5 Word Studies on God’s Sovereignty

“For the LORD Most High is awesome: He is a great King over the all the earth.” —Psalm 47:2

“Almighty” (Hebrew shadday) This divine name in Hebrew is ‘El Shadday. ‘El means God, and Shadday is probably related to the Akkadian word for “mountain,” or to a Hebrew verb meaning “mighty.” God is “mountainlike.” He is powerful, majestic, awe–inspiring, and enduring. Just like a mountain, He provides a shelter from the elements and from evil (Ps. 91:1). Therefore, ‘El Shadday can mean “Majestic Deity” or “the God Who Provides My Refuge.”

“prepared” (Hebrew manah) In the book of Jonah, it signifies “to appoint” or “to ordain,” and describes God’s intervention in natural events to bring about His will. By preparing the fish, the plant, and the worm, God made sure that Jonah’s mission was not left to chance. God exercised sovereignty not only over the plant and animal world, but also over Jonah’s life, using animals as small as a worm to teach Jonah about His Great mercy (Jonah 4:6–8).

“Lord of Sabaoth” (Greek kurios Sabaoth) The name means “the Lord of hosts,” “the Lord of armies,” or “the Master of creation.” It was suitable for James to use this familiar Old Testament title (Ps. 24:10) in a letter to Jewish Christians, for they would have understood that the choice of this particular name of God was especially appropriate in this context. The rich oppress the poor because they think no one will stand up for them. But the Lord of all the hosts of heaven and earth is their Defender, and He is coming back to make all things right (James 5:7).

“the Almighty” (Greek pantokrator) The Greek word means “one who has power over everything”—in other words, the One in total control. God commands all the hosts of powers in heaven and earth, and He is able to overcome all His foes. The title Almighty occurs often in Revelation as this book unveils God’s awesome control over all the universe and throughout all history.

“jealous” (Hebrew qanno’) One of God’s names is Jealous (Ex. 34:14). When the expression “the Lord your God is a jealous God” is used in the Old Testament, it is usually associated with an injunction against idol worship. God’s jealousy for His people is a claim for exclusive allegiance rooted in His holiness (Josh. 24:19) and His role as their Creator and Redeemer (Ps. 95:6-7; 96:2–5). We tend to associate jealousy with a self–serving emotion that usually results from feelings of inadequacy. God’s jealousy, in contrast, proceeds from His Holiness. Because He alone is the Holy One (Is. 6:3), He will tolerate no rival (Ex. 20:5).

How were you reminded of God’s sovereignty today?

These Word Study excerpts are drawn from selected studies on the topic of Sovereignty in the NKJV Study Bible.

Bible Study

More
  • god encourages the humble

    God Encourages the Humble

    God encourages the humble and discourages the proud.... Read more
  • Jesus is All We Need

    Jesus is All We Need

    Humans are fundamentally needy. But how can we find... Read more
  • what is gods faithfulness

    What is God’s Faithfulness?

    We often say that God is faithful. But what does God's... Read more

Comfort

More
  • Jesus is All We Need

    Jesus is All We Need

    Humans are fundamentally needy. But how can we find... Read more
  • what is gods faithfulness

    What is God’s Faithfulness?

    We often say that God is faithful. But what does God's... Read more
  • Contentment

    As humans, we are not often satisfied. That is because... Read more

Devotional Reading Plans

More
  • a saving faith

    A Saving Faith

    What does saving faith in Jesus Christ look like? The... Read more
  • What is Scripture Engagement?

    Scripture Engagement is more than just a regular Bible... Read more
  • The Legacy of Studying God’s Word | NIV Verse Mapping Bibles

    Verse-mapping is a technique of studying the Bible... Read more

Prayer

More
  • A Top 100 Most-Asked Question About the Bible for the New Year

    Many people who read the Bible don't understand what... Read more
  • teach your children to pray for others

    Teach Your Children to Pray for Others

    This study from the NIV Adventure Bible can help you... Read more
  • Scripture Engagement Practice Picture It

    Scripture Engagement Practice: Picture It

    Picture it, one of the practices found in the abide... Read more

SpeakLight

More
  • Romans 8:28 SpeakLight Danny Gokey

    Romans 8:28 / #SpeakLight / Danny Gokey

    And we know that all things work together for good to... Read more
  • James 5:16 - Steven Malcolm

    James 5:16 / #SpeakLight / Steven Malcolm

    Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for... Read more
  • 2 corinthians 5:17 phil joel

    2 Corinthians 5:17 with Phil Joel

    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new... Read more

Spiritual Growth

More
  • How to Love like Jesus

    When asked, Jesus gave a great example of what it... Read more
  • god encourages the humble

    God Encourages the Humble

    God encourages the humble and discourages the proud.... Read more
  • Jesus is All We Need

    Jesus is All We Need

    Humans are fundamentally needy. But how can we find... Read more

Topical Reading Plans

More
  • What is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

    What is the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible?

    Many people have found the Thompson Chain-Reference... Read more
  • who really was jesus

    Who really was Jesus?

    The author of the book of Hebrews explained, using... Read more
  • The Legacy of Studying God’s Word | NIV Verse Mapping Bibles

    Verse-mapping is a technique of studying the Bible... Read more