The Power of God's Names

by Tony Evans

In his exciting new book, bestselling author Dr. Tony Evans shows that it’s through the names of God that the nature of God is revealed to us. Who is God in His fullness? How has He expressed His riches and righteousness? How can you trust His goodness? As you get to know the names of God and understand their meaning, God’s character will become real to you in life-changing ways. You will explore the depths of God as By studying and understanding the characteristics of God as revealed through His names, you will be better equipped to face hardship and victory, loss and provision, and all of the challenges life throws at you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Christianity

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Cathy Kuntz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most powerful books I have had the privilege of reading and using, the Power of God's Name is a book every person who is desiring to know more about God and more about what is available through the names of God. I was captivated when I first opened the book when he wrote about the Majesty of God's Names. This is not only an incredible prayer tool but also insight to what His names make available to us. The depth and insight Tony Evans gives and the stories I am just being able to review this book because I was in an accident but this book is one I recommend to every one we speak to at our conferences and also to our International people. I wish I could give this book to every new Christian to start them out right. Amazing, all I can say is amazing, What a powerful book

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans is very highly recommended for Christians who want to deepen their relationship with God by trying to understand His nature.

The Power of God's Names is a study guide for Christians who desire an in-depth introduction to many of God's names. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10) Evans points out that in Scripture, a name often means more. It can represent purpose, authority, makeup, and character. This is the case for the names of God. God's names reflect His character and His capacity. If we can understand the nature of God through His names, we can learn to identify and understand which name relates to our particular situation and God's promises for us. "I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power." Isaiah 52:6

This would be a wonderful small group study as well as an individual resource that could be used for years to come. Evans shares a plethora of Biblical insights and descriptions to help readers become more aware of God's names and the power behind them.

In The Power of God's Names Tony Evans provides a detailed study of the names of God and presents it in three parts: The Foundational Names of God, The Compound names of God, and The Incarnational names of God. This is an invaluable study resource for anyone who desires a more intimate, personal relationship with God.

The chapters in the book are organized as:
Part 1: The Foundational Names of God
2. Elohim: The Strong Creator God
3. Jehovah: The Relational God
4. Adonai: The God Who Rules
Part 2: The Compound Names of God
5. Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Our Provider
6. Jehovah Tsaba: The Lord Our Warrior
7. Jehovah Shalom: The Lord Is Peace
8. Jehovah Rohi: The Lord My Shepherd
9. Jehovah Nissi: The Lord My Banner
10. Jehovah Mekoddishkem: The Lord Who Sanctifies
11. Jehovah Rapha: The Lord Who Heals
12. Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord Our Righteousness
13. El Elyon: The Most High God
14. El Shaddai: Lord God Almighty
Part 3: The Incarnational Name of God
15. Immanuel: God with Us
Appendix 1: Jesus from Genesis to Revelation: From cover to cover, the Bible offers us insights into Jesus’s character and purpose. These descriptions from the 66 books of the Bible aren’t actual names, but they give us a deeper and clearer glimpse into the one who has come as Immanuel to be the living fulfillment and manifestation of God’s names.
Appendix 2: An Extended List of the Names and Titles of God
Scripture Index

Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Harvest House via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Tony Evans study, and I really enjoyed it! The video teachings were engaging and effective. Evans is an animated speaker and he uses illustrations that further his point really well. The videos sometimes felt like they overlapped a little too much with the daily studies, but the daily studies always had more to add to enrich the study for the day.

I particularly enjoyed the topic of this study. Digging in deeper to the names of God gave me a more specific clarity on some of God's attributes in a way I find draws me closer to Him. I particularly enjoyed the first three names and the way they all tied together! It was really neat how Evans wove the relationship between those names together and showed how one affects the other. And the final name brought the whole study together in a surprising way, too.

Working through this study makes me want to pick up the companion book because I'm told there are even more names in it. Some of the names here felt like they had some overlap, but each time we dug into the origin of the name was still really effective for me. I loved seeing when the names appeared in scripture and using the meaning of the names to understand the context of passages even more richly.

I'd definitely recommend this one! The reaching was engaging and enriching, the daily study easy to keep up with, but still educational and inspiring, and the topic itself really heartening and impactful.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another readable, practical book about what names God is called in the Bible.

I really appreciated Evans addressing some of the ambiguity in understanding God's names because of language and context. I also appreciated his practical application of how to think about God as one lives life each day.

