Is Elohim plural in Hebrew? (Jesus Christ, tradition, creation, genesis)

[tiano]

I've been reading up on some books that claim that Elohim which is supposed to represent God in the Old Testament, is actually plural and should read Gods.
Can anyone tell me if this is indeed correct? ( I haven't read the old testament and certainly can't read hebrew!)

The same person also claims that although Nefilim in the old testament is traditional interpreted as 'giants' , but could also be interpreted as ' those who were cast down'.

Does anyone know if indeed these descriptions from the original hebrew bible, could be interpreted in these ways?

Thanks all

[Polaris]

Originally Posted by tiano

I've been reading up on some books that claim that Elohim which is supposed to represent God in the Old Testament, is actually plural and should read Gods.
Can anyone tell me if this is indeed correct? ( I haven't read the old testament and certainly can't read hebrew!)

Unfortunately I'm not knowledgable in Hebrew either, but I have heard and read from several sources that Elohim is plural. I also find it interesting that in Genesis 1:26 God said "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness". It sounds like the creation involved multiple individuals. I personally believe that this plurality refers at least in part to God the Father and Jesus Christ, who I believe are two separate individuals and both took part in the Creation.

Originally Posted by tiano

The same person also claims that although Nefilim in the old testament is traditional interpreted as 'giants' , but could also be interpreted as ' those who were cast down'.

I haven't heard about this interpretation, but it sounds interesting.

[Ody]

Elohim is singular, because it is a title for G-d, of which can only be one.

[Squirt]

Originally Posted by tiano

I've been reading up on some books that claim that Elohim which is supposed to represent God in the Old Testament, is actually plural and should read Gods.
Can anyone tell me if this is indeed correct? ( I haven't read the old testament and certainly can't read hebrew!)

The same person also claims that although Nefilim in the old testament is traditional interpreted as 'giants' , but could also be interpreted as ' those who were cast down'.

Does anyone know if indeed these descriptions from the original hebrew bible, could be interpreted in these ways?

Thanks all

Elohim is a Hebrew plural meaning "God" or "gods."

[slave_of_god]

The word 'Elohim' is not plural in the literal sense of the meaning. I mean to say that they are not ascribing more than one diety to Eloh. In Hebrew and Arabic plural is used as a form of love and respect. So the word 'Elohim' is a plural of Eloh or Allah. Although there is no word in any language that would have a plural of Allah.

[Ody]

Originally Posted by Squirt

Elohim is a Hebrew plural meaning "God" or "gods."

But in its connotation of the OT, its singular...

[ashai]

Originally Posted by tiano

I've been reading up on some books that claim that Elohim which is supposed to represent God in the Old Testament, is actually plural and should read Gods.
Can anyone tell me if this is indeed correct? ( I haven't read the old testament and certainly can't read hebrew!)

The same person also claims that although Nefilim in the old testament is traditional interpreted as 'giants' , but could also be interpreted as ' those who were cast down'.

Does anyone know if indeed these descriptions from the original hebrew bible, could be interpreted in these ways?

Thanks all

Ushta Tiano
Yes Elohim is the plural of eloha which means god on High or Power on High so Elohim os Gods on High or High Gods

Nefilim can be interpreted as cast down as well. If you follow the Biblical story the Giant part came as 'sons of God' had sex with 'the daughters of men'

Ushta Te
Ashai

[ashai]

Originally Posted by AlanGurvey

Elohim is singular, because it is a title for G-d, of which can only be one.

Ushta Alan

Theologically , yes, but linguistically ? No way. Elohim is the plural of eloha and eloha is used also in the text of the Torah, ask your Rabbi. In any case YWH is the 'name' of g-d in the Torah Eloha is more of an adjective. I believe the Rabbinic interpretation is that the plural is the plural of Majesty something that is quite common although< iam not so sure it was commom back then.

The ending im is always plural It can also be seen in such names as Seraphim plural of seraph etc

Ushta te
Ashai

[DakotaGypsy]

According to tradition, it is not for mere humans to know. It is beyond our limited comprehension.

[jonny]

I think this was a grammar question. Gramatically, Elohim is plural.