In English, whenever we want to pluralize a word, we simply add “s” to it.
A “cat” becomes “cats”.
A “book” becomes “books”, etcetera.
Along the same lines, whenever you want to pluralize a Hebrew noun, “-im” is added.
For example, the Hebrew word for “student” is TALMID.
“Students” would be TALMIDIM.
Now let’s take a look at Genesis Chapter One, Verse One.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”.
The word for God in Hebrew being used here is ELOHIM.
Since we are talking about the one true God of Israel, why is the plural form of God being used, instead of the singular form, which is EL?
The answer is because the IM ending in Hebrew also has another usage.
Adding IM to the end of a word can also indicate greatness.
This usage is called the “Plural of Majesty“.
The plural form of the word Elohim is being used to refer to the one and only God in all his greatness and glory.
But keep in mind that ELOHIM is NOT the God of the bible’s actual name.
God’s actual name will be revealed later to a man named Moses.
Finally, you should also be aware that Elohim can also mean gods with a small “g” when referring to the idols of the pagan nations Israel was surrounded by.
It all depends on the context.
How do you explain, “Let us” make man in our own image?
The Lord was saying it in the presence of other angelic beings.
Does that mean that angels were also made in the image of God?
I don’t think the pronoun used would be “us” if there wasn’t any similarities between the “beings” present at the time.
I would say ALL of creation is made in the image of God.
Except maybe the Seraphim, which appear to be firey serpents with six wings, and the Cherubim with four faces and two wings.
Except maybe the Seraphim, which appear to be firey serpents with six wings, and the Cherubim with four faces and two wings.
Elohim can be singular or plural the same way we use the word “deer”. Elohim are celestial beings. We are terrestrial beings. The Father, the Son, and spiritual (heavenly) sons are all elohim. The usage of elohim came before humans. So, humans are not elohim. Yes, they can be referred to with that term but it’s like calling Elvis king of rock & roll. We know he was never a “real” king. Humans are never “real” elohim. Check out Ps. 82.
When it says “let us” make man in our image, this is what I was taught from the Holy Spiritt:
Elohim means God the Father (Abba Yah) and the Holy Spirit (Ruach is feminine – Aima Yah, the mother) are one. Abba, being the head, AIma being the helper.
Abba created Adam who needed a helper. He then created Chawa from Adam (the Holy Spirit, Aima Yah) is part of Abba Yah). When a man and woman get married, they become as one.
This is also where we get our father and mother from. Yeshua, the offspring of Abba and Aima, was sent to this world to do his Father’s bidding (as was the custom in this world at the time).
Amen Renee.