### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼĕlôwahh**, represented by `{{H433}}`, is an emphatic term for **a deity or the Deity**. It appears **57 times** across **56 unique verses**, with a notable concentration in the book of Job. As a probable prolonged form of ʼêl, it conveys a sense of divine majesty and is used to refer specifically to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical texts, `{{H433}}` is used to establish God's absolute sovereignty and unmatched nature. The prophet declares on God's behalf, "Is there a **God** beside me? ... I know not any" [[Isaiah 44:8]]. His arrival is depicted with awesome power, where His glory **covered** the heavens [[Habakkuk 3:3]] and the earth is called to **tremble** at His presence [[Psalms 114:7]]. The term also defines God's relationship with humanity as a righteous corrector, as seen when Eliphaz asks, "Shall mortal man be more just than **God**?" [[Job 4:17]]. At the same time, He is revealed as a personal God who is **ready to pardon**, gracious, and merciful [[Nehemiah 9:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the attributes of `{{H433}}`:
* `{{H7706}}` **Shadday** (the Almighty): This title, emphasizing supreme power, is often used in connection with `ʼĕlôwahh`. Job links the "chastening of the **Almighty**" to the correction from **God** [[Job 5:17]] and attributes his suffering to the "arrows of the **Almighty**" and the "terrors of **God**" [[Job 6:4]].
* `{{H6697}}` **tsûwr** (rock): This term portrays God as a steadfast refuge and source of strength. It is used interchangeably with `ʼĕlôwahh` when Israel is described as having "lightly esteemed the **Rock** of his salvation" after forsaking the **God** who made him [[Deuteronomy 32:15]].
* `{{H113}}` **ʼâdôwn** (lord, master, owner): This word highlights God's sovereign rule. In [[Psalms 114:7]], the earth is commanded to tremble at the presence of the **Lord**, which is stated in parallel with the presence of the **God** of Jacob.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H433}}` is immense, underscoring fundamental aspects of God's character.
* **Absolute Sovereignty:** The word is used to assert God's singular existence and omnipotence. He is the one whose glory fills creation [[Habakkuk 3:3]] and beside whom there is no other **God** [[Isaiah 44:8]].
* **Righteous Judge:** `ʼĕlôwahh` functions as the ultimate moral authority. He is the one who weighs a person's integrity [[Job 31:6]] and whose standard of justice is so perfect that no mortal can claim to be more pure than his Maker [[Job 4:17]].
* **Relational and Merciful God:** Despite His terrible majesty [[Job 37:22]], `ʼĕlôwahh` is a God who engages personally with humanity. He is a **shield** to those who trust in him [[Proverbs 30:5]], a God **ready to pardon** [[Nehemiah 9:17]], and one who hears the prayers of mankind [[Job 33:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H433}}` is a significant and focused term for the Deity, used in scripture to convey His supreme power, His role as a righteous judge, and His capacity for a personal, merciful relationship with creation. From establishing His unparalleled existence in Isaiah to being the object of Job's profound and personal appeals, **ʼĕlôwahh** encapsulates both the transcendent majesty and the immanent presence of God.
TRV