The names reviewed are:

ELOHIM: The Strong Creator God
JEHOVAH: The Relational God
ADONAI: The God Who Rules
JEHOVAH JIREH: The Lord Our Provider
JEHOVAH TSABA: The Lord Our Warrior
JEHOVAH SHALOM: The Lord is Peace
JEHOVAH ROHI: The Lord is My Shepherd
JEHOVAH NISSI: The Lord is My Banner
JEHOVAH MEKODDISHKEM: The Lord Who Sanctifies
JEHOVAH RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH TSIDKENU: The Lord My Righteousness
EL ELYON: The Most High God
EL SHADDAI: The Lord God Almighty
IMMANUEL: God With Us

[christianchicklit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, Thought-Provoking Book!

Although the name of this book is The Power Of God’s Names, don’t think this is just another book revealing the different names of God and the underlying meaning. It is so much more than that! Tony Evans has a depth to his writing style that teaches you so much more along the way. He provides thought-provoking lessons not just on the names of God but also provides amazing interpretations of applications for a variety of Bible Stories along the way. For example, the story about Jehovah Rapha (the Lord who heals) becomes a lesson about how we have to submit to God and yield to His ways so that He can do His work. This is not what you would typically find in other books on the same topic. The name Immanuel (God with us) doesn’t start with a story of Christ arriving at the manger, but that He has been with us since the start of time at the creation. This sections also includes a great description of how Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man at the same time.

In the chapter on Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is peace), Evans relays the story of Gideon and how “in the midst of personal, familial, and national conflict and turmoil he possessed inner well-being despite the ongoing outer drama”. I have never heard the study of Gideon (the mighty man of valor and great warrior) used in relationship to a story on peace, but Evans makes the connection brilliantly as an example of how Gideon had peace through these situations by knowing that God was with him. In order to transform what you do, you must first transform what you think. For Gideon, that meant knowing that God was not only with him but was also for him.

I strongly recommend this book. It is a great teaching on the different names of God and the power behind each aspect of God’s character, but it can also be used as a great devotional and teaching on many of the important stories in the Bible and their applications to our lives today.

A complimentary e-copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found such comfort and empowerment through learning more about the different names/characteristics of God. I mainly listened to this book as an audiobook while driving. Easy to listen to while giving a depth of knowledge.

[Heather Gladney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Tony Evans and I was very impressed. I appreciated how he had a chapter for each name of God, talked about the context for each name in the Bible, what that meant for them, and what it means for us today. I also liked that he ended the book with the name for Christ - Immanuel, God with us. This is a book I’d go back and reference for the names of God and the appendices have several thorough lists too.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful teaching and more!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Tony Evans, and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I have been wanting to do a study on the names of God myself, but I found it easy to follow Evans as he goes through God’s names. I think he approaches each name with a good background of why God has that name and how it can be applied to your situation.

As a Hebrew and Greek student, the only thing I found annoying about the book is that he goes along with the traditional “Jehovah” names. I guess I got over this eventually, but it annoys me that people use Jehovah instead of Yahweh. It’s a personal pet people mine. Other than that, the authors very thorough in his approach.

He actually discusses briefly the pronunciation of Yahweh or Jehovah, but he moves on fairly quickly from that to discuss the names of God. He starts in chapter 1 by describing God’s names as majestic and glorious. We need to keep that point in front of everything else that’s set in the book. He breaks the study up into three parts.

In Part 1, the author discusses the “foundational names of God.” These are the names that commonly appear in the Old Testament: Elohim, Jehovah, and Adonai. In chapter 2, he explains how Elohim is the most common name for God. It literally is the plural form for God, but when it refers to the God of Israel, we translate it as singular. It shows God’s power and refers to Him as the creator God.

Chapter 3 discusses God’s more personal name as Jehovah (Yahweh). This is the covenantal name of God for Israel and how Israel knows Him personally. Chapter 4 finishes the discussion of God’s foundational names by talking about Adonai, the ruling God. He explains how Adonai is the Hebrew name for a Lord, and how God rules the earth.

Part 2 brings forward the compound names of God. These are made by taking one of the above three names and combining its shortened form with another word. It has always fascinated me that many of God’s compound names come from people giving Him names based on the situation where He came through for them.

Evans begins in chapter 5 by talking about Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. He explains the background of how this name came to be, and then he applies it to your life. All of God’s names are easily applicable to our lives. They help us realize who He is and how He takes care of us and our needs. Chapter 6 is the next name for God, Jehovah Tsaba, the Lord our Warrior. This is the Hebrew for “Lord of Hosts.” He is the God who controls the angel armies of heaven. He fights for us.

In chapter 7, the author continues with God’s names by introducing us to Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is peace. He is the God who brings peace to our situations in life. He started with bringing peace between us and Him. But He does much more than this. He can bring peace to every situation that causes you confusion or anxiety today.

Chapter 8 brings the next name, Jehovah Rohi, the Lord my Shepherd. He gives a rich background through the Scriptures of Jesus as the good Shepherd and God as our Shepherd. He leads us and ministers to us in ways we don’t often think of. We must let Him be the Shepherd of our lives. In chapter 9, he continues with Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my Banner. This is the God of victory who brings victory to our lives. This all starts at the Cross, where Jesus for victory over death and sin. But God brings victory into our lives in many of the situations we face.

