Adon, Adonai

The above are respectively the singular and plural forms of the same word. Their meaning is easily apprehended by the use which is made of the former in relation to men. It is derived from a root meaning to rule, and implies sovereignty or lordship. As applied to God it is always translated Lord, and is represented by that term when it is printed in ordinary type – not capitals.

The ordinary usage of Adon is illustrated by the following examples of its translation: – “Master,” applied to Abraham (Gen. xxiv. 35), to Potiphar (Gen. xxxix. 2), to the possessor of a slave (Exod. xxi. 4-8), to a king (I Sam. xxvi. 16); “Owner,” once only, where it is applied to Shemer, the owner of the hill Samaria. Elsewhere it is constantly translated Lord, conveying the idea of lordship, consequent upon possession, or because of the authoritative position of the one to whom it is applied. Thus Abraham was Sarah’s “lord,” Aaron called Moses “my lord ” (Exod. xxxii. 22), and the title is frequently applied in addressing kings and other persons in authority.

These examples suggest the sense in which the titles are applied to God. He is the Possessor, the Ruler, the Sovereign, the King – King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The use of the plural term will afford no difficulty in the light of what has already been considered. The Elohim, representing God, become Adonai, rulers, or lords. The essential in every such case is the Lord (Adon) Himself, and as the power is of Him, the glory and homage are due unto Him.

An early occasion when the single word Adon is used specifically in relation to God is a clear illustration of what has been pointed out above. “Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Adon of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan... the ark of Yahweh, the Adon of all the earth” (Josh. iii. 11 and 13). The expression, “the Adon of all the earth,” or “the Lord of the whole earth,” occurs six times in all. It speaks of possession, over-lordship, and is a definite indication of why God is spoken of as Adon.

In the following list will be found the instances in which Lord in the Authorised Version represents the Hebrew Adon. In all the other cases where the word occurs printed in ordinary type (not capitals thus -- LORD), the word may be taken as the representative of the plural term Adonai.