10 Attributes of God - Mike Mahaffey

Here are 10 attributes of God, based on the Bible:

1. Omniscience – God knows everything

The state of knowing everything.

These verses emphasize God’s infinite knowledge, His awareness of all creation, and His understanding of human hearts and thoughts. They affirm His sovereignty over time, space, and the hidden depths of the human spirit.

Psalm 139:1-4
“O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.”
1 John 3:20
“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”
Hebrews 4:13
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Proverbs 15:3
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”
Job 37:16
“Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?”
Isaiah 46:9-10
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done…”
Psalm 147:5
“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
Matthew 10:29-30
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Jeremiah 17:10
“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
- This passage is telling you that God sees beyond your outward actions to the very core of your being. In saying “I the LORD search the heart,” you are reminded that nothing in your inner life—your thoughts, feelings, and motives—is hidden from Him. When He declares “I try the reins,” it means that He examines the control and direction of your thoughts and actions, much like testing the reins of an animal to see how well it is guided. The latter part, “even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings,” tells you that you will receive judgment or reward based on the entirety of your conduct. Every thought, intention, and action you commit contributes to the “fruit” of your life, which God uses to measure your righteousness or wrongdoing.
- In essence, this verse serves as a reminder to you that God’s evaluation is thorough and personal. Nothing about your inner self or your deeds escapes His notice, and ultimately, you are held accountable in accordance with what is found within you and the outcomes of your actions.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; … for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Acts 1:24
“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen…”
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…”

2. Omnipotence — God is all-powerful

The quality of having unlimited power.

These verses highlight God’s unmatched power over creation, history, and human lives. They affirm His ability to perform miracles, fulfill His purposes, and reign supreme over all things.

Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
(God’s power to create the universe ex nihilo-out of nothing)
Job 42:2
“I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.”
(Job acknowledges God’s limitless power.)
Jeremiah 32:27
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
(God declares His power over all creation.)
Matthew 19:26
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
(Jesus affirms God’s boundless power.)
Revelation 19:6
“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude… saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
(God’s title as “Almighty” is proclaimed.)
Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
(God’s sovereignty and power to act as He wills.)
Isaiah 40:28-29
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? … He giveth power to the faint…”
(God’s inexhaustible strength.)
Luke 1:37
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
(The angel Gabriel declares God’s omnipotence to Mary.)
Revelation 1:8
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
(God’s eternal and supreme power.)
Jeremiah 32:17
“Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”
(Jeremiah praises God’s creative and sustaining power.)
2 Chronicles 20:6
“O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?”
(God’s dominion over all nations.)
Psalm 62:11
“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.”
(All power originates and resides in God.)
Ephesians 3:20
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”
(God’s power surpasses human understanding.)
Exodus 14:31
“And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD…”
(God’s power displayed in the Red Sea miracle.)
Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”
(God’s ultimate authority over life and death.)

3. Omnipresence – God is present everywhere

The presence of God everywhere at the same time.

These verses affirm that God is not bound by time, space, or human understanding. His presence permeates creation, sustains life, and ensures that no person or place is beyond His reach. Whether in joy, trial, or secrecy, He is always near (Psalm 46:1).

Here are key verses from the Bible that emphasize God’s omnipresence—His presence in all places at all times:

Psalm 139:7-10
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
(David acknowledges that God’s presence is inescapable.)
Jeremiah 23:24
“Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.”
(God declares His presence fills all creation.)
Proverbs 15:3
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”
(God’s watchfulness and presence everywhere.)
Amos 9:2-3
“Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down… and though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence…”
(No one can escape God’s presence.)
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
(Christ’s promise to be present with His people.)
1 Kings 8:27
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?”
(Solomon recognizes God’s presence transcends physical temples.)
Acts 17:24-28
“God that made the world… dwelleth not in temples made with hands… For in him we live, and move, and have our being…”
(God is the sustaining presence in all creation.)
Job 34:21-22
“For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.”
(God’s presence penetrates even darkness.)
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth…”
(His presence actively observes all things.)
Hebrews 4:13
“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
(No creature is hidden from God’s presence.)
Deuteronomy 4:39
“Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.”
(God reigns over all realms.)
Isaiah 66:1
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?”
(God’s presence transcends human constructs.)
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
(As Spirit, God is not confined by physical limitations.)

