Elohim, Singular or Plural.
By M. B. Lichtenstein
The form of this word, ELOHIM, has led many to suppose it includes the Trinity of the Godhead, viz., the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I therefore thought of giving a brief criticism on this word as to its original meaning, whether singular or plural. Those who have studied etymology are well aware that most words now in use were formed by onomatopœia; that is, the formation of words in such a manner that they shall imitate their sense; as buzz, crash, roar, etc. The Hebrew may unhesitatingly be called the first language, and originated in the garden of Eden; or, as all admit, at least, it originated with Heber, Gen. 10:21; it is certain that the whole language was not complete at either time; but kept on increasing its words in accordance with the necessity of its usage. Hence, things animate or inanimate that were unknown in the past, we now suffer the loss thereof, and are obliged to form our own words to things coming up anew. As of railroad (MASLOOL BARZEL), iron path; the nightingale (SHEERATH LAYEEL), night singer, etc. Since we arrive at the conclusion that this is the origin of words, let us now try to find out what about ELOHIM. This word also belongs to onomatopœia; if we should throw off the last syllable, IM, from ELOHIM, and leave it ELOH in the singular, we can see at a glance that its sound does not imitate the majesty, power, strength, judgment, intended; whereas if we affix IM to ELOH and sound it ELOHIM, the sound thereof does positively indicate majesty, power, strength, judgment; the true nature of God. ELOHIM, is really the singular term for God, as is shama-IM, for heaven, and cha-IM, for life. Its so-called singular form, ELOH, is only used in poetical style and in the later Hebrew.