In Revelation 4:11, we encounter a powerful scene of heavenly worship, where the elders and living creatures around the throne proclaim:
"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." (NKJV)
This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God as the Creator of all things, with all of creation giving Him glory, honor, and power. However, a closer look at different translations, such as the Complete Jewish Study Bible, offers a richer layer of meaning, particularly in the way it presents the name of God.
ADONAI Eloheinu vs. Lord: The Names of God
In the Complete Jewish Study Bible, God's name is rendered as ADONAI Eloheinu, which translates to "the Lord our God" in English. Here, the use of "ADONAI" (a respectful substitution for YHWH, the divine name of God in Jewish tradition) emphasizes the reverence because of Him. But it's the term Eloheinu that draws special attention.
"Eloheinu" is the plural form of the word for God, Elohim. While Elohim can sometimes refer to multiple gods in other contexts, in Jewish and Christian monotheism, it points to the majesty and multifaceted nature of the one true God. The plural form Eloheinu—meaning "our Gods"—carries a subtle but significant weight in understanding the Trinity.
Eloheinu and the Trinity
One of the great mysteries of the Christian faith is the doctrine of the Trinity—God as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one essence. Using the plural form Eloheinu in Revelation 4:11 can be seen as a reflection of this triune nature. While God is singular in His being, the plural name Eloheinu suggests the complex unity within the Godhead.
In this passage from Revelation, one throne is presented, yet God is worshiped as the Creator by all those present in the heavenly throne room. The image of one God on one throne aligns with Christian monotheism, but the use of Eloheinu hints at the divine plurality within God's unity. It's as though this plural form, used in the context of worship, draws attention to the fullness of God's nature—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all reigning together in perfect unity.
One God, One Throne
The New King James Version (NKJV) translates this verse more simply as "Lord," which accurately reflects the oneness of God. This translation makes it clear that there is no other being like Him—God alone is worthy of glory and honor. However, the Complete Jewish Study Bible's use of "ADONAI Eloheinu" enriches our understanding by preserving the Hebrew tradition of honoring God's name, while also subtly acknowledging the plurality within His oneness.
In the heavenly vision of Revelation, we see God enthroned, surrounded by worshippers who glorify His creative power. Yet, the plural form of God's name gives us insight into the Trinitarian nature of this God—three persons, one Godhead, eternally glorified.
A Profound Mystery
The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of Christian theology, yet passages like Revelation 4:11 offer us glimpses of its truth. The language used—whether as ADONAI Eloheinu or Lord—reminds us that God's nature is both singular and complex. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and He exists in perfect unity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In worshiping God, we recognize not only His greatness but also the profound mystery of His being—a God who is one, yet whose essence is communal and relational. In this heavenly scene, all creation gives Him glory, pointing us to the truth that He is worthy of receiving our highest praise.
Worshiping the Triune God
As we reflect on Revelation 4:11, the differing translations—ADONAI Eloheinu and Lord—invite us to contemplate the richness of God's nature. The plurality of Eloheinu hints at the Trinity, even while the vision of one God on one throne reminds us of His unity. In the end, all of heaven worships the one true God, and we too are invited to join in that eternal worship, marveling at His majesty, glory, and power.
Let this understanding deepen our reverence for the Lord our God and our worship of Him, as we stand in awe of His triune nature and His place as the sovereign Creator of all things.
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