El Shaddai in the Bible

El Shaddai is one of the most cherished names of God in Scripture, traditionally rendered "God Almighty." It first appears at a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham: "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless'" (Genesis 17:1). By this name God reveals himself as the all-sufficient One, mighty to fulfill promises that seem humanly impossible, such as giving a son to an aged and childless couple. The name El Shaddai is especially tied to God's covenant blessings of fruitfulness and multiplication. To Jacob God declared, "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you" (Genesis 35:11). Isaac blessed Jacob in the same name: "May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples" (Genesis 28:3). Years later Jacob recalled this encounter: "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me" (Genesis 48:3). The God who is Almighty is the God who keeps and enlarges his covenant people. El Shaddai is also the God of provision and protection in distress. Sending his sons back to Egypt, Jacob prayed, "May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you" (Genesis 43:14). In his final blessing of Joseph, Jacob spoke of "the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below" (Genesis 49:25). This Almighty God provides for every need. Later God told Moses, "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them" (Exodus 6:3). El Shaddai assures believers that the God who called the patriarchs is all-powerful, all-sufficient, and faithful to bless, sustain, and keep his people through every trial.