What is Elohim?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
The Hebrew title expressing absolute Divine power; the plural name of God in the Old Testament.
Understanding Elohim in Kabbalah
The Hebrew title of most frequent occurrence in the Old Testament, expressing absolute Divine power. Haanel references Elohim to connect his system to the oldest Western spiritual tradition. The term is grammatically plural in Hebrew, which New Thought writers interpret as reflecting the multiplicity-in-unity of the Divine: one God expressing through infinite forms. This plural form has been taken by esoteric commentators as evidence that the ancient Hebrews understood God not as a single personality but as an infinite creative principle manifesting through all beings. Haanel's use of the term reinforces his central thesis that the individual mind is an expression of the one Universal Mind, not separate from it.
The Hebrew title of most frequent occurrence in the Old Testament, expressing absolute Divine power. Haanel references Elohim to connect his system to the oldest Western spiritual tradition. The term is grammatically plural in Hebrew, which New Thought writers interpret as reflecting the multiplicity-in-unity of the Divine: one God expressing through infinite forms. This plural form has been taken by esoteric commentators as evidence that the ancient Hebrews understood God not as a single personality but as an infinite creative principle manifesting through all beings. Haanel's use of the term reinforces his central thesis that the individual mind is an expression of the one Universal Mind, not separate from it.
What the Teachers Say
Elohim vs. Adonai
While both Elohim and Adonai are Hebrew names for the Divine, they represent different aspects of God's nature and relationship to creation. Understanding their distinction illuminates the complete picture of Divine expression in Judeo-Christian esotericism.
| Aspect | Elohim | Adonai |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Aspect | Creative power and absolute divine nature | Personal relationship and lordship |
| Grammatical Form | Plural noun suggesting multiplicity in unity | Singular title emphasizing unity of authority |
| Esoteric Meaning | Universal creative principle manifesting through all forms | Divine consciousness as personal guide and master |
| Frequency in Scripture | Most common divine name in Old Testament | Used primarily in contexts of worship and obedience |
| New Thought Application | Supports teaching of Universal Mind expressing through individuals | Emphasizes surrender to higher wisdom and guidance |
Etymology
The term "Elohim" originates from ancient Hebrew. It is a plural form of "Eloah," which means "god" or "deity." The plural ending "-im" typically denotes masculine plural in Hebrew, suggesting a grandeur or plenitude rather than a simple numerical plurality when applied to the singular God of Israel.
How to Practice This
In practical application, understanding Elohim's plural nature encourages a holistic view of divine power, seeing it manifest in all aspects of existence. Practitioners can meditate on the omnipresence of this divine force, recognizing it within themselves and the world around them. This perspective fosters a sense of interconnectedness and empowers individuals to align their actions with this universal creative principle, manifesting their desires through conscious co-creation.
Connection to Manifestation
The concept of Elohim directly supports the fundamental principles of conscious creation and manifestation. Since Elohim represents the infinite creative power expressing through all forms, individuals can access this same creative capacity through proper understanding and alignment. The plural nature of Elohim suggests that divine creative power operates through infinite channels, including human consciousness when properly directed. This connection validates the New Thought teaching that we manifest through participating in the same creative principle that the ancient Hebrews called Elohim, making us co-creators rather than separate beings seeking external divine intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural form of Elohim reflects the ancient Hebrew understanding of God as one infinite principle expressing through countless forms and manifestations. Esoteric interpreters see this as evidence that the Divine operates through multiplicity while maintaining essential unity.
New Thought writers use Elohim to demonstrate that their teachings about Universal Mind have ancient roots in Hebrew wisdom. The term supports the idea that individual minds are expressions of one Divine creative principle rather than separate entities.
Elohim emphasizes God's creative power and absolute divine nature, while other names like Adonai focus on personal relationship and lordship. Each name reveals different aspects of the Divine for specific spiritual understanding.
According to esoteric interpretation, the power of Elohim is the Universal Mind that operates through all conscious beings. By understanding this connection, individuals can align with and direct this creative principle in their own lives.
Elohim is the most frequently occurring title for God in the Old Testament, appearing over 2,500 times. This frequency emphasizes its importance in Hebrew spiritual understanding and its central role in expressing divine creative power.
Explore Further
Used by: Haanel