Elohim vs. “God” — A Contrast in Meaning and Origin
1. Etymology of “God” (English word)
- The English God does not come from Hebrew, but from the Germanic/Gothic root gudan or guthan.
- Related forms:
- Old English: god
- Old High German: got
- Proto-Germanic: gudan
- Originally, this term was a generic title for any deity or idol, not the proper name of the Creator.
- Ancient Germanic tribes used it for pagan deities like Woden, Thor, or Freya.
👉 For Dugger, this meant the English word God is a pagan carryover, vague and misapplied when used in place of the sacred Hebrew names.
2. Meaning of Elohim
- Hebrew Elohim is not a borrowed pagan term; it is divinely inspired Hebrew Scripture language.
- It derives from El (strength, might) and, in its plural form, conveys:
- Majesty and supremacy.
- The fullness of attributes (wisdom, justice, mercy).
- Singular unity expressed through a majestic plural.
Thus, Elohim is specific, sacred, and original to the true Creator.
3. Dugger’s Warning
Dugger (in A History of the True Religion and in Sabbath Sentinel articles) often pointed out that:
- When translators replaced Elohim with God, or YHWH with LORD, they were substituting pagan-derived or generic titles for sacred names.
- This opened the door to confusion between the true Elohim and the false gods of the nations.
- Isaiah 42:8 becomes key: “I am YHWH: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
→ To Dugger, using God blurred the line and effectively shared Elohim’s glory with idols.
4. Theological Implications
-
Elohim (true name/title in Hebrew):
- Rooted in revelation.
- Used directly in the inspired Scriptures.
- Connects believers to the covenantal identity of Israel’s Mighty One, the Father of Yahshua Messiah.
-
God (English substitute):
- Rooted in pagan usage.
- Generic—applied to any deity.
- Lacks the covenantal precision of Elohim.
✅ Summary (Dugger’s Perspective)
The name Elohim signifies the majestic, supreme, all-powerful Creator, revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures and worshiped by Yahshua Messiah.
The English title God is a later, pagan-derived substitute that lacks this sacred origin and blurs the distinction between the one true Elohim and the false deities of the nations.
Therefore, the faithful remnant should restore and honor the original names — Elohim for the Father, and Yahshua Messiah for His Son — as Dugger strongly taught.
