Elohim

We are told that the word "God" (Elohim) is a uni-plural noun which always is followed by a singular verb. It is rather unusual for a plural noun to be conjoined to a singular verb. But this is used to express the trinity of God. Because in the Godhead there is more than one person, no singular noun can be used. Elohim in that sense is a collective noun; it speaks of three in one, not of three Gods; hence it takes a singular verb. Though the Bible never says plainly that God is triune, there are nonetheless plenty of proofs and hints in it to support this truth. The doctrine of the Trinity is a major teaching of the holy Scriptures which we need not question. Furthermore; in Genesis 1.26 ("And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness") the word "us" reveals the plurality of the Godhead while the word "make" shows the unity of God’s will. In the first chapter of Genesis the phrase "God said" is used 31 times. What God says is His "Word," and as we read John chapter 1 we learn that the world was made by the "Word" of God. So that even in Genesis 1 the creative work of the Lord Jesus (who is the Word) is already being mentioned. We witness in Genesis 1 how the triune God worked together in creation. "God," "God said," and "the Spirit of God"—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were all present.

Why is it that Genesis 1 only uses God, and not Jehovah God? According to the original, the word "God"—"Elohim" in the Hebrew—means primarily "the Strong One." This name of God is employed in respect of the creation, for it speaks of God’s relationship to creation. Jehovah, on the other hand, is God’s name in relation to man. So that in Genesis 2 God’s relationship to man is spoken of, and hence immediately 1 is creation (for man is not created until the sixth day); therefore the name "God" is used. Genesis 2, however, centers on man, and hence the name "Jehovah God" appears. Each time the term Jehovah God is used, it shows God’s relationship with man. But each time the term God appears, it is to express His power as well as His relationship towards creation. Let us look at a few passages to show this distinction.