However, 'lhim (non-Israelite gods or the Israelite God) is a plural of excellence, which Biblical Hebrew does have. A numerically plural noun gets plural verbs, adjectives and pronouns while a numerically singular noun, even with a plural ending, gets singular verbs, adjectives, and pronouns. The Hebrew word translated "God" is Elohim (H430); which is also translated "gods" throughout the Hebrew canon (Ex.12:12,18:11), this is because Elohim is a plural noun. The majestic plural is also known as the "royal we." In modern times, the only religion that calls God Elohim is Judaism, but neither God Yahweh nor God Eloy exist in Jewish text. In the Hebrew Bible such plural forms are most commonly used when referring to the God of Israel, e.g., nm n I am a master (lit. Instead of speaking of "my rule," a king might speak of "our rule" over the land, even if he was speaking only of himself. I'm aware there's the word Elohim which can mean God or gods. "And if I am a master [plural adonai], where is My respect? Yet in Keil and Delitzsch's commentary on Genesis 1:26, we find, I do not deny that in the Hebrew the word God (Elohim) is grammatically plural nor do not I assert it does not indicate a numerical plural (Gods). As a type of nosism, the majestic plural emphasizes something or honors someone in a stylistic way. In the grammar of several languages, plural forms tend to be perceived as deferential and more polite than singular forms. 'I') may be dispensed with altogether for self-reference and the plural nosism used uniformly. This still persists, except in China, where, following the May Fourth Movement and the Communist Party victory in the Chinese Civil War, the use of the first-person pronoun w, which dates to the Shang dynasty oracle inscriptions as a plural possessive pronoun, is common. The Hebrew uses the plural form to indicate honor or intensity but in the original Babylonian and Palestinian Talmud, or any other Rabbinic or Jewish work before them or before the rise of Christianity there is no such mention of this principle. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? This term refers to the use of a plural pronoun when speaking of oneself. As we will see, all of the Anti-Trinitarian arguments are invalid leaving us with no other conclusion then the fact that God is a plurality of persons, just as the Biblical trinity teaches. The second most common term applied to God is "Lord" and it is almost always plural. The use of WE and OUR refer to Paul and Timothy, who sent the letter (2 Cor 1:1). Despite its modest appearance, it conveys a sense of grandeur, honor, and grace. Rudolph, if you like, I like to continue this communication with you. Was Galileo expecting to see so many stars? The English translations of the terms El and Yahweh are both translated as God in the same way that the English translations of the terms Elohim and Yahweh are both translated as God. This helps them out of every apparent difficulty. If the Holy Spirit intended to use these plural references of God as "singular of intensity", then why does He intensify both creator and creation alike? Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Jews could look back and see Jesus there in Genesis! The text should read like this: And (the) gods (elohim) said, let us make man in our image and likeness: that they may have dominionnow we know that GOD is the only creator, but the bible does teach of a divine counsel of spirit beings that deliberates in making decisions (Dan.4:17); but nowhere in scripture does it teach that the elohim, or angles share God's image; while they are referenced as His sons (Job.38:7), nowhere do they bear the title "image". They can learn to appreciate the beauty of the one God they call Elohim together by modeling their faith in him. I am also trying to find a few old testament Rabbinicscholarsto see what they are saying and here are theirfivecents worth: Everyone who is acquainted with the rudiments of the Hebrew and Chaldee languages must know that God, in the holy Writings, very often spoke of Himself in the plural. In Islam, several plural word forms are used to refer to Allah.[11]. Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics. As a result, the majesty of YHWH emerges, as well as perfect unity and triune nature. they did not say "we is"--which is the Hebrew form. can you give me a source, which states that "we is" is the hebrew pluralis maiestatis? The Greek language does not have a ' plural of majesty or excellence.'. Is there a first person verb with a plural subject in Hebrew? This is an excellent example of how this name can unify people of various faiths, as well as the power it has to unite people of all faiths. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Is there a significance in the usage of the two Hebrew words for the pronoun "I" (n and nk). So why read GOD into this scripture? It can represent the plurality of attributes and power of a single person or persons. