Almighty

Almighty is an epithet used for the supreme deity in various religious traditions. The term derives from Old English ealmihtig, meaning all-mighty or all-powerful, and is commonly employed in English-language translations and prayers to signify ultimate divine power.

In Judaism, God is described as omnipotent in several biblical passages, with El Shaddai often rendered as “God Almighty.” In Christian usage, the Almighty is a frequent epithet for God in the Bible and in liturgy, stressing divine power. The phrase appears in translations such as the King James Version and in hymns and prayers that address God’s all-encompassing nature.

In Islam, the concept aligns with the belief in an all-powerful God, though the English rendering may vary between “the Almighty” and “the All-Powerful” in translations of Qur’anic verses and supplications. The Arabic term often associated with this attribute is not a direct equivalent of Almighty but conveys a similar sense of supreme empowerment.

Linguistically, Almighty emphasizes power and sovereignty, while other divine attributes—such as eternity, wisdom, and knowledge—are treated as complementary in many theological traditions. The term has also been discussed in philosophy and theology in relation to omnipotence, the omnipotence paradox, and differing theological perspectives, including classical theism, open theism, and process theology.

Beyond religious usage, Almighty has appeared in literature, film, and pop culture as a title or character descriptor, reflecting its enduring association with ultimate power.