In this study we consider one of the most important themes in theology: the character of God. A.W. Tozer called this pursuit “the knowledge of the Holy,” and his classic book by that title remains one of the most profound reflections on God’s attributes. Understanding who God is does not merely expand our knowledge—it deepens our worship and strengthens our trust.
Theologians often divide God’s attributes into two categories: communicable and incommunicable. Incommunicable attributes belong uniquely to God and are not shared with human beings. Communicable attributes, on the other hand, are qualities that God reflects in us in a limited way because we are created in His image.
Attributes such as love, mercy, justice, and knowledge are communicable. We can experience and express these qualities imperfectly. But attributes such as God’s eternity, omnipresence, and immutability belong to Him alone and stretch our understanding because they describe a being who is not limited by time, space, or change.
Even the qualities we share with God are never experienced fully. Our love, mercy, and wisdom are limited, while God’s are infinite. Scripture reveals God truly, but not exhaustively. We can know Him, yet we can never fully comprehend Him.
The Names of God
One of the ways the Bible reveals God’s character is through His names. In Scripture, a name often reflects a person’s character or role.
One of the most common Old Testament names for God is Elohim, which emphasizes His power and majesty as Creator and sovereign ruler. The plural ending of the word does not imply many gods, but may reflect a majestic plural and hints at the later revelation of the Trinity.
Another significant name is Yahweh, the covenant name of God. This name is connected with the phrase “I AM,” expressing God’s eternal and self-existent nature. Because this name was considered sacred, Jewish readers often substituted Adonai, meaning “Lord,” when reading it aloud.
The distinction between these names appears clearly in Genesis. In Genesis 1, God is called Elohim, highlighting His role as Creator. In Genesis 2, the name Yahweh emphasizes His personal relationship with humanity as the covenant-making God.
Scripture also uses compound names such as El Elyon (“God Most High”) and El Roi (“the God who sees”). In the New Testament, Theos refers to God’s divine nature, while Kyrios emphasizes His authority as Lord.
Images and Analogies for God
Because no single description can capture God’s nature, the Bible uses many images drawn from creation and human experience.
God is compared to a lion, eagle, rock, light, and refuge. He is described as Father, builder, and physician. Scripture also portrays Him in human terms—seeing, hearing, loving, grieving, and expressing anger.
These descriptions are examples of anthropomorphic language, meaning that God is described in human terms to help us understand Him. When Scripture speaks of God’s hands or wings, it does not mean He literally possesses these features. Instead, these images communicate truths about His power, care, and protection.
Creation itself points beyond itself to the Creator. As Psalm 148 declares, the heavens and the earth praise the Lord. The created world reflects His glory and reveals something of His character.
God’s Independence
One of God’s incommunicable attributes is independence, sometimes called self-existence. Unlike human beings, God does not depend on anything outside Himself. Every breath we take reminds us that we are dependent creatures, but God has no needs.
Acts 17 teaches that God is not served by human hands as though He needed anything. Instead, He gives life and breath to everything. Psalm 50 similarly declares that every creature belongs to Him and that the world and everything in it are His.
God did not create humanity because He was lonely. Within the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—there has always been perfect love and fellowship.
Yet even though God does not need us, He chooses to delight in us. Scripture describes Him rejoicing over His people. Our significance does not come from our abilities, but from the fact that the Creator has chosen to value us.
God’s Immutability
Another incommunicable attribute is immutability, meaning that God does not change. If God could change, it would either be for the better or for the worse. If He changed for the better, He would not have been perfect before. If He changed for the worse, He would cease to be perfect.
Psalm 102 declares that although the heavens and earth will pass away, God remains the same. James 1:17 adds that with God there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Because God’s character never changes, His promises are completely reliable. We can trust Him fully.
God’s Eternity and Omnipresence
God is also eternal, meaning that He has no beginning and no end. Time belongs to the created order, but God exists beyond its limits. From His perspective, all of history is present before Him.
Closely related is God’s omnipresence. He is present everywhere with His whole being. Psalm 139 asks, “Where can I go from Your Spirit?” Whether in heaven or in the depths of the earth, God is present.
Yet God can also reveal His presence in special ways to bless His people. Scripture tells us that in His presence there is fullness of joy.
God’s Spiritual Nature and Knowledge
Scripture also teaches that God is spirit (John 4:24). He is not made of matter and cannot be perceived by our physical senses. Nevertheless, human beings possess a spiritual nature that enables us to relate to Him.
Because God is spirit, true worship must be offered in spirit and in truth.
Finally, God is omniscient—He knows all things completely. Nothing is hidden from Him. He knows the past, the present, the future, and every possibility.
At the same time, Scripture affirms that human beings make meaningful choices. God’s complete knowledge does not eliminate human responsibility, even though the relationship between these truths remains a mystery.
Knowing the God Who Knows Us
Reflecting on God’s attributes reminds us that He is far greater than we can fully comprehend. Yet He invites us into a relationship with Him.
As we grow in the knowledge of God, our trust deepens and our worship expands. Ultimately, every longing of the human heart finds its fulfillment in Him.
One day we will see Him more clearly, and we will discover that the One we have been seeking all our lives is the God who has been pursuing us all along.
To explore this topic more deeply and discover how to thoughtfully answer the questions below, subscribe to Ken Boa Reflections on Substack.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God’s independence and self-existence change the way you view your own life and dependence on Him? Reflect on the reality that God does not need us, yet He chooses to delight in us and invites us into relationship with Him.
- Which of God’s incommunicable attributes—such as His eternity, omnipresence, or immutability—most stretches your understanding of who He is? How might meditating on that attribute deepen your trust in God’s character and promises?
- In what ways does recognizing that God is spirit and invisible affect the way you worship and relate to Him? Consider how worshiping God “in spirit and in truth” shapes your daily spiritual life.
- How does the truth that God knows all things—both actual and possible—impact your view of your choices, your future, and your relationship with Him? What comfort or challenge does this bring to your walk with God?
