El
Holman Bible Dictionary [1]
Biblical Usage “El” occurs 238 times in the Old Testament, most frequently in Psalms and Job. The normal biblical usage is as a simple noun for deity. “El” is a synonym for the more frequent noun for God: Elohim. “El” refers to the God of Israel and in other passages to one of the pagan gods. In some instances, qualifying words are associated with “El” in order to distinguish which god is being addressed. Exodus 34:14 is an example of the expression “other god”; Psalm 44:20 and Psalm 81:9 are translated “strange god.”
“El” was frequently combined with nouns or adjectives to express the name for God with reference to particular attributes or characteristics of His being. El Shaddai, “God Almighty,” appears in Genesis 17:1 . El-elohe-Israel, in Genesis 33:20 , was used to distinguish the God of Israel from all others. El Elyon, in Genesis 14:18 and Psalm 78:35 , was written to suggest the exalted nature of God. El Gibbor ( Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 32:18 ) has been interpreted as a portrayal of God as a mighty warrior. El Roi, the God who sees, is found only in Genesis 16:13 . See Canaan.
James Newell
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary [2]
Strength, one of the names of God, especially in poetry,
Genesis 33:18-20 . It is very often found in proper names, as Bethel, Daniel, Elijah, etc. Eloi, like Eli, means, My God.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible [3]
EL . See God.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [4]
( אֵל , Mighty, hence God, either Jehovah or a false deity; sometimes a Hero or Magistrate, (See God), ) occurs as a prefix (and also as a suffix) to several Hebrews names, e.g. El-Beth-El; El-El-Ohi-Isra-El all of which see in their place. (See Eli)-.
