In the Bible, there are at least ten instances where individuals or beings are referred to as “god” (elohim) — a word many associate solely with the Creator of the heavens and the earth. However, scripture itself uses “elohim” in a broader sense, not exclusively for God but also to indicate someone who possesses authority, divine function, or acts as a representative of God. Let’s explore some of these passages and uncover a richer understanding of the term “god.”
1. Psalm 82:6
“I said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’”
This verse directly addresses human judges or leaders, describing them as “gods” — people appointed with authority to act on behalf of divine justice. This use suggests “god” can signify those who carry out God’s will or rule with authority, not just the Creator Himself.
2. Exodus 7:1
“So the Lord said to Moses: ‘See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.’”
God appoints Moses as His representative, likening him to “god” in relation to Pharaoh. This highlights Moses’ role in displaying divine power, showing how “god” can signify an earthly figure with a divine mission.
3. Exodus 21:6
“Then his master shall bring him to god (elohim), and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him permanently.”
In the Hebrew text, “elohim” can refer to judges or officials. This passage uses “god” to describe those in roles of legal authority, adding another layer to the term’s meaning in contexts of earthly justice.
4. Exodus 22:8-9
“If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall appear before the judges (elohim), to determine whether he laid his hands on his neighbor’s property.”
In these verses, “elohim” is translated as “judges.” Here, “god” designates human authorities tasked with delivering justice, again expanding the meaning to include those who exercise judgment on behalf of God’s law.
5. Deuteronomy 10:17
“For the LORD your God is God of gods (elohim) and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome.”
This verse identifies the Lord as “God of gods,” recognizing other “gods” while emphasizing the Creator’s supreme authority. The phrase “God of gods” reflects God’s superiority over any who might hold lesser titles of divinity or authority.
6. Psalm 136:2
“Give thanks to the God of gods (elohim), for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Like in Deuteronomy, the psalmist acknowledges other “gods,” yet recognizes the Creator’s unique and enduring authority. This reaffirms that “elohim” can include beings or people with power while acknowledging the one true God above them.
7. John 10:34-36
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside—what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?”
Jesus refers to Psalm 82:6, explaining that scripture’s use of “gods” applied to those entrusted with God’s word. This distinction clarifies that “god” can signify divine responsibility rather than implying equality with the Creator.
8. Job 1:6 and Job 2:1
“Now there was a day when the sons of God (bene elohim) came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.”
In Hebrew, “bene elohim” (sons of God) is commonly understood to mean angels or divine beings in God’s heavenly court. They are not gods in the supreme sense but are called “sons of God” to highlight their role in God’s divine council.
9. John 20:17
Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”
In this passage, Jesus acknowledges God as “My God and your God,” highlighting both His unique relationship with the Father and His reverence for the God above Him, often called the “God of gods” in scripture. Jesus’ words affirm that He, too, recognizes and submits to the authority of God the Father, illustrating that the supreme Creator holds a position even above Him.
10. John 20:28
“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
Thomas’ exclamation acknowledges Jesus in a moment of realization of His divine nature. Though he refers to Jesus as “god,” the broader scriptural context emphasizes Jesus’ role as divine yet distinct from God the Father.
Conclusion: Beyond a Title, A Role
These passages illustrate that “elohim” (god) is not an exclusive title but a term signifying authority, divinity in mission, or power given by the Creator. The Bible’s use of “god” or “gods” spans from human judges to divine messengers, all the way to Christ Himself.
Understanding “god” in its biblical context enriches our perception of divine roles, clarifying that while the Creator holds supreme authority, others may act in roles reflective of His power and purpose. Be encouraged to study the scriptures for yourself, exploring these passages to see the beautiful complexity in how God shares authority with His creation, while remaining the ultimate source of life and truth.