TORAH STUDIES: LINKING SCRIPTURES

HISTORY OF THE WORD 'GOD'

It is essential to recognize the significance of referring to YHVH as the Father of Creation rather than using the term "God." The word "God" originates from ancient Indo-European languages, where it was a general term used to refer to various deities and idols across different cultures of the pagan religions. 

Over time, this word "God" evolved and was adapted into the Roman Catholic Christian contexts due to the empire's multicultural structure, which grouped multiple religions under one roof. However, the word "God" retains its roots in a polytheistic framework, where it could apply to many different idols or deities which we know as mighty ones the fallen malakhim.

The precise time when the word "God" was first used is difficult to pinpoint, as it evolved gradually over the centuries. However, we can trace its origins through the following stages:

Proto-Indo-European Roots (circa 4,000-2,500 BC)
The word "God" has its earliest roots in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) language, the hypothetical ancestor of many European and Indian languages. The PIE root ǵhu-tó-m is believed to mean "that which is invoked" or "called upon," signifying a deity or an idol of a divine or angelic design.

Proto-Germanic Evolution (circa 1st century AD)
The PIE root evolved into the Proto-Germanic word ǥuđán, which referred to an idol or deity. Proto-Germanic was spoken by the Germanic tribes who lived in what is now Northern Europe.

Old English Usage (circa 5th-11th century AD)
The Proto-Germanic ǥuđán became the Old English word "gōd," pronounced similarly to the modern word "God." This term was initially used by the Anglo-Saxons in England to refer to any idol or deity, both in pre-Christian pagan traditions and later in the context of Christianity under Emperor Constantine around 320 AD.

Middle English and Standardization (11th-15th century AD)
By the time Old English evolved into Middle English (around the 11th century AD), the word "God" had begun to take its modern form. This period saw the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, which introduced Latin and French linguistic influences, contributing to the creation of the English language. The word "God" became standardized in Catholic religious texts, particularly with the translation of the Bible into English, such as in John Wycliffe's Bible (1382) and the King James Version (1611).

Who Invented the Word "God"?
The word "God" was not invented by a single individual but rather evolved naturally over centuries through the linguistic development of the Proto-Indo-European language into Proto-Germanic and eventually into Old and Middle English.

The concept and term evolved from common linguistic roots shared by various Indo-European languages, making it a collective creation of ancient peoples who worshiped their idols. In summary, the word "God" is the result of a long linguistic evolution originating from ancient Indo-European languages, particularly through Proto-Germanic and Old English periods.

In ancient European traditions, particularly within the Proto-Germanic and Old English periods, the chief deity was often identified as Woden (in Old English) or Odin (in Norse mythology). This mighty figure held a prominent place in Germanic and Norse pantheons as a complex being associated with wisdom, war, death, and magic.

The Worship of Woden/Odin
The worship of Woden/Odin, as well as other deities in the pantheon, reflects cultural connections to broader Indo-European religious structures.

Key Attributes of Woden/Odin:

Wisdom and Knowledge: He sought knowledge at all costs, even sacrificing an eye to gain wisdom.
War and Battle: Woden/Odin was also a mighty figure in war who inspired warriors and oversaw battles.Death and the Afterlife: He was seen as a psychopomp, guiding the souls of warriors to Valhalla (in Norse beliefs).
Magic and Prophecy: His connection to magic, shamanism, and the power of runes made him a mysterious, mystical figure.
The Black Bird: Represented his many eyes, enabling him to oversee his territory throughout Europe.