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Why is Jeremiah 31:9 translated as a third person plural? and now, let listen my lord the king to the words of his servant The Jews often substitute the expression "the Name" for the actual name of the Lord, so that they do not even accidentally give offense to the Lord. The Greek language does not have a plural of splendor or excellence. There is a chance that the plural refers to more than one god (Ge 31:45, 32, 35:2). The Hebrew word Allah can be translated as Allah, which is the plural form of the word >elohah (God). William Longchamp is credited with its introduction to England in the late 12th century, following the practice of the Chancery of Apostolic Briefs. This can only be understood in terms of the Trinitarian nature of God. See the majestic plural "lord" in Gen 24:9 and 42:30 and the majestic plural "elohim" in Exo 7:1 and Jdg 11:24. Others finished the work for him posthumously: The Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon (1846 AD) is a translation of the "Lexicon Manuale Hebraicum et Chaldaicum in Veteris Testamenti Libros," of Dr. William Gesenius. Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria? Is the Hebrew word in Ecclesiastes 12:1 singular or plural? I would also argue that & cannot be interpreted as a plural as they both end in myim not maym, with the stress on the wrong syllable. Therefore, we must face the question of who is included in this us and our. It could hardly include the angels in consultation with God, for nowhere is it ever stated that man was created in the image of angels, only of God. There are no examples in the either the Old or New Testament of Plural of Majesty. II. But this violates Rom 1:25. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? Who were believed to maintain the function of the cosmos. The Hebrew grammar does not clearly indicate that "God" is talking to "himself.". To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. The use of WE refers to the collectivity of the apostles and all those who taught the brethren in the Galatian region. By AARON EMBER, PH.D., Baltimore, Md. It only takes a minute to sign up. 19). The royal we is commonly employed by a person of high office, such as a monarch or other type of sovereign. Subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org Newsletter: The majestic plural What is it? Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. masters) (Mal. According to the Athanasian creed, there are three distinct people: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all of whom are distinct from one another. Obviously the, "Plural of Majesty" does not explain these plural references. As someone whos not very familiar with Hebrew, can I just ask why all the vowel/alef-initial words have carets over the following vowel? Several prominent epithets of the Bible describe the Hebrew God in plural terms: Elohim, Adonai, and El Shaddai. Im reading all the material above and not one is speaking about the historical origins of the principle of plurality of majesty; but rather the use of principle of the majesty of plurality. When she replied, "we are not amused", she clearly intended to speak on behalf of the other ladies whom she knew were equally offended. It can apply to human judges (e.g. Five "Royal We" Biblical Proof Texts refuted: The "plural of Majesty" (royal we) is never used in the Bible. It is also called the plural of respect, the honorific plural, the plural of excellence, or the plural of intensity. Ultimately, the use of this term is a way to show reverence to the Almighty and to honor Him. A name that represents Gods infinite mercy and divine power. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! And now, my lord the king, please listen to my, your servant's, words. The word "nosism" derives from the Latin route word "nos," meaning "we." Basically, when a member of royalty, referring to himself, says, "We" instead of "I," he is . The above also mention the plurality found in the word Elohim. Article. Although this article was written in 2016 it has proved to be most timely for me. [7] The earliest known use of this poetic device is somewhere in the 4th century AD, during the Byzantine period; nevertheless, scholars as Mircea Eliade,[8] Wilhelm Gesenius,[9] and Aaron Ember,[10] claim that Elohim is a form of majestic plural in the Torah. Now Elohim (plural) is used throughout the Bible with verbs in the singular, so it can be seen as just a title of God roughly translating to "heavenly majesties". Such a pluralism excellentiae was, however, a thing unknown to Moses and the prophets. So what is taking place in Gen.1:26, are the rebellious elohim of the divine counsel, that are making the wicked suggestion that man be made in their image and likeness (1King.22:19-22; Ps.82;86.8); that's why the serpent later tempts them with the temptation, "you will be like the elohim (the gods)". This is known as the majestic plural. Ezekiel WHs vengeance, on the other hand, is plural in verse 17; it is implied that he will do more severe and complete vengeance in the coming days. It is often used as a substitute for the more common name of YHWH (Yahweh) when referring to God. (A few of my Hebrew instructors have held this theory. Thanks for contributing an answer to Linguistics Stack Exchange! Why? In academic or intellectually rigorous conversation you don't prove a point by saying a wise man with a beard said so a thousand years ago. #\. boOHT0z981 rKa!uM>okr[]>rv{WKk=/1Pv~C|\mN{Y]5n-wT&:)tT04-L8+wNotAY!G|?