What is the meaning of Adonai?

Answer

Many individuals familiar with the Old Testament names of God may quickly respond that Adonai is one of the most common titles of God in the Old Testament. However, this is only partially accurate.

The term Adonai simply means “Lord.” In English, “Lord” is defined as “someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler.” For instance, in 1 Samuel 24:8, 26:17, and 29:8, David addresses Saul as “my lord the king,” using the term Adonai. Similarly, Abner refers to David in the same manner in 2 Samuel 3:21, and this reference to David is prevalent throughout the book of 2 Samuel. The term is also used for other kings. In 2 Kings 2:19, some of Elisha’s followers use the term Adonai to address Elisha. As evident from its usage in the Old Testament, Adonai is simply a term of reverence that aligns with the English definition and usage of the word “lord.”

It would be more precise to describe Adonai as a way to depict God or as a title of reverence, rather than a name in the strictest sense. David would have had no issue addressing God as “Adonai” and then addressing Saul as “Adonai” as well—this would not have caused any confusion, just as today no one assumes that referring to the English poet as “Lord Byron” attributes divinity to him.

In the English Old Testament, Adonai is commonly translated as “Lord”; however, most instances of the word “Lord” in the English Old Testament do not stem from Adonai. God’s special covenant name, Yahweh, was considered so sacred that, in later times, many Jews hesitated to even pronounce it. Presently, when reading the Hebrew text (originally consisting only of consonants), they vocalize YHWH as “Adonai.” Following this custom, most English versions render YHWH as “LORD” (in all caps). Generally, if the English term is “LORD” (in all capital letters), then the Hebrew word being translated is YHWH; and if the English term is “Lord” (u

When using lowercase letters, whether referring to God or someone else, it is translating Adonai.

Adonai is indeed a fitting title for God. While there are other lords who hold sway over limited realms, God is the Lord of all the earth “Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.”, (Joshua 3:11).