God is the almighty ruler to whom everything and everyone is subject. His lordship is seen in his power and his victory over his enemies and also in his deliverance of his people and his loving care for them. He is the recipient of their obedience and their prayers. (“Lord” is the translation of the Hebrew word “Adonai” meaning “Ruler” or “Master” and is distinct from “LORD” which is the translation of the divine name “Yahweh”.).
God is the almighty ruler
He is Lord of lords
1 Timothy 6:15 God exercises his lordship over all creation, but especially over all humanity. See also Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:3; Daniel 2:47
which the blessed and only Sovereign One— the King of kings and Lord of lords— will bring about in His own time.
He is Lord of all the earth
Psalm 97:5 See also Joshua 3:11, Joshua 3:13; Micah 4:13; Zechariah 4:14; Acts 17:24
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.
Characteristics of God as Lord
He is great and powerful
Psalm 147:5 See also Nehemiah 4:14; Psalm 86:8, Psalm 114:7–8, Psalm 135:5; Isaiah 28:2; Daniel 9:4; Acts 4:24
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.
He is majestic and exalted
Isaiah 6:1 See also Psalm 8:1, Psalm 8:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:9
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.
He is righteous
Daniel 9:16 See also Psalm 97:5–6; Daniel 9:7
O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us.
He is loving and caring
Psalm 86:15 See also Psalm 62:12, Psalm 86:5
But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.
He is merciful and forgiving
Daniel 9:9 See also Psalm 86:3–5, Psalm 130:2–4
To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him
God, the Lord, is triumphant over his enemies
Psalm 78:65–66 See also Psalm 2:4–5, Psalm 37:13, Psalm 110:5–6
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, like a mighty warrior overcome by wine. He beat back His foes; He put them to everlasting shame.
God, the Lord, delivers his people and cares for them
Psalm 68:19 See also Psalm 38:15, Psalm 38:22, Psalm 40:17, Psalm 54:4, Psalm 59:11, Psalm 77:2, Psalm 90:1, Psalm 90:17
Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God of our salvation. Selah
God is addressed as Lord
As a mark of respect or obedience
Joshua 5:14 See also Exodus 4:10, Exodus 4:13, Exodus 5:22; Judges 6:15; Luke 2:29
“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?”
In prayer
Nehemiah 1:11 See also Genesis 18:27, Genesis 18:30–32; Exodus 34:9; Joshua 7:8; Judges 13:8; Psalm 30:8; Daniel 9:4, Daniel 9:15, Daniel 9:19
O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)
Jesus Christ is God, the Lord
John 20:28 See also Matthew 22:41–45 parallels Mark 12:35–37, Luke 20:41–44; Acts 2:34–36; Hebrews 1:13; Psalm 110:1
Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.