Chapter 10 minutes to God’s next name, Jehovah Mekkodishkem, the Lord who Sacrifices. The word behind us is the word for holiness. He makes the sacrifice that brings holiness into our lives. We are becoming like Him through His efforts to make us holy before Him, and make us pleasing to Him. Chapter 11 discusses Jehovah Rapha, the Lord my Healer. This was an especially tear chapter to me because I am waiting for Jesus to bring me
from this paralysis. Evans talks about the background of this name for God and how it applies to us today.

Chapter 12 highlights Jehovah Tsidkenu our Righteousness. Jesus imputes his righteousness on to us. We cannot be righteous in ourselves, but must rely on the righteousness of Christ. The Lord is righteous first, and He shows us how to be righteous. In chapter 13, the author proceeds to God’s next name, El Elyon, God Most High. He describes how this name describes our God as the goal of high places. Chapter 14 is the final chapter of Part 2, and it describes El Shaddai, Lord God Almighty. He is the God of the mountains, the supplier of every need.

Evans calls God’s final categorization of names in Part 3 God’s incarnational name. The final chapter describes this name as Immanuel, which is Hebrew for “God with us.” He explains how God is with us at all times. This was one of the names for Jesus. He gives the biblical background for this name and applies it to us today.

The book has two appendices. The first tracks Jesus from the first book of Genesis to the last book of Revelation, and the second appendix gives an extended list of God’s names and titles. These are very helpful, and probably come out of the authors study of this topic and preparation to write the book.

This is a great book for anyone wanting to do a study on God’s names. I will certainly be looking into more of Tony Evans’ books. This was a thorough and engaging study for me. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in studying God by His names. There truly is great power in God’s names, and the book is aptly named.

[Hannah Barnhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not what I thought it would be. I was looking for a book that would bring up the names of God and then break down where all they are found in scripture and what we can learn from those occurrences. Instead this is a book compiled of mini sermons somewhat centering on each name. There was plenty of goodness to take away from it but it wasn’t at all what I was looking for and so what I came away with wasn’t really what I was hoping for.

[Nancy Nettles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insights and illustrations as well as Biblical doctrinal teaching about the names of God. I have been studying the names of God for years, but to realize the strength and power inherent in them was an awesome concept. It has opened up my experience of God to a new place.

[Jeff Rader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this to prepare for teaching in the names of God. It was not really the book for that. It had some good devotional thoughts but I will need more to prepare for class.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Evans provides here a study of how God has revealed His character to believers over history in the scriptures to help us grasp His intentions to us and His provision for us.

He uses the three foundational names of God to establish a framework to discuss those that are added later:
-Elohim - 'God' - The Strong Creator
-Yahweh - 'LORD' - Our Relational God (Jehovah)
-Adonai - 'Lord' - The God Who Rules

One area I feel he really did well in was showing that Elohim is a plural form of God which demonstrated the eternal Godhead (The triune God - Father, Son, Spirit) and how that relationship within the Godhead is then revealed in His relationship as "Yahweh" - 'I AM that I AM'. That relational trait of God shows up again and again in scripture in God's revelation of His names.

Another area Evans highlights is as people encounter God and humble themselves to acknowledge Him as ruler of their lives, it is at that point that God begins to work in unique and miraculous ways. It is when they come to God as Yahweh Adonai - what the NIV translaters as 'Sovereign LORD' - that God truly begins working in their life. An example is Abram in Gen 15:2
- Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
At this point is when promises to make Abram's descendants a numerous as the stars.

I used this book as the foundational text for an adult study class. It worked very well. as a guide to see God's character working in our lives.

[Robert Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard teaching on the names of God; I have read books on the names of God and I know that many Christians have also studied the names of God. But this book is the best of all in my opinion. I remember that the Dallas Theological Seminary “Prof”, Howard Hendricks taught bible study methods to include: observation, interpretation, and application. I find that Tony Evans’ comprehensive study of the names of God incorporates all three. Many teachers/writers are heavy on interpretation and light on application, but in this book, Evans hits home with the “how does God’s names apply to my life?” This book not only takes each biblical passage where God’s name initially appears and gives the source of the origin of the name, but connects it to the reader’s relationship to the God of the name.

The only New Testament name of God Evan’s book offers is given in the last chapter – Immanuel, God with Us. This is so very appropriate! Jesus is the embodiment of all the Old Testament names given and described in the previous chapters. The book finishes with each of the OT names given to Christ with the verses showing His deserving of each.

