The Hebrew EL and Ugarit EL

Intro

In the study of ancient religions, one intriguing question arises: Is the Hebrew god "El" a copy of the Ugarit's supreme deity named "El"? Let's explore this topic and understand the distinctions between these two deities.

The Ugarit People and their Deity

To begin, it is essential to understand the lineage of the Ugarit people. They trace their roots back to Ham, one of Noah's sons, and specifically to Canaan, who was the patriarch of the Amorites. The Ugarit people worshiped a god named "El," which was his proper name. In Ugaritic cuneiform script, "El" is spelled with the English equivalent letters "I" and "L."

The Hebrew Deity "El"

However, it is crucial to note that the Hebrew deity's name was not "El." In Hebrew, "El" is an adjective meaning "mighty one" and can be used to refer to any deity. Most English Bibles transliterate it as "El." The Hebrew letters for "El" are the equivalents of the letters "A" and "L," not "I" and "L" like the Ugarit deity's name. In Hebrew, "El" is spelled with an aleph and la-med, pronounced with an "ah" sound.

Linguistic Changes and Pronunciation

It is interesting to observe the linguistic changes that occurred over time. In the 7th century AD, Masoretic scribes added vowel marks, altering the original pronunciation of certain words. For example, the word "El" changed from an "ah" sound to an "eh" sound. This evolution reflects the development of the Hebrew language.

The Significance of "Al" or "Elohim" in Hebrew

Furthermore, in Hebrew, "Al" or "Elohim" signifies a place of residence, specifically the spiritual realm. It is a plural word and not a proper name. The Hebrews were calling on their Elohim's name even in the days of Enos, Seth's son, which predates the existence of the Ugarit people. Notably, the name they invoked was pronounced "Yahuah," not "El."

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of YHWH. Genesis 4:26

The Heavenly Council and its Evolution

An intriguing aspect of Israelite religion is the concept of the divine council. Before the exile, Israelite religion acknowledged a council of gods, potentially led by Yahuah. However, during and after the exile, these gods transformed into angels, becoming mere messengers of Yahuah.

In Psalm 82, we find a glimpse into this divine council:

Alohiym stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the alohiym. How long will you judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O Alohiym, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Conclusion

While the Ugarit deity "El" and the Hebrew god "El" or “Al” share similarities in sound when using the Masoretic niqqud (vowel) marks, their meanings and cultural contexts differ significantly. The Hebrew god "El" or “Al” is an adjective referring to a mighty one and can be used for any deity.