When the Lord appeared to Abraham to confirm His covenant with him, He revealed Himself to the ninety-nine-yearold man of faith as El Shaddai (Genesis 17:1). Linguists do not agree about the etymology of this title and usually suggest one of three possibilities. Some link the word to the Hebrew shadad, meaning “to devastate,” and argue the title lays emphasis on the irresistible power of God. Others believe the word relates the Akkadian word shadu, meaning “mountain,” and argue the title means something like “God of the Mountains.” The third and most probable meaning of this word is based on its relationship to the Hebrew word shad, meaning “breast.” El Shaddai is naturally a tender title for God. Scripture uses it exclusively of God in relation to His children. When trying to explain more fully the implications of this name, some writers have spoken of “the mother-love of God.” To the child held to his mother's breast, the mother is the all-sufficient one who provides both the physical necessities and emotional support the child needs. Similarly El Shaddai is the all-sufficient One in the believer's experience. He has been accurately described as “the God who is enough.” El Shaddai was Job's favorite name for God. Thirty-one of its forty-eight occurrences in Scripture appear in the book of Job. For Job in the midst of his suffering and despair, El Shaddai was enough. This title suggests supplying the need and comforting the hurt. Over the years, many Christians have discovered the true nature of El Shaddai only in their darkest hours. When we understand this name of Jesus, we can grow in our Christian experience, knowing the tenderness that characterizes Christ, until we can confess with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).