4. Holiness – God is completely pure and set apart from sin

Signifies being set apart, unique, and distinct, both for God (who is inherently holy) and for believers who are called to live a life reflecting that holiness.

These verses reveal God’s holiness as His defining attribute—His absolute separation from sin and moral perfection. They call humanity to reverence, worship, and a pursuit of holiness in response to His nature (Hebrews 12:14).

Here are key verses from the Bible that emphasize God’s holiness—His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin:

Isaiah 6:3
“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
(The seraphim declare God’s triune holiness, underscoring His transcendence over sin.)
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
(God’s holiness as the standard for His people.)
Leviticus 11:44-45
“For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy… For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
(God’s holiness as the foundation for His covenant.)
Revelation 4:8
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
(Echoing Isaiah’s vision, heaven proclaims God’s eternal holiness.)
Habakkuk 1:13
“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity…”
(God’s holiness cannot tolerate sin.)
1 John 1:5
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
(God’s absolute moral purity.)
Exodus 15:11
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
(God’s holiness as unmatched and awe-inspiring.)
Psalm 99:9
“Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.”
(A call to worship God in light of His holiness.)
Revelation 15:4
“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy…”
(God alone possesses perfect holiness.)
Joshua 24:19
“And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God…”
(God’s holiness demands exclusive devotion.)
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
(God’s holiness calls believers to purity.)
Psalm 24:3-4
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart…”
(Access to God requires holiness, reflecting His nature.)
1 Samuel 2:2
“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”
(God’s holiness is incomparable.)
Exodus 3:5
“And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”
(God’s presence sanctifies even physical spaces.)
Psalm 5:4-6
“For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.”
(God’s holiness rejects sin utterly.)

5. Love – God is love and shows unconditional love

You see love as an unselfish, unconditional affection that drives you to care for others deeply, often without expecting anything in return. It is that divine force within you which, as the Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself” – inspires you to act with enduring kindness and compassion.

The Bible emphasizes love as a core principle, with God being described as love itself, and love for others, especially enemies, being a key commandment.

These verses collectively illustrate God’s identity as love (1 John 4:8,16) and His unwavering, unconditional love for humanity, demonstrated through creation, covenant, and Christ’s sacrifice.

Here are key verses fthat emphasize God’s nature as love and His unconditional love for humanity:

1. 1 John 4:8
- “He that loveth not- knoweth not God; for God is love.”
  Explanation: Directly declares God’s essence as love itself.
2. 1 John 4:16
- “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
  Explanation: Reiterates that love defines God’s character and relationship with believers.
3. John 3:16
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
  Explanation: Highlights God’s sacrificial, universal love through Christ’s redemption.
4. Romans 5:8
- “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
  Explanation: Demonstrates unconditional love—God loved humanity even in sin.
5. Ephesians 2:4-5
- “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…”
  Explanation: Emphasizes mercy and love extended to the spiritually undeserving.
6. 1 John 3:1
- “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…”
  Explanation: Celebrates the gift of divine adoption through God’s love.
7. Psalm 136:1, 26
- “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever… O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
  Explanation: Repeated refrain affirming God’s eternal, steadfast love and mercy.
8. Lamentations 3:22-23
- “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
  Explanation: God’s compassion and mercy are ceaseless and renewing.
9. 1 John 4:19
- “We love him, because he first loved us.”
  Explanation: Acknowledges God’s initiative in loving humanity unconditionally.
10. Deuteronomy 7:9
- “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him…”
  Explanation: Stresses God’s faithfulness to His promises out of love.
11. Romans 8:38-39
- “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  Explanation: Assures believers of God’s unbreakable love.
12. John 15:13
- “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
  Explanation: Jesus exemplifies ultimate love through self-sacrifice.

6. Justice – God is perfectly just and righteous

You understand justice as the principle of fairness where every person is held accountable for their actions, and you strive to see that right is upheld for all. It compels you to balance mercy with accountability, ensuring that each individual receives what is rightly due according to their deeds.

These verses reveal God’s unwavering commitment to justice—punishing evil, defending the oppressed (Psalm 103:6), and restoring righteousness. His judