Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… The LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us…” (Genesis 1:26, 3:22)

“Elohim” is a plural word, Hebrew scholars tell us. Some today are quick to think the roots of the Jewish faith give evidence of an original polytheism, a belief in many gods. Indeed, the accepted belief of the modern religious studies holds that polytheism has a longer history than monotheism, the belief in one God. Jewish monotheism, in this thinking came much later in history, largely due to the influence of Moses and his insistence on a staunchly held belief in one and only one deity. It is true that the Jews stood out among ancient religions in their tenacious monotheism. In fact, in Roman times, Jews and Christians were considered atheists, because they did not believe in the pantheon of Greek and Roman gods, but held only to their god, s-called Yahweh.

So does the use of the plural “Elohim” give evidence of an early polytheism that sort of slipped in to Genesis? Hardly so! The fact that the Jews were so ardently monotheistic would tell us that such an interpretation would be inconceivable. When Jesus took on the name “I Am” (John 8:58), the Jews were quick to pick up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. The death penalty for anyone who held to or worshipped any other gods was death (Deut 17:2-5). Every Jewish child knew the Shema by heart, the rallying cry of their unique monotheism, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” (Deut 6:4). Hardly could any of the Jewish writings therefore speak of God in polytheistic terms.

So what do we make of the plural term “Elohim,” and the plural pronouns God uses of Himself? It may be helpful to know that since God’s ways and thoughts are above ours, it makes sense that His self-references are above our usual ways of thinking. The concept of singularity and plurality simply cannot apply in the usual ways. In fact, the Scripture refers to God in the singular—“God created man in His own image…” (Gen 1:27)—and God Himself uses the singular pronouns, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I (singular) commanded you not to eat?” (Gen 3:11). God also uses the plural pronouns: “Let Us make man in Our image…” (Gen 1:26). In fact, “Elohim” is most of the time used as a singular term.

We take it, then, that “Elohim” as a plural word refers to the vast superiority of God, who cannot be described easily or in simple terms. As theologians say, it is the plural of majesty.

Elohim, show me all Your greatness and majesty that I might worship You more.