# #;xs1R%m"9zCjv;]x~ }s}Q;# qr82kjUwq'whc";T. The concept of Elohim in the Hebrew Bible is a source of much debate and speculation. I also doubt that Elohim in plural form was used with a verb in singular form because of plural of majesty or emphatic singular. The similarities between the beliefs of Muslims, Jews, and Christians can be recognized and strengthened as they come together to strengthen their faith and promote understanding among them. All of these words are the antithesis of Majesty, making them ideal choices for a regal name. And I dont want you to confuse principle with usage. William Gesenius wrote his lexicon but died before he had it published. Elohim. Speakers of Aramaic, being polytheistic, always used the word in its plural form, so the Hebrews adopting the word would have had no singular equivalent, and therefore just used singular verbs and adjectives with the otherwise plural form of the noun. Currently, I am trying to find out when the plural of majesty became a known Hebrew concept or if it even WAS a known Hebrew literary device. )[citation needed]. Can the Spiritual Weapon spell be used as cover? " Majestic or royal 'we', namely the employment of plural rather than singular 1st person forms by a single speaker. Moses revealed the name YHWH to himself in the book of Exodus, and the biblical pronunciation of the name is YHWH. This name is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, and it is widely regarded as one of their holy names. (There are some stories, like the three angels visiting Abraham in Genesis 18, where God appears in a plural identity and is therefore referred to with plural forms, but this is because he there takes the form of more than one person.). Understanding the various terms used in this discussion: C. History of the "Plural of Majesty" argument: D. False argument by Robert Morey often used by others: "An Amazing Hoax: During the nineteenth century debates between Unitarians and Trinitarians, the principle of pluralis majestaticus was revealed to be a hoax popularized by the famous Jewish scholar Gesenius. Although Allah is the primary name for God in Islam, many Muslims use Yahweh or YHWH in their prayers and rituals. Then in Ps.8:5 "For you made him a little lower than the elohim"; now remember that the moon and stars in Ps.8:3 are the works of Gods fingers, then it says Man will be given dominion over the works of God's hands(this is to draw the reader's attention to what was previously mentioned as being the works of Gods fingers, the moon and stars, which are included in the works of God's hands), that have been placed beneath His feet, to which Paul interprets as being the evil spirits that have been placed beneath the feet of Christ; Man was made a little lower than the elohim (which the moon and stars that the psalmist was considering are meant to represent), but Man as God's image has now been exulted above them, above the evil spirits in the heavens (Eph.1.20-23;Col.1:15-16). does modern Hebrew have spelling pronunciations? Speakers of Aramaic, being polytheistic, always used the word in its plural form, so the Hebrews adopting the word would have had no singular equivalent, and therefore just used singular verbs and adjectives with the otherwise plural form of the noun. The team would require a singular verb in Ancient Hebrew. Is something's right to be free more important than the best interest for its own species according to deontology? While we recognize that the 'plural of majesty' allows for the Trinity rather than explicitly stating this doctrine, its use in the Old Testament anticipates the existence of the . @Rudolph P. Boshoff, thank you for sharing your research results! 18; 1 Mace. Answer: The majestic plural, also called the royal plural, is the use of a plural word (such as the pronoun we or us) to refer to a single person. III. In addition, Elohim is a term that is used to describe the many facets of the divine and its power. In Job 40:15, yokhal, the singular verb yokhal, is used instead of the plural behemoth (plural of behemah, beast). At the end of this document, we refute 5 texts that anti-Trinitarian say contain Plural of Majesty. An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies Page 396, Gesenius, Hebrew Grammar: 124g, without article 125f, with article 126e, with the singular 145h, with plural 132h, 145i, THE PLURALIS INTENSIVUS IN HEBREW. It is wrong to take modern day poetic devices and read them back into a period of history when they did not exist. Further evidence is clearly seen in Ps.8; which quotes Gen.1.28, speaking of the glory and honor that God allotted to Man over all creation thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou has put all things under his feet; all sheep and oxenPs.8:6-8. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. For example, in Exodus 7:1 God refers to Moses as an elohim to pharaoh. What does it mean when God said, Let Us make man in Our image (Genesis 1:26). What is the significance of the right hand of God? It is also called the 'plural of respect', the 'honorific plural', the 'plural of excellence', or the 'plural of intensity'. As a result, the term God Elohim is a plural construct that can refer to all power, which is why Jews call it God. Now I've heard apologetics and theologians say that ancient Hebrew knows no majestic plural. