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Is El Shaddai the God of Basic Needs or the God of Abundance? Question 2.

Writer's picture: Bradley SliedrechtBradley Sliedrecht

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, poses his second question:

“I’ve heard Christians speak their mind on the topic of God meeting people’s needs. One man shared, ‘I’m not saying that God wants poor people. I believe God will meet your basic needs.’ Is El Shaddai the God that meets basic needs? That’s my question.”

He then cites Exodus 15:26, Genesis 17:1, Genesis 12:1-4, and Genesis 13:2, concluding:

“Does El Shaddai mean the God of poverty or the God who supplies your basic needs? No, He’s the many-breasted one, the God of more than enough, the God that makes you extremely fruitful and rich.”

This bold statement challenges the view that God’s provision is limited to meeting only basic needs. In this blog, we will explore the meaning of El Shaddai, examine the cited passages, and provide a biblically balanced perspective on God’s provision.


Understanding El Shaddai: The God of Abundance

The name El Shaddai appears in the Old Testament, often translated as "God Almighty" (e.g., Genesis 17:1). While there is scholarly debate about the etymology, it conveys God’s power, sufficiency, and ability to bless abundantly. Shuttlesworth emphasizes the interpretation of Shaddai as “the many-breasted one,” a view that underscores God’s nurturing and abundant provision.


While this interpretation is evocative, it should be approached cautiously, as the linguistic evidence for Shaddai , which means "many-breasted," is debated among scholars. More widely accepted is the understanding of Shaddai as "the all-sufficient one," highlighting God's ability to provide abundantly for His people.


Examining the Cited Scriptures


Exodus 15:26: The God Who Heals


Here, God declares:

“If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

This verse introduces God as Jehovah Rapha, the healer, demonstrating His sufficiency to meet not only physical needs but also the need for health and wholeness. While it speaks to God’s provision, the focus is on covenant obedience and divine care, not explicitly on material wealth.


Genesis 17:1: The Covenant with Abram


God reveals Himself to Abram as El Shaddai:

“I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”

This marks a reaffirmation of God’s covenant, promising Abram abundant descendants and blessings. God’s sufficiency is on display, providing assurance of His power to fulfill His promises, which include land, descendants, and divine favor.


Genesis 12:1-4: The Call of Abram


In this passage, God calls Abram to leave his homeland with the promise:

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.”

This promise, fulfilled through Abram’s obedience, highlights God’s ability to provide materially and spiritually for His people. However, the blessings are tied to Abram’s role in God’s redemptive plan, pointing toward a greater spiritual fulfillment through Christ.


Genesis 13:2: Abram’s Wealth


Abram’s wealth is explicitly mentioned:

“Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.”

This verse demonstrates that God can and does bless His people materially. However, Abram’s wealth is not presented as the ultimate goal of his relationship with God but as a resource to fulfill his divine calling.


Is God’s Provision Limited to Basic Needs?

Jonathan Shuttlesworth rightly challenges the notion that God only meets basic needs. Scripture consistently portrays God as a generous provider, capable of doing more than we can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20).


However, the idea that El Shaddai guarantees material abundance for every believer risks reducing God’s provision to a formula for wealth. The New Testament focuses on spiritual abundance, urging believers to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that all necessary things will be added (Matt. 6:33).


A Balanced View of God’s Provision


Dr. Michael Brown’s Perspective

Dr. Michael Brown affirms God’s generosity but critiques teachings that prioritize material prosperity over spiritual transformation. He emphasizes that God’s provision should lead to greater generosity and kingdom advancement, not self-centered accumulation.


John Piper’s Eternal Focus

John Piper highlights that God’s greatest provision is Himself. Material blessings, while valuable, pale in comparison to the joy of knowing and glorifying God. Piper warns against using God as a means to gain wealth, urging believers to treasure Christ above all.


John MacArthur’s Warning

John MacArthur cautions against prosperity teachings that promise wealth as a guaranteed result of faith. He emphasizes that God’s provision often includes trials and suffering, which shape believers into Christ’s image.


Application for Believers Today

El Shaddai reminds us of God’s sufficiency and power to meet every physical, spiritual, or emotional need. While God often blesses His people materially, His ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of Christ.


Believers should trust in God’s provision without equating faithfulness with financial gain. True prosperity is found in a life surrendered to God, experiencing His presence and fulfilling His purposes.


Conclusion: Is El Shaddai the God of Abundance?

Yes, El Shaddai is the God of abundance, capable of meeting every need and blessing His people richly. However, His provision transcends material wealth, encompassing the fullness of life in Christ. Believers are called to trust in God’s sufficiency, seeking His kingdom first and using His blessings to glorify Him and bless others.


Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)

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