Bible Study: God’s Names – El Shaddai

Welcome to another devotion in our journey to explore the names of God revealed in Scripture. Today we meet God as אֵל שַׁדַּי El Shaddai (God Almighty). God first revealed Himself as El Shaddai to Abram in Genesis 17:1, just before reaffirming the covenant and giving Abram the new name Abraham. The title combines El (God, mighty one) with Shaddai שַׁדַּי. The precise root of Shaddai has been debated. Some link it to the Hebrew word Shadad שָׁדַד, meaning “to overpower, to devastate.” Highlighting God’s irresistible might. Others see a connection to Shad שַׁד “Breast,” symbolizing nourishment and sufficiency. Both nuances may be in view; God is the Almighty One who is both powerful.

Throughout Genesis, the patriarchs encountered God as El Shaddai when they most needed assurance. Jacob  blessed Joseph saying, “By the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty (El Shaddai) who blesses you with blessings of heaven above…” Genesis 49:25. The Psalms later echo this with worshipful awe: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (El Shaddai)” Psalm 91:1.

In the New Testament, God’s almighty news shines fully in Christ. Paul writes of Abraham: “Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead…yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, Irving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform” Romans 4:19-21. Abraham trusted El Shaddai, the Almighty, to do what was humanly impossible. We too are called to trust the Almighty God who through Christ has shown that His power is perfected in our weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9.

El Shaddai means that nothing is beyond God’s reach, no obstacle, no enemy, no impossibility, The Almighty not only commands all power but uses it to uphold His promises and care for His people. What is your personal story of encountering God’s almighty power? Where have you seen Him do what seemed impossible, and how might He be inviting you to trust Him again today?

Key Biblical Passages and Themes

The name El Shaddai appears 48 times in the Old Testament, most notably in Genesis and the book of Job.

Life Application

• Trust in His Sufficiency: Acknowledge that our human efforts are limited, but El Shaddai is more than enough to meet all our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Embrace His Promises: Reflect on the promises of God in scripture, trusting in El Shaddai's power and faithfulness to bring them to pass in His perfect timing, just as He did for the patriarchs.
• Abide in His Shelter: When facing impossible situations or feeling weak, run to El Shaddai as your refuge and fortress, leaning on His strength and finding rest in His care.
• Live a Blameless Life: God's revelation of His power is coupled with the command to "walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1). This calls for integrity, total commitment, and reliance on the Holy Spirit's power to live a life pleasing to Him (a "circumcised heart").

Discussion Questions

1. How does the "nurturing mother" image of El Shaddai (from the shad root) complement the "Almighty God" image in your understanding of God's character?
2. Can you identify a "faith detour" in your life (like Abram's with Hagar) where you tried to accomplish God's promise in your own strength? How did that experience teach you about God's all-sufficiency?
3. How can the knowledge that nothing can thwart El Shaddai's sovereign purposes (Job 42:2) provide comfort or strength in a current trial or area of weakness?
4. Psalm 91:1 speaks of dwelling in the shelter of El Elyon and abiding in the shadow of El Shaddai. What does it mean practically to "abide" in His shadow in your daily life?

Let us Pray, Lord, You are El Shaddai, Almighty God, all powerful and all sufficient. Forgive me for the times I shrink You down to my fears and see my challenges as greater than Your strength. Teach me Lord to trust Your power not only in the extraordinary but also in the ordinary details of my life. Remind me that Your might is not distant but tender, upholding me in weakness and proving faithful to Your promises. Teak You that in Christ Your power is made perfect in weakness and that I can rest secure in His victory.