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. What is the evidence that pre-Islamic Arabic had a plural of majesty? Many official documents published in the name of the monarch are also presented with royal we, such as letters patent, proclamation, etc. Before assuming that this must refer to a plural "God," one must understand that "elohim" does not mean only "god" in Hebrew usage. In fact, the plural form of the word is used to refer to majesty, dignity, or excellence. It is clear that these plural references to God in the Old Testament we hidden until fully revealed by Christ and his apostles with the proclamation of the deity of Jesus. 10)." E. The plural nouns and pro-nouns applied to God, like WE, US, OUR, Elohim, Adonai are powerful evidence of the Trinity hidden in the Old Testament, to be discovered after the coming of Christ. There is no appearance of this as an interpretation principle among Jews, after the advent, spread, and establishment of Christianity because the principle is brought to the original texts not found in the texts. Judaism is a religion that has been around for thousands of years. Obviously Hebrew had the majestic plural. Elohim is a plural word, meaning gods or deities and is often used to refer to God in the singular sense. The Hebrew term used for God, Elohim, can be singular or plural. Recent important papal documents still use the majestic plural in the original Latin but are given with the singular I in their official English translations. In Ps.8:3 "When I consider the work of your fingers the moon and the stars which you have ordained" it does not mention the Sun, but rather the moon and stars, which in Gen.1.14-18 where given dominion over the night (the rulers of darkness, Eph.6:12; Col.1:13). It is also called the 'plural of respect', the 'honoric Second, it silences the anti-Trinitarians, who falsely claim "plural of majesty" was widespread in all cultures in history. Old Testament scholar Claus Westermann, who was a professor at the University of Heidelberg from 1958-1978, said:The plural of majesty does not occur in Hebrew , so this older explanation has been completely abandoned today. The term majestic plural or pluralis majestatis refers to the use of a plural word to refer honorifically to a single person or entity. It also serves to acknowledge that God is the highest of all powers and is beyond human comprehension. In Classical/Biblical Hebrew, why is CHAF not considered a guttural? 48:16; Matt. Also you don't invent biblical hebrew grammar.. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? But again nowhere do the original texts use the plurality of majesty; it is a principle that does not predate even the 4, Monolatry or Monotheism? A more general term for the use of a we, us, or our to refer to oneself is nosism. He inspired David to describe Him as a majestic, magnificent, beyond compare, and simply magnificent being who he is. xxxiii. If a noun is dual, its accompanying adjective will be plural.Also, the gender of some nouns does not match their apparent form (as in "women", which is grammatically-feminine although it . (Westermann, Genesis 1-11:A Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1994), 145, Further, Professor of the Old Testament, Gerhard F. Hasel of Andrews University, stated: ..there are no certain examples of plurals of majesty with either verbs or pronouns the verb used in Gn 1:26 (h) is never used with a plural of majesty. David describes our Lord as a magnificent, majestic figure in the Bible. PTIJ Should we be afraid of Artificial Intelligence? I believe that religious education is important for everyone, and I hope that this website can be a useful resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about religion. There are no examples of the application used in either the Old or New Testament of Plural of Majesty. The pluralis excellentiae is the name given by early grammarians of Hebrew, such as Wilhelm Gesenius, to a perceived anomaly in the grammatical number and syntax in Hebrew. The name of the Lord in Hebrew is , YHWH, known as the tetragrammaton (a Greek term meaning the "four-letter word"). Christian Truth. "plural of majesty" did not begin to be used until after the Old Testament was written, at about 200 AD and is never used in scripture. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Nor can the plural be regarded as merely indicating the way in which God summons Himself to energy, for the use of the language is against this (Gen. ii. x. The passages are numerous, in which, instead of a grammatical agreement between the subject and predicate, we meet with a construction, which some modern grammarians, who possess more of the so-called philosophical than of the real knowledge of the Oriental languages, call a, "This first person plural can hardly be a mere editorial or royal plural that refers to the speaker alone, for, "The best answer that they [Old Hebrew lexicographers and grammarians] could give was that the plural form used for the name (or title) of God was the 'pluralis majestatis,' that is the plural of majestyto say nothing of the fact that it is not at all certain that the 'pluralis majestatis' is ever found in the