Almighty

/ɔlˈmaɪti/ adjective

Definition

Having complete or unlimited power; able to do anything, usually used to describe God.

Etymology

From Old English 'ælmihtig,' combining 'all' and 'mighty' (from 'miht' meaning 'power'). The compound literally means 'all-powerful' and became the standard English translation for the divine power.

Kelly Says

When people say 'Almighty God,' they're literally saying 'All-Powerful God'—but in other languages, many use completely different metaphors for divine power! English went for 'might' while other languages chose words meaning 'strong' or 'great.'

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Religious language defaults to masculine pronouns and gendered metaphors ('Father God'); most traditions reserve ultimate authority and power for male-coded divinity.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'divine,' 'sacred,' or 'transcendent' for inclusive religious reference; acknowledge that divine conceptualizations vary across traditions and genders.

Inclusive Alternatives

["sacred","divine","transcendent"]

Empowerment Note

Feminist theology and women mystics have reframed divine power through feminine, non-binary, and maternal metaphors; these contributions challenge androcentric religious language.

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