What does the word elohim mean?

from the old testament

• In Hebrew, elohim is a category word for divine beings or objects of worship, not automatically the true God.
• Elohim most commonly refers to the one true God of Israel. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth.” When used this way, elohim refers to YHWH as the sovereign Creator. Even though the word is grammatically plural, it is paired with singular verbs when speaking of Israel’s God, showing us signs of the Trinity or the fullness, majesty, and supremacy of God, not multiple gods.
• Elohim can refer to “gods” in a false or pagan sense. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods (elohim) before me.” Deuteronomy 6:14 also warns against following other elohim of the nations.
• Elohim can refer to God-honoring spiritual beings (angels or divine council language). For example, Psalm 8:5 reads, “You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings (elohim)” (Also translated “angels” in the Septuagint and Hebrews 2:7). Psalm 82:1 reads, “God (Elohim) stands in the divine council; in the midst of the elohim he judges.” These elohim refer to spiritual beings in God’s heavenly court, but they are always under God’s authority.
• Elohim can even refer to human judges or representatives. Exodus 21:6 and Exodus 22:8—9 reference servants or disputes being brought before the elohim (interpreted as judges). Because judges represent God’s authority, they can be called elohim in a functional sense—not because they are divine but because they act in God’s name.
• Various passages distinguish God as the Elohim of elohim (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:2; Daniel 2:47). Though there are other elohim, whether spiritual or human, there are none like God; He is supreme above all.

from the new testament

• The New Testament primarily uses Theos (the Greek equivalent of elohim). John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God (Theos).” The Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament used in Jesus’ time) consistently translates elohim as Theos. Therefore, the New Testament doesn’t redefine elohim; it continues its meaning in Greek.
• In John 10:34–35 (quoting Psalm 82), Jesus cites “you are gods” (elohim/theoi) to show that the term can be used of human authorities without denying the uniqueness of God. Again, the New Testament confirms that the term can be used in multiple senses but must not blur the distinction between God and created beings.
• The New Testament sharply distinguishes the one true God from all others.  First Corinthians 8:4–6 says, “There is no God but one.” Even if “so-called gods” exist in perception, only one God is real and supreme.

implications for today

Context matters. The word elohim can be used in Scripture for the one true Creator, false gods, spiritual beings, and even human judges, but the meaning is always shaped by how and where it is used. Further, using the word elohim when referring to God does not place Him in the same category as created beings. Nor does it suggest multiple equal gods competing for authority. The Lord alone is the sovereign God who stands as the Maker of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1). That clarity keeps us grounded: power, influence, or spiritual presence does not equal deity—only God is God.

This is why how we interpret Elohim matters so much, especially when it comes to belief systems that reshape its meaning outside of Scripture. For example, Mormon (LDS) theology looks at verses that use the word elohim and redefines it in a way that differs from the Bible’s consistent teaching—treating “God” as part of a broader hierarchy of exalted beings rather than the one uncreated Creator. But Scripture does not leave room for that shift in meaning. It repeatedly draws a sharp line between the one true God and everything else, declaring that there is no God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5; 1 Corinthians 8:4–6). So while the same word may be used in different contexts, the Bible’s message is unwavering: there is only one Elohim of elohim, and that is the one Lord who reigns over all.

This word challenges us in what vies for our attention and trust. Everything else that carries power or influence in our lives is still created, limited, and accountable to Him. The “gods” of our modern world—success, control, approval, money, even fear—may feel weighty, but they are not ultimate. Are you living for the One who is?