In English, whenever we want to pluralize a word, we simply add “s” to it.

A “cat” becomes “cats." A “book” becomes “books," etc..

Along the same lines, whenever you want to pluralize a Hebrew noun, “-im” is added.

For example, the Hebrew word for “student” is TALMID.

“Students” would be TALMIDIM.

Now let’s take a look at Genesis Chapter One, Verse One.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

The word for God in Hebrew being used here is ELOHIM.

Since we are talking about the one true God of Israel, why is the plural form of God being used, instead of the singular form, which is EL?

The answer is that the IM ending in Hebrew also has another usage.

Adding IM to the end of a word can also indicate greatness.

This usage is called the “Plural of Majesty."

The plural form of the word Elohim is being used to refer to the one and only God in all his greatness and glory.

But keep in mind that ELOHIM is NOT the God of the Bible’s actual name.

God’s actual name will be revealed later to a man named Moses.

Finally, you should also be aware that Elohim can also mean gods with a small “g” when referring to the idols of the pagan nations Israel was surrounded by.

It all depends on the context.

© Richoka