Adonai
TextsWhat is the meaning of Adonai in the Bible?
Adonai is a Hebrew title translated as 'Lord' that signifies sovereignty. In Jewish tradition, it is used as a substitute for the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) during prayer and public reading to avoid pronouncing the sacred divine name.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Adonai clarifies the Jewish tradition of reverence for the divine name, showing how readers historically avoided pronouncing YHWH by substituting a title of authority, which aids in interpreting the textual layers of the Hebrew Bible.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Adonai functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adonai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adonai clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Adonai." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adonai/