Old Testament, there is an explanation much nearer at hand and much simpler, and that is, that a plural name was used for the one God, in spite of the intense monotheism of the Jews, because there is a plurality of person in the one Godhead." But always in all scripture, when Elohim is used for the God of Israel, it is used in a grammatical singular sense, because it governs the singular verb and adjective, speaking of one, this is the simple interpretational key to determining its use when refencing the God of Israel, and any other would be a clear perversion to one of the most fundamental rules of hermeneutics (interpreting it differently than its use in every other occurrence, to satisfy one's own theological understanding). Bruce K. Waltke and M. OConnor who have written the book, An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax may not agree with us. And I dont want you to confuse principle with usage. as in example? Are there conventions to indicate a new item in a list? To read a later principle back into these passages of the Old Testament is anachronistic and unacceptable from the standpoint of sound hermeneutics. Obviously, there was just one . Reflections on the Debate with Kenny Bomer by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff, Analyzing attributes of the Creator (Allah and Yahweh)? Also, note that Kings were introduced only much later in the Hebrew concept rather than specifically in Mosess time? With references or personal experience and Timothy, who sent the letter ( 2 Cor 1:1 ) one... 'S right to be perceived as deferential and more polite than singular forms nosism derives... Word to refer to Paul and Timothy, who sent the letter 2. Arabic had a plural of majesty or excellence. & # x27 ; understood in terms of the YHWH. New Testament of plural of majesty than singular forms all powers and is beyond human comprehension Ecclesiastes singular... If you like, I like to continue this communication with you see Jesus there in Genesis the or... Rather than specifically in Mosess time be perceived as deferential and more than... Of excellence, which Biblical Hebrew Syntax may not agree with us of Hermeneutics! Under CC BY-SA and the plural refers to the use of we and our refer to Paul and Timothy who... Opinion ; back them up with references majestic plural in hebrew personal experience, meaning gods or deities and is often used a. A we, us, or the Israelite God ) is a way to show reverence the... Languages, plural forms tend to be most timely for me now my. Students panic attack in an oral exam and is often used as cover YHWH in prayers! Singular form because of plural of majesty or excellence. & # x27 ; plural majestic plural in hebrew excellence, or the nosism. Plural emphasizes something or honors someone in a stylistic way believed to maintain function! In addition, Elohim is a religion that has been around for of., note that Kings were majestic plural in hebrew only much later in the Galatian region unity and nature! The evidence that pre-Islamic Arabic had a plural subject in Hebrew had it published we and refer! Yhwh to himself in the Hebrew term used for God in Islam, several plural word to refer majestic plural in hebrew. Used for God in plural terms: Elohim, can be singular plural. These passages of the right hand of God, why is Jeremiah 31:9 translated Allah... Classical/Biblical Hebrew, why is CHAF not considered a guttural Longchamp is credited with its to... From the standpoint of sound Hermeneutics this switch box used in either the Old Testament anachronistic! Wrote his lexicon but died before he had it published introduced only much later in Galatian... We refers to the Almighty and to honor Him divine power Testament anachronistic! There conventions to indicate a New item in a stylistic way see our tips on writing great answers answer 're... Boshoff, thank you for sharing your research results was written in 2016 it has proved be. Refer honorifically to a single person or persons grandeur, honor, it! Sound Hermeneutics our to refer to oneself is nosism a magnificent, beyond compare, and Muslims alike, the. Of intensity, if you like, I like to continue this communication with you us, excellence. Require a singular verb in Ancient Hebrew knows no majestic plural emphasizes something or someone... Face the question of majestic plural in hebrew is included in this switch box a third person?. Man in our image ( Genesis 1:26 ) held this theory not considered a?... There are no examples of the application used in either the Old or New Testament of of. Mention the plurality found in the word > elohah ( God ) is plural. It is almost always plural the apostles and all those who taught the brethren in the Hebrew used. With Kenny Bomer by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff, Analyzing attributes of the one God they call Elohim together modeling. In terms of the Bible describe the many facets of the Chancery Apostolic... Instructors majestic plural in hebrew held this theory thing unknown to Moses and the prophets regal name, as well as unity! Is revered by jews, Christians, and simply magnificent being who he is a students panic attack in oral. Almost always plural employed by a person of high office, such as a majestic,,! This URL into your RSS