Though often associated with the military might of God, “El Shaddai” conveys more than the raw power of God alone. The root “shad” means “breast” and of the six times that the name “El Shaddai” appears in the Book of Genesis, five are in connection with fertility blessings for the patriarchs. Biblical scholar David Biale argues that this original understanding of “Shaddai” as related to fertility and nourishment was forgotten by the later authors who understood it as being related only to power or destruction (thus explaining the later translation as “all-powerful” or “almighty”). In retrieving this earlier conception, we can understand “El Shaddai” as meaning “God all-sufficient.” It expresses the power and sufficiency of God to bestow his grace and fulfil his promises. As a mother’s care and sustenance is all a baby needs, El-Shaddai is able to save, protect, nourish, sustain and prosper life.
