- Then God (Elohim) said (ʾāmar), Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; - Genesis 1:26a
The usage of the plural Elohim is unique because it is joined to a singular verb — said (ʾāmar). Grammatically, there should be noun and verbal agreement. Note what God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Us and our are plural pronouns, yet image and likeness are singular nouns. The singular usage of image and likeness with the plural us and our demonstrates relationship and communication between persons. Thus, God is a uni-plurality. Uni-plurality means that there is a plurality within the Godhead, and this plurality acts like one.
- Hear, O Israel! The Lord (yhwh) is our God (Elohim), the Lord (yhwh) is one! - Deuteronomy 6:4
The name LORD (YHWH) is singular while the title God (Elohim) is plural. When the term one (’echad) is used to join two objects (in this case YHWH and Elohim), it shows a plurality of persons within a oneness.
As to the identities of these persons in the Godhead and their number, Psalm 33:6 confirms that there are three: the Lord, the Word, and the Breath.
- By the word of the Lord (yhwh) the heavens were made, And by the breath (ruach) of His mouth all their host. - Psalm 33:6
The term Lord is the only personal name of Elohim, YHWH. The Word of the Lord is none other than Jesus, the Son of God The term Spirit in Hebrew (ruach) can also be translated as breath. Thus, the Breath of His mouth is the Holy Spirit.