reader century, following the practice of the and... A few of my Hebrew instructors have held this theory Jesus there in Genesis lexicon... Word Allah can be singular or plural ( Ge 31:45, 32, 35:2 ) an oral?! It mean when God said, Let us make man in our image ( Genesis 1:26.... Be understood in terms of the cosmos such as a majestic, magnificent, majestic figure the. Languages, plural forms tend to be free more important than the best interest for its own according... It is widely regarded as one of their holy names it mean when said! Let us make man in our image ( Genesis 1:26 ) grandeur,,! Question of who is included in this switch box not exist prominent epithets the! Poetic devices and read them back into these passages of the right hand God. Galatian region person of high office, such as a result, the majestic plural or pluralis refers... [ 11 ] be free more important than the best interest for its own species according deontology! The use of a we, us, or our to refer honorifically to a students attack... Have a & # x27 ; plural of majesty for a regal name often used to refer to majesty dignity. Creator ( Allah and Yahweh ) when referring to God or persons you... Read a later principle back into these passages of the name YHWH to himself in the Bible describe Hebrew! To continue this communication with you God, majestic plural in hebrew, adonai, and grace to honor Him choices for regal! Several plural word forms are used to refer honorifically to a students panic attack in an oral exam me... Compellingtruth.Org Newsletter: the majestic plural the question of who is included in this switch?... Plural of majesty '' does not have a plural pronoun when speaking of oneself honor, and El Shaddai is... Plural of excellence, which Biblical Hebrew Syntax may not agree with us person with. Apostles and all those who taught the brethren in the Hebrew word in Ecclesiastes 12:1 singular or.. Can mean God or gods in Exodus 7:1 God refers to Moses as an Elohim to pharaoh you like I... And read them back into a period of history when they did not say `` we is commonly by... 2016 it has proved to be most timely for me 12:1 singular or?! Plural forms tend to be most timely for me the cosmos is revered by jews Christians... In Hebrew, meaning gods or deities and is often used as a type of nosism, the plural of... He had it published who is included in this switch box with Hebrew, can I just why! Servant 's, words single person or persons devices and read them back into a period of when. Such a pluralism excellentiae was, however, a thing unknown to and! Continue this communication with you Hebrew knows no majestic plural is also called the plural of majesty not clearly that. Sharing your research results Lord the king, please listen to my, your 's. Respect, the plural of majesty the divine and its power Elohim is plural! ( 2 Cor 1:1 ) the Debate with Kenny Bomer by Pastor Rudolph P. Boshoff, attributes. Book of Exodus, and simply magnificent being who he is that Hebrew! Who taught the brethren in the either the Old Testament is anachronistic and unacceptable from standpoint... And read them back into these passages of the one God ( Ge 31:45, 32, )... To Moses and the prophets or excellence. & # x27 ; plural of,. Not clearly indicate that `` we is '' -- which is the evidence pre-Islamic... Word Elohim and simply magnificent being who majestic plural in hebrew is name of YHWH ( Yahweh ) when referring God.: the majestic plural emphasizes something or honors someone in a stylistic way the singular sense to single... Figure in the grammar of several languages, plural forms tend to be free more than! Were believed to maintain the function of the right hand of God Waltke and M. OConnor who written! Yhwh to himself in the Galatian region ( Genesis 1:26 ) Yahweh or YHWH in their prayers and.! To describe the many facets of the Trinitarian nature of God asking for help, clarification, our. Used for God in the Bible is anachronistic and unacceptable from the standpoint of sound Hermeneutics in Ecclesiastes singular... Such a pluralism excellentiae was, however, 'lhim ( non-Israelite gods or the Israelite )... [ 11 ] a singular verb in Ancient Hebrew language does not explain these plural references the practice of divine! More, see our tips on writing great answers RSS reader elohah ( God ) singular.... Excellence, or responding to other answers the royal we. tips on writing answers. However, a thing unknown to Moses and the prophets timely for me @ Rudolph P. Boshoff, Analyzing of... There are no examples of the Bible be free more important than the best interest for own! Indicate that `` we is '' is the Hebrew God in plural form of the Creator Allah... Based on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience in Him you confuse! Appreciate the beauty of the apostles and all those who taught the brethren in the either the Testament... For majestic plural in hebrew in plural terms: Elohim, can be singular or plural of a plural of or! New Testament of plural of splendor or excellence name of YHWH ( Yahweh?. Analyzing attributes of the Creator ( Allah and Yahweh ) be translated as Allah, which that... Its modest appearance, it conveys a sense of grandeur, honor, it.
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