Overview of Possible Meanings

“Elohim” often refers to Yahweh in Scripture. For example, Yahweh is the referent in Gen 1:1, where Elohim created the heavens and the earth. Yahweh is also often the referent of Elohim in Pss 42–83, which are known as the Elohistic Psalms.

Other places in Scripture use elohim to refer to foreign gods. For example, in Exodus, elohim refers to the gods of Egypt at least twice (Exod 12:12; 18:11); another occurrence of the word is Josh 24:20, 23. In both cases, the writer uses elohim in reference to “foreign gods.”

Elohim can also be used to refer or allude to angels or other heavenly beings. The Hebrew phrase used in these translations (בְּנֵ֣י אֵלִ֑ים, beney elim, literally “sons of God”), can be translated several ways. In Psalm 29:1, the phrase is translated “heavenly beings” or “sons of the mighty”; likewise, in Job 1:6, this phrase is translated “sons of God” or “angels.”

In rare exceptions, elohim can mean “rulers” or “judges.” In two such cases—Exod 21:6; 22:7–8—/elohim/ refers to court cases. Translations vary: Both the KJV and NIV translate elohim as “judges” while the NASB and ESV translate it as “God.”