What is the meaning of G-d's name, Shadai?

by Rabbi N. Silberberg

Library » G-d » What is G-d? | Subscribe | What is RSS? PRINT EMAIL COMMENT According to Jewish tradition the name Shadai comes from the word "dai" which means "enough." The "Sh" beforehand is a prefix which means "the one who." G-d is called Shadai because "He told the world 'enough!'" He set boundaries to this world, causing that it should be finite and limited unlike many of the spiritual worlds.1 Footnotes 1. Talmud tractate Chagigah 12a and Midrash Breishit Rabbah 5:8 TAGS: Shadai ADD A COMMENT Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in). COMMENTS El Shadai Posted by: Zhannasmommy on Jan 29, 2005 I thought El Shadai meant "God of more than enough"? please clarify...thanks! Editor's Comment There are different interpretations of this name -- all of them true. read more less Shaddai Posted by: Eric on Aug 14, 2005 I always thought Shaddai meant "my breasts" referring to the motherly, nurturing aspect of HaShem. read more less El Shaddai Posted by: Hannah, Hollywood, Florida on Nov 11, 2005 I have my own Jewish Study Bible, and in the notes it said that El Shaddai meant "G-d Almighty." Is this true as well? Editor's Comment This is also an accurate translation. The Iben Ezra maintains that the name "Shaddai" is derived from the Hebrew word "shoded" -- which means "destroyer." This name describes G-d's ability to destroy the Laws of Nature (which He Himself created) at will. Thus, "Almighty" would be a correct translation of "Shaddai." read more less There's another meaning Posted by: Dan on Jan 15, 2007 Shadai also means Shomer Dlatot Israel ( Protecting Israel's gates) read more less Email to a friend Post a comment cancel Loading...