translated literally it would read: "In the beginning [Gods] creates the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) Translators have generally used God (singular) for ELOHIYM because of the belief in one God, and it also goes with the verb. On the contrary, we know that God is not singular because later it reads: "And God (ELOHIYM) said, Let US make ADAM in our image..." Thus we see that God is more than one entity and Adam was made in its (or their) image."

http://www.freeread.com/archives/433.php

It is also written in Genesis, that God created male and female and called THEIR name "Adam".

Some will respond that "Adam" was the family name; however, if you go back to the original Hebrew word that they translated into 'man', you will find that it is, in fact, "Adam"--which does NOT mean "man"--but a particular kind, type or species of human being.

The Hebrew word IYSH refers to the single male only, and this was NOT the word that was translated.

Why am I talking about Hebrew words? Well, the Old Testament was translated FROM Hebrew and the New Testament was translated FROM Greek..and not always directly into English either.

Hint: Search ancient wisdom to learn about what is referred to as the/a "Divine Hermaphrodite".

During 'chrisitan history' over THIRTEEN Bibles have been used. The English version called the KJV is only one of them.

Before I can answer the second part of your question, you will have to clarify as to what commandment you referring to which states that we should not worship something that doesn't exist?

Regards,

Answer 2

Not speaking Hebrew, I can't answer why the Hebrew word for God is a plural noun. I can however, state that in the Christian faith, God is referred to in 3 persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Perhaps there is some correlation to the Holy Ghost in Hebrew as well. As for a commandment about not worshipping something that doesn't exist, that's the whole point of that commandment. God knows that no other god exists except Him. He doesn't want people to worship something that is man-made and has no power, but rather to worship only Him. That is not unreasonable and makes perfect sense. It's just too bad that mankind is so stupid at times that God actually had to make this a command because we often lack the common sense to figure out that other gods are not real and should not be worshipped.

Answer 3

There is only one God. Who knows the answers to your questions? Man is basically flawed and has made mistakes since the beginning. Did Adam sin because God didn't make things clear enough for him? No. So don't look too deep into man's verbage of the Lord when trying to conclude his divinity. Look at the beauty of the world and then you can embrace a heavenly father. Also the commandment you refer to talks about not worshipping false Gods. Think how disrespected you would feel as a father if your child came home and told you how you weren't a good enough father. Your kid was going to live over at the neighbors for awhile because their dad is better than you. It might be a false claim, but it would be terribly hurtful. Honor God for all of the gifts he has provided to you.

Wish you the best.

Answer 4

Queen of England says " We shall have a spot of tea". We to her is just her, she calls herself the plural.

English is the confusing language, not the others. Plurals and singulars can be used in a word and still mean 1. English is what confuses this issue. Its why they say English is the hardest language to learn.

El = God or God like. El can be singular or plural, yet still means 1.

And the commandment is worship no other God before me. Says nothing about not being there, it states to place no item between me and you.

Answer 5

Please provide your scriptural references to the latter part of your question:)

But you are right.. the Noun referring the God is plural in Genesis. Signifying that GOd although He is One .. He is three. It is something outside of the Human concept but in the spiritual realm it is substantiated by those who are born of God and are thus able to tap into this realm and have a deep appreciation for GOd being Triune..( three-one)

One thing i have really appreciated about God being Three-One is that it is indeed a mystery. But when we experience GOd in our lives it is so simple and enjoyable.

GOd the Father is the Source and the planner in the GOdhead...
God the Son is the manifestation of God...whenever we are able to behold God...He is seen in the person of the Son. God becoming Flesh is Christ and It is the Son who accomplishes and attains all that the Father has planned and purposed to do.
God the Spirit is the realization of all that God the Son as attained and obtained through His incarnation, human living, death, resurrection, ascension, enthronement and glorification.
NO matter how much the Father has planned and the Son has accompished..unless we have God the Spirit indwelling our spirit ( that which is born of Spirit is spirit) then we have no way to substantiate and experience all that CHrist has done.
So in essence the trinity is for us not to try to figure out..we are too limited at this point, but one day we will be able to grasp the full reality of God as a Trinity. The trinity is for us to experience and not merely analize.
May we be saved from all the things that will put up blocks from us experiencing all that God is.

Grace Be with YOu and Peace from our Lord Jesus CHrist

Answer 6

A very ambiguous question ! The original Hebrew word for God is YHVH pronounced "Yahweh". The word you specify is the uni-plural word "Elohim" (Hebrew). These words or titles all make reference to the Trinitarian nature of God re: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The rest of your question comes across very ambiguous for me.

Answer 7

Because the Godhead is made up of three Gods, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost, all are Gods, the hebrew word for God that is plural is in reference to the creation where God the Father, Christ and Michael created the heavens and the earth. Isnt it also interesting how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days saints also teaches that we all can become as our Father in Heaven is. In this context, the plural hebrew word for God makes perfect sense.

Answer 8

One God, Three Persons. The Old Testament revealed God as the Creator, prophesied of the Savior to come, and promised a new covenant to include the Gentiles by which we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Answer 9

First of all, the hebrew word for God is NOT plural. second, the camandment is "Do not worship any other Gods" he does not mean what you think. in that text i think that he is trying to say to put him first in your life. the "other Gods" could be Music, makeup, Boyfriends/girlfriends, computer, videogames or other things that you put before your relationship with God. Other Gods do exist, but not THAT kind of God. The Gods he refers to are material things that take us away from him.

Answer 10

At first not all Hebrew speakers were monotheistic in fact the majority we rent.
The commandment is dint worship false gods. God is saying that he is the one true god. That's not saying that what they re worship ping doesn't exist, but that it isn't God.