Apr 9, 2012

Questions - Plural of Majesty

Those who deny the Trinity often argue that the plural names for God, and the use of plural pronouns and modifiers for Lord God, argue that the plural form is a use of the "royal we" or a way of expressing superlative majesty, or intensification.  But, these questions demonstrate the error of this argument by Unitarians.

1. If the plural is used simply to express majesty or superlative greatness, then why do we not see this as a rule in scripture when kings are addressed?

2. If the plural is used simply as a method of intensification or amplification, a way of expressing superlativeness, then why is this not universally done in scripture?

3. If "God" (elohim) expresses supremacy by simply being plural, then is it not redundant to use superlatives with Elohim, such as "great Elohim"? (Deut. 10: 17)  Why do the scriptures express superlativeness by use of modifier words such as "highest" and "greatest"?

4. Would it not be redundant to say that "God is God of gods" (ibid) or say that he is "Elohim of Elohim" if the plural "elohim" itself expressed superlativeness?

5. Why do the scriptures refer to heathen gods (elohim) in a majestic and superlative manner?

6. Why are plural verbs and adjectives ever used in scripture with Elohim when referring to Yahveh?

7. Why did the Biblical writers ever use the singular form for God (El or Elohah)? Was this speaking of God non-majestically or without superlativeness?

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