This is such an eye opener! I never read it that way! But yes. It makes so much sense. I have one question…my ESV and the NIV says “These are your Gods…” plural. And the TLV says God singular. Does this change the message? Thank you!!
This is a great question and it presents the issue with translations at times. In Hebrew, one of the main names for God is Elohim. That ending “-im” is a masculine plural ending.
But no, it does not mean there are multiple gods sitting up there.
In Hebrew, Elohim is what’s called a “plural of majesty.”
It basically drives home just how powerful, how big, how vast God is. It is also something that always intrigued me because it could also represent the three aspects of His being:
God the Father
God the Spirit
God the Son
So even though the word looks plural, the verbs attached to it are always singular when Scripture is talking about the God of Israel.
Now, the verse you pointed out uses the word elohecha (which is another form of Elohim just like English has different forms for words), which has that same plural-ish construction, and that’s why some translations say:
“These are your gods” (ESV, NIV)
while others say:
“This is your God” (TLV)
This is your God is the most accurate translation and the one the Tanakh uses. However, it doesn't really change the overall meaning. Whether it’s translated “your gods” or “your God,” the sin is the same: misrepresenting the Holy One with something human-shaped and human-made.
Reflection question 3: G-d continues to this day in self revelation when relentlessly pursued in heartfelt desire. Ask, keep asking. Knock keep knocking and the dalet will be opened to you.
This is such an eye opener! I never read it that way! But yes. It makes so much sense. I have one question…my ESV and the NIV says “These are your Gods…” plural. And the TLV says God singular. Does this change the message? Thank you!!
This is a great question and it presents the issue with translations at times. In Hebrew, one of the main names for God is Elohim. That ending “-im” is a masculine plural ending.
But no, it does not mean there are multiple gods sitting up there.
In Hebrew, Elohim is what’s called a “plural of majesty.”
It basically drives home just how powerful, how big, how vast God is. It is also something that always intrigued me because it could also represent the three aspects of His being:
God the Father
God the Spirit
God the Son
So even though the word looks plural, the verbs attached to it are always singular when Scripture is talking about the God of Israel.
Now, the verse you pointed out uses the word elohecha (which is another form of Elohim just like English has different forms for words), which has that same plural-ish construction, and that’s why some translations say:
“These are your gods” (ESV, NIV)
while others say:
“This is your God” (TLV)
This is your God is the most accurate translation and the one the Tanakh uses. However, it doesn't really change the overall meaning. Whether it’s translated “your gods” or “your God,” the sin is the same: misrepresenting the Holy One with something human-shaped and human-made.
I hope that wasn't totally confusing LOL
And can I say I am SO happy you are reading it in different translations!!
Reflection question 3: G-d continues to this day in self revelation when relentlessly pursued in heartfelt desire. Ask, keep asking. Knock keep knocking and the dalet will be opened to you.
Recall that the women refused to donate their jewelry. Only the men pressed for the formation of an idol.