“The Power of the Names of God” is an outstanding title for the book. The emphasis is on “Power” for every reader. Do you want to grow in the faith? Then I recommend reading Tony Evans’ brilliant work which also, in a sense displays the attributes of God. If I could give a book more than five stars, it would be for this book!

[Silas · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He is who He was, and He is also who He will be because the great I Am never steps out of the present tense.” - Tony Evans, The Power of God's Names

In this study and explanation of God's primary names and select compound names, Tony Evans gives the originating circumstances of these names as they appear in the Bible. He also gives examples of how we can apply these names to our circumstances and use God's power behind the names in our lives.

This is the first book I've encountered where I've chafed against Evans' beliefs. The specifics aren't important. But those differences, and his persistence about them, is why I only gave this four stars instead of five.

[James Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grate read

Wonderful read knowing God better by understanding His character through his names. It very much deepened my relationship with God. Loved the knowledge that was gained form this wonderful book. Would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know there Heavenly father in a more intimate way. It was written in a way that is very relatable and easily understandable for all levels of readers.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be a "light" study. While it wasn't intense as far as looking up a lot of verses and answering a lot of questions, it was very impactful. This is not an exhaustive study, but covers only ten names of God (and there's another one mentioned, too!).The author states that the goal of the book is "to increase our knowledge of God and to deepen our experiences with Him." It did just that! I'm excited to read the Bible seeing the names of God, now that I know their meanings.

[Emily Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Partnered with God, Dr. Tony Evans wrote such a powerful book! This book truly did reveal more of God’s character and light to me. Oh how wonderful it is to know Him by all of His names! This book is articulate, detailed, and founded in the Bible. It is such great writing with an incredible message that can change anyone’s relationship with God to be deeper and filled with more love and hope. Thanks Dr. Evans!

[T. Ryan Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully, this book is not about some sort of magic formula for getting anything you want by chanting certain words in candlelight, despite the poorly mistakable title. Tony Evans' aim is rather (simply) to discuss various titles referring to יהוה throughout the Scriptures, in comparison of their contextual uses, in order to understand different aspects/traits of God. The Power of God's Names is a very easy read which could be quite beneficial for those beginning a deeper study of the Jewish or Christian Scriptures. (However, this book is written from a distinctly Christian worldview and theology.) This sort of exposition will be particularly helpful to those who have heard some of God's Hebrew titles though perhaps not known the meaning of those titles or the proper context in which they are used. (This is a common knowledge gap in the American Church.)

Thanks to my father for giving me this book.

[Kirsten Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Names are important to everyone. As a parent, my husband and I carefully chose our children's names because of their meanings. Dr. Tony Evans answers the question, "Can I really know God?" through exploring God's names in the Bible. There's so much insight into the character of God as one studies the meaning of His names. I will read this book again.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I'd been reading this I wouldn't have gotten through it. However it was great listening to it while driving to work and such. I enjoyed the deeper look into the names of God and gaining further understanding of the character of God by learning about and knowing his names.
Recommended? Yes
Buy/Borrow? I bought it for the book club, but I don't regret adding it to my library.

[Mary Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful guide for personal devotions. Dr. Evans relates each name to things things the reader is familiar with, making it easier to understand the relevance of God's names to our daily life. Love the writing style and the appendix in the back adds even more to understanding God's ability to meet our every need.

[Sherri Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. I have read several books on The Names of God but this one penetrated my spirit a little deeper. Dr. Evans reveals how the character of God can fulfill anything we need and he also gives direction for us so that we don’t misuse His name. He also challenged me because there are responsibilities that I must know, accept and do!

[pamela jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changer

Gotta know who you are praying to, living for in order to understand your life purpose and calling. If I called all 4 of my children the same we would forever be dealing with “who are you talking to mom?” and never get to why I was calling them in the first place. Wow this book is a life changer for me.

[Chianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good content.

Great support from scripture.

Not stodgy in how he speaks.

Good anecdotes.

Conversational without being too familiar.

Rightly divided truth.

A must have reference.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

God's names explained

Every believer should have this book in their library. It is packed with information and history. Very thoughtful and thorough explanation of God's attributes and names.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great blessing

This book was a great read and blessing to me. Knowing and having a knowledge of the many names of God and HIS character will help me in my continual walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for all believers

Dr. Evans masterfully expounds on the names of God in such a way that the reader feels empowered to know him better and enjoy the benefits that come from knowing him intimately.

[John C. Kupka Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening read.

Seeing and knowing what the names of God are and what each means to us as human beings is essential for our worship growth and maturity in Christ to properly and thoughtfully follow him.

[Jo McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

To GOD be the GLORY

Loved this book. Tony Evans is definitely inspired by GOD. If you don't know Our Savior before you read this book you will when you finish. Thank you Tony Evans for an awesome book.