Does “Elohim” Mean Trinity?
A common claim among Trinitarians is that the Hebrew word “Elohim”—used in Genesis 1:26—is evidence of a triune God. They point to the plural form of Elohim and the language in the verse, such as “Let us make man in our image”, as proof that the Trinity—three persons in one God—is present from the very beginning of Scripture.
But a careful examination of the Bible, in both its language and theology, reveals that Elohim does not support the Trinity doctrine. Rather than proving a three-in-one God, the word Elohim emphasizes majesty, supremacy, and greatness. Let’s take a closer look.
What Did the Hebrews Believe?
To ancient Israel, God was always understood to be one individual being, not a plurality of persons. The foundational declaration of Jewish faith affirms this unequivocally:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.”
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
Jesus Himself upheld this in the New Testament:
- “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.”
(Mark 12:29)
- “There is one God; and there is none other but He.”
(Mark 12:32)
Even when Jesus spoke of God to the Jews, He reaffirmed the singular identity of the Father:
“It is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that He is your God.”
(John 8:54)
The Jewish understanding of Elohim was never Trinitarian. It always referred to one personal God, not a collective of divine beings.
Is “Elohim” a Plural Word?
Yes, grammatically, Elohim is a plural noun. However, when referring to the true God, it functions as a plural of majesty, not a literal plural in number. This is a well-established feature of the Hebrew language: plural forms are sometimes used to convey greatness, honor, or majesty, especially for exalted individuals.
Example: Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God [Elohim] created [bara] the heaven and the earth.”
(Genesis 1:1)
Here, the verb “created” (bara) is singular. If Elohim indicated a literal plurality of persons, the verb would also be plural. But the grammar is precise: a singular subject takes a singular action. This confirms that Elohim, when referring to the one true God, denotes majesty—not numerical plurality.
Can Elohim Refer to Multiple Gods?
Yes—Elohim can refer to plural gods or divine beings when the context supports it. For example:
“Thou shalt have no other gods [elohim] before me.”
(Exodus 20:3)
Here, Elohim clearly refers to false gods, and the verb form or surrounding language confirms the plurality. Thus, it’s important to interpret the meaning of Elohim based on context:
- When referring to the one true God, Elohim is accompanied by singular verbs and adjectives, denoting a single, majestic Being.
- When referring to false gods or pagan deities, it functions as a true plural.
This distinction is critical. The plural form of a word does not always mean plural persons, especially in Hebrew. In the case of God, Elohim elevates His status—not divides His personhood.
Biblical Example: Elohim Applied to Moses
“And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god [Elohim] to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.”
(Exodus 7:1)
The same word—Elohim—is applied to Moses. But was Moses a trinity? Clearly not. Moses was a single man. God used the term Elohim to elevate Moses’ stature and authority before Pharaoh and the Egyptian court.
This was not about making Moses divine, but about making him great in the eyes of Egypt—one who speaks and acts with divine authority.
“Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.”
(Exodus 11:3)
This confirms the intent: God made Moses appear formidable, a visible demonstration of divine backing. It was representational authority, not ontological divinity. This use of Elohim mirrors how the term signifies status and power, not plurality of persons.
The Plurality of Majesty, Not Persons
The use of Elohim underscores the infinite majesty, glory, and dominion of God. It expresses the fullness of His character, not a council of beings. Consider David’s praise:
“Blessed be thou, Lord God [Elohim] of Israel... Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty...”
(1 Chronicles 29:10–11)
This is the true “plurality” of Elohim—a plurality of excellence, not persons. The emphasis is on divine qualities, not a numerical count.
So Why Does Genesis 1:26 Say “Us” and “Our”?
“Let us make man in our image...”
If Elohim refers to one God, why does God speak in plural terms?
The answer is both simple and scriptural: God the Father was speaking to His Son, Jesus Christ.
“After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose... And now God says to His Son, Let us make man in our image.”
(Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p. 33)
There is no mention of a third being. The Bible consistently reveals the Father and His Son as the active agents in creation. This cooperative language reflects divine fellowship, not Trinitarian mystery.
Historical Insight from Judaism
Trinitarian interpretations of Elohim were utterly foreign to the Hebrew mind. Consider this historical testimony:
“A friend of mine who was present in a New York synagogue asked the Rabbi for an explanation of the word 'Elohim'. A Trinitarian clergyman who stood by replied, 'Why, that has reference to the three persons in the Trinity.' When a Jew stepped forward and said he must not mention that word again, or they would have to compel him to leave the house; for it was not permitted to mention the name of any strange god in the synagogue.”
— J. N. Loughborough, Review and Herald, Nov. 5, 1861
The Jews—through whom the oracles of God were delivered—never understood Elohim to suggest a triune deity. Their entire faith was grounded in the oneness of the Father, the only true God.
Scripture Defines Eternal Life by Knowing the One True God
The question of God’s identity is not peripheral—it is central to the gospel and to eternal life:
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
(John 17:3)
Here Jesus draws a clear distinction: The Father is the only true God, and He is the one who sent Christ. There is no mention of a third co-equal being. Eternal life is based on knowing God the Father as the one true God, and believing in His Son as our Redeemer.
Conclusion: Elohim Does Not Support the Trinity
When we allow Scripture to interpret itself—and weigh both the linguistic evidence and the theological context—it becomes unmistakably clear:
- Elohim does not reveal a triune God.
- It expresses supremacy, not plurality of persons.
- It is used for false gods in plural, and for the true God in singular majesty.
- It even applies to Moses, as a demonstration of delegated authority—not divine identity.
The consistent message of Scripture is this:
“To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things… and one Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 8:6)
Let us believe what the Bible says, and know the true God—not by tradition, but by truth.