Adonai

Illustration of Adonai
Lord, Master, Owner - the name that declares God's absolute sovereignty over all things. When Isaiah saw God on his throne, he cried out to Adonai.

Adonai (ืึฒื“ึนื ึธื™) means 'Lord' or 'Master,' first used by Abraham in Genesis 15:2. The Hebrew plural of majesty derives from 'adon' (lord), expressing supreme authority and sovereign ownership. When Jews encountered Yahweh in Scripture, they spoke 'Adonai' instead out of reverence. This name reveals God's absolute lordship, calling us to willing submission to the One who owns all things.

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Meaning: Lord, Master, Owner

First Usage: Genesis 15:2

Key Chapters

Genesis 15 God's Covenant with Abram 3 min read Abraham's address to God as Adonai shows that we can bring our honest concerns t...

Key Passages

Abraham Uses It

Genesis 15:2

Abraham's address to God as Adonai shows that we can bring our honest concerns to the Lord with humble trust.

A2nd Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

Explore Related

Characters 1

Abraham Abraham is revered as the father of the Jewish nation, chosen by God to leave his homeland in Ur of theโ€ฆ

Prayers 1

Solomon's Temple Dedication Before all Israel, King Solomon knelt at the newly completed temple in Jerusalem and stretched his handsโ€ฆ

Connected Themes

Themes

Did You Know?

1

Adonai means "Lord" or "Master." It is the name Abraham used when he interceded for Sodom. "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" The name acknowledges God's right to rule.

2

To call God Adonai is to surrender the right to run our own lives. He is not a consultant. He is the Lord. Every other allegiance must bow to this one.

3

The early church confessed "Jesus is Lord." Adonai had taken on flesh and walked among them. The name that once inspired fear now inspired love and willing submission.