Handbook for Bible Students

3. Adonai

The third name or title of God is the word Adonai [Hebrew word]. In the singular form of Adon [Hebrew word], it is used of any lord or master. For example, it is applied to Joseph. Genesis 45:9. It is used of God in a few passages; e. g., Joshua 3:11, 13, where we read of “the Lord, or Master, of the whole earth.” This passage is referred to with the same title in the singular in Psalm 97:5, also in Micah 4:13; see also Zechariah 4:14 and 6:5. In the plural form, though by no means applied only to God, it is frequently used of him, and is found in twenty-two books of the Old Testament. It gave a sense of rule or possessorship, very much as our English word “Lord” does. It is occasionally found in composite proper names, as Adonizedek, and still more often in conjunction with other names of God, especially in prayers; e. g., Genesis 15:2. HBS 213.1