What is the meaning of Echod?

It has been asserted by some Messianic teachers that echod-- Hebrew for one-- means not one but a “composite unity.” This is their well-intentioned attempt to dispel the Jewish impression that Christians (and hence Nazarenes) are not proposing or worshiping more than one god. This is found to be necessary because of the Christian (or rather Gentile) corruption of believing in the Latin concept of a triad or trinity.

While the word trinity or triune is not mentioned even in the New Testament, trinity is more or less of a Christian Mishnaic extrapolation. A bit minhag here, a bit gezeirah there, and now we have “trinity.” Trinity is not accurate and no one should compromise when preaching and teaching God’s word. “Man shall live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” not every extrapolation to justify a tradition.

Echod means “one.” An unschooled counter argument is used concerning the scripture referring to Adam and Eve’s union: “and two shall be one flesh.” Echod doesn’t change its meaning in the sentence for the same reason that its English equivalent “one” does not change its meaning. ONE in English does not mean “composite unity.” It means “one.” Contextually the statement means a composite unity. The same for Hebrew (or any language, for that matter). One cannot mean more than 1, but its use within such a context will cause it to modify the statement into a composite unity. The word itself does not change meaning, merely the concept is modified.

The Shema in Hebrew or any language is not worded so that echod modifies a meaning in that context. “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is one LORD.” The context means a sole entity.

Perhaps some of the confusion is engendered by use of LORD in place of God’s name. God’s name, of course, does not mean LORD. The meaning of the tetragrammaton is rather complex and deep. Scholars and translators have struggled to find its equivalent in other languages. The English attempt “I am that I am” is a try; but it, like so many others, cannot convey everything. Jewish scholars at Alexandria, Egypt, in the 3rd century BC finally opted for ON-- Omega + Nu. Literally this means BEING. This is probably the best of all attempts. Not because it says it all, but because it allows us to elaborate and proceed in a correct manner.

The concept of Being, while used as a noun (unfortunately) is originally (and should have remained) exclusively a verb— human being is a human in the present state of existence; he is not past or future. He is. The problem with a human is that he had a beginning and will have an end. God is THE BEING. He generates life within himself. He is independent of time, space and matter. When you understand we are beings and that he is, as rendered in Greek THE BEING, you see the creationary relationship. He is not a force or concept, an energy field or some base to tie in with. He is a living, thinking entity from which life itself comes forth. Considering that we are made in his image, one can fully identify with love, justice, mercy, loving kindness, patience, etc. because they are attributes that God possesses. He does not possess them because he prefers them; they exist because they are part of his own nature. Thus we too have them.

Understanding this it becomes possible to understand the wording and significance of the Shema. It is not saying “the LORD our God is one God” as is most everybody’s impression of its meaning. When understanding that it is speaking of THE LIVING BEING who lives because he lives one understands “BEING our God is one BEING.” Essentially BEING I am BEING is the best translation of the name. God has life in himself. He takes in no energy. He is self generating, always constantly existing. Only the word in each language that stands for the present state of living existence reflect the concept of his name.

BEING our God is ONE BEING.

This was so far above the heads and imaginations of people during the age of idolatry it must have been awesome and, frankly, almost not comprehensible when Moses first told them the NAME. Idols were  reflection of finite gods and superstitions you had to appease and cut deals with. The God of the Hebrews, our fathers, now identified himself in a way no man could: I AM. Absolute authority. No dealing. Not was or will be, always AM.

Since he does fill heaven and earth, as he declared unto Jeremiah, it is easy for him to place his spirit in his inner sanctum and yet, of course, still be everywhere. No Jew was ever so dumb he couldn’t comprehend that. Just as easy as this he can fashion himself a body and walk, breathe and talk with us, even though he fills heaven and earth. The Universe cannot contain him. His Spirit goes forth to order his right ways, and yes he can walk among us. Yes, the LORD is one. He is not many. He IS. And just as sure as he could call that temple his house, his same pure spirit can come forth and dwell amongst us.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

Indeed he did come forth from his Temple (holy habitation) and dwelt among us . . .and many nations have come unto him, the God of Israel, because of it. HE IS. He can also come and teach at that same temple. Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Note the pronouns, believe, and live.