Virtually all Hebrew scholars do recognize that the word Elohim, as it stands by itself, is a plural noun. Nevertheless, they wish to deny that it allows for any plurality in the Godhead whatsoever. Their line of reasoning usually goes like this: When "Elohim" is used of the true God, it is followed by a singular verb; when it is used of false gods, it is followed by the plural verb.
However, there are places where the word is used of the true God and yet it is followed by a plural verb:
Genesis 20:13: "And it came to pass, when God (Elohim) caused me to wander
[literally: They caused me to wander] from my father's house...
Genesis 35:7: "...because there God (Elohim) appeared unto him..."
Literally: They appeared unto him.
The singular form for Elohim (Eloah) exists and is used in such passages as Deuteronomy 32:15-17 and Habakkuk 3:3. This singular form could have easily been used consistently. Yet it is only used 250 times, while the plural form is used 2,500 times. The far greater use of the plural form again turns the argument in favor of plurality in the Godhead rather than against it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Plurals in Hebrew are also used for intensity; the holiness of God is an example of the -im suffix. Elohim (G-d) and L'Chaim (life) are not the only examples in the Hebrew language; deaths (of an individual) in Ezekiel 28:8 also shows intensity. This is simply a misunderstanding of Hebrew grammar and religion. We Jews are monotheists (The is LORD is one).
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 43:10-11 states "before me was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." We know from the Dead Sea Scrolls that the Book of Isaiah is word for word the same as pre-Second Temple era. It has not been corrupted.