Quick Bible Reads

The Names of God: Who He Is, One Name at a Time

Scripture: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

— Proverbs 18:10, KJV

In the Bible, names mean something. They’re not just labels—they’re stories, identities, and declarations. That’s especially true when it comes to God. He didn’t just reveal Himself in one way. He used names to show different sides of who He is. Not because He changes, but because we need to understand the fullness of His character. Each name is a window, giving us a glimpse of a God who is holy, personal, powerful, and near.

He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides. The name showed up when Abraham found a ram in the thicket, just in time to spare his son. He is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. That name was given after bitter waters turned sweet in the wilderness. He is Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord is peace—a name Gideon spoke when God showed up in the middle of his fear and called him a mighty man of valor. He is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord is my banner, raised in victory after a hard-fought battle. And He is El Shaddai, God Almighty—used when God made an unbreakable promise to Abraham, even though the odds were stacked against him.

Then there’s El Roi—the God who sees. Hagar used that name in the desert when she felt forgotten and invisible. And of course, there’s Yahweh, the I AM—the name God gave Moses at the burning bush. A name so sacred, so complete, that it needs no explanation. He simply is.

Each name was tied to a moment. A need. A revelation. And that’s what makes them powerful. They weren’t made up by theologians—they were discovered by real people in real situations. People who were desperate, scared, broken, or unsure. And in those moments, God showed up—not just with power, but with presence. His name became their lifeline.

When we call on the name of God today, we’re not speaking into the air. We’re calling on a God who has revealed Himself for centuries—as Provider, Healer, Peace, and more. His names aren’t outdated titles. They’re reminders that no matter what we face, He has a name for it—and He’s already been there.