Definition

“God Almighty,” The All-Sufficient One

El Shaddai is one of the most ancient and powerful names of God in Scripture. 

It conveys God’s absolute power, sovereign sufficiency, and His ability to nourish, protect, sustain, and fulfil His promises to His people. 

It is a name of strength, comfort, and covenant faithfulness.

1. Meaning and Etymology

A. “El”

Means God — strong, mighty, powerful.

B. “Shaddai”

Layers of meaning:

• “Almighty” — unstoppable power 

• “All-Sufficient One” — God who is enough 

• “The One Who Nourishes” — from shad, “breast,” symbolizing nurture and provision 

• “The Mountain One” — ancient root linked to immovable strength

El Shaddai blends power, protection, sufficiency, provision, and steadfastness.

2. First Appears in God’s Covenant With Abraham

Genesis 17:1   “I am El Shaddai; walk before Me, and be blameless.”

God changes Abram’s name, promises countless descendants, and confirms an everlasting covenant. 

El Shaddai is the God who makes impossible promises and fulfils them.

3. Theological Themes in “El Shaddai”

A. God’s Absolute Power

“God’s power is like Himself: infinite, eternal, incomprehensible; it can neither be checked, restrained, nor frustrated.”
– Stephen Charnock

B. God’s All-Sufficiency

Because God is self-sufficient (aseity), He is not supported, completed, or sustained by anything outside Himself; all fullness is already in Him.

C. God Who Sustains and Nourishes

“God wants to be praised for nourishing and cherishing, for God cherishes all creatures. God is not only the Creator, but is also the Sustainer and Nourisher.”
– Martin Luther

D. The God Who Keeps Covenant

“God devised it. God established it. God maintains it. God develops it. God realizes that covenant. Yes, the Lord claims His covenant of grace as His own. Covenants of men can be broken, but not God’s covenant.”— Dutch‑American Reformed theologian Herman Hoeksema

4. El Shaddai in the Old Testament

A. Genesis

Name used in patriarchal covenants.

B. Job

Appears more than thirty times — God as All-Powerful and Sustaining.

C. Psalms

Associated with protection and refuge: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Shaddai).” — Psalm 91:1

5. El Shaddai and Jesus Christ

Christ expresses the fullness of El Shaddai:

• Power over death 

• Sufficiency for salvation 

• Nourishing care (“I am the bread of life”) 

• Unbreakable covenant

Paul echoes this: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Christ embodies the sufficiency and power of El Shaddai.

6. Short Definition

EL SHADDAI:   

The Almighty, All-Sufficient God; the One whose power cannot be resisted and whose presence supplies, nourishes, protects, and fulfils every promise. 

Mighty in strength and tender in care.

In Daily Faith:   Depend on God’s power and providence for guidance and protection.

In Daily Faith: Living with El Shaddai

The name El Shaddai reminds believers that God is infinitely powerful and perfectly sufficient. 

1. Trust in God’s Absolute Power

El Shaddai is the Almighty—able to accomplish what human effort cannot.

Practical Application

• Pray with confidence in impossible challenges. 

• Rely on God’s strength, not your limitations.

Biblical Guidance

• Genesis 17:1 

• Jeremiah 32:17

Belief in God’s omnipotence frees Christians from anxiety and fear.

Why It Matters

Trusting God’s power shifts your focus from your weakness to His ability. 

It builds courage, stability, and hope in overwhelming circumstances.

Encouragement

Nothing is too hard for El Shaddai — He is working even when you cannot see it.

2. Depend on God’s All-Sufficiency

El Shaddai is enough for every need.

Practical Application

• Remember God’s sufficiency when resources fall short. 

• Seek God first rather than relying solely on self or others.

Biblical Guidance

• Philippians 4:19 

• 2 Corinthians 9:8

God’s sufficiency encourages contentment and reduces worry.

Why It Matters

Depending on God frees you from the pressure to be your own provider. 

It cultivates peace, gratitude, and spiritual rest.

Encouragement

El Shaddai is never lacking — His supply is deeper than your need.

3. Receive God’s Sustenance and Nourishment

Shaddai conveys nurturing, life-giving care.

Practical Application

• Look to God for emotional, spiritual, and physical sustenance. 

• Feed your soul daily through Scripture, prayer, and worship.

Biblical Guidance

• Psalm 91:1 

• John 6:35

Trusting God’s nourishment strengthens faith and perseverance.

Why It Matters

God’s nourishment keeps your soul alive and your faith resilient. 

It reminds you that spiritual strength comes from His presence, not your effort.

Encouragement

El Shaddai delights to sustain you — come to Him and be filled.

4. Rely on God’s Covenant Faithfulness

El Shaddai keeps His promises.

Practical Application

• Stand on God’s promises even when fulfilment seems impossible. 

• Celebrate answered prayers and remember past faithfulness.

Biblical Guidance

• Genesis 18:14 

• Deuteronomy 7:9

Confidence in God’s faithfulness strengthens endurance and hope.

Why It Matters

Remembering God’s faithfulness builds unshakeable confidence in His future provision.

Encouragement

The God who kept His promises to Abraham keeps His promises to you.

5. Follow El Shaddai in Weakness

God’s power is perfected in weakness.

Practical Application

• Invite God’s strength into your weakness. 

• Embrace humility and dependence on Him.

Biblical Guidance

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 

• Psalm 145:14

Dependence on God leads to growth and resilience.

Why It Matters

Weakness becomes a doorway for God’s strength — not a barrier.

Encouragement

El Shaddai lifts the bowed down — your weakness is not the end of your story.

6. Act in Faith and Courage

Knowing God is Almighty motivates bold obedience.

Practical Application

• Step out in faith in ministry and service. 

• Face fears with courage grounded in God’s might.

Biblical Guidance

• Joshua 1:9 

• Psalm 37:5

Faithful action brings spiritual fruit.

Why It Matters

Courage grows when you trust God’s power more than your fear.

Encouragement

El Shaddai goes before you — every step of faith is backed by His strength.

Summary of Daily Application

Living in the reality of El Shaddai means:

• Trusting God’s absolute power 

• Relying on His sufficiency

• Receiving His nourishment 

• Standing on His covenant faithfulness 

• Inviting His power into weakness 

• Acting boldly in faith

Scripture References

Genesis 17:1 

Psalm 91:1–2 

Job 5:17–18 

2 Corinthians 12:9 

Joshua 1:9 

Philippians 4:19