What is the meaning of Adonai?

Answer  
  

Many people who are familiar with the Old Testament [names of God](names-of-God.html) might be quick to answer that *Adonai* is one of the most common names of God in the Old Testament. This is only partially correct.  
  

The word *Adonai* is simply the word for “Lord.” *Lord* is defined in English as “someone or something having power, authority, or influence; a master or ruler.” In 1 Samuel 24:8, 26:17, and 29:8, David refers to Saul as “my lord the king,” and he uses the term *Adonai*. Likewise, Abner refers to David in the same way in 2 Samuel 3:21, and this is found throughout the book of 2 Samuel as a reference to David. The term is used of other kings as well. Some of Elisha’s followers use the term *Adonai* to refer to Elisha in 2 Kings 2:19\. As can be seen by its usage throughout the Old Testament, *Adonai* is simply a term of respect that is in keeping with the English definition and usage of the word *lord*.  
  

It would be more accurate to say that *Adonai* is used as a description of God or as a title of respect, rather than a name in the proper sense. David would have had no problem addressing God as “Adonai” and then addressing Saul as “Adonai” as well—no one would have been confused by that, just as no one today thinks that referring to the English poet as “Lord Byron” ascribes deity to him.  
  

In the English Old Testament, *Adonai* is usually translated “Lord”; however, most occurrences of the word *Lord* in the English Old Testament are not translations of *Adonai*. God’s special covenant name, *Yahweh* was so holy that, in later years, many Jews feared even to say it. Even today, when they are reading the Hebrew text (which originally had only consonants) they will pronounce [*YHWH*](YHWH-tetragrammaton.html) as “Adonai.” In keeping with this tradition, most English versions translate *YHWH* as “LORD” (in all caps). In general, if the English word is *LORD* (all capital letters), then the Hebrew word translated is *YHWH*; and, if the English is *Lord* (using lowercase letters), whether referring to God or someone else, it is translating *Adonai*.  
  

*Adonai* is certainly an apt title for God. While there are other lords who hold sway over limited realms, God is the Lord of all the earth (Joshua 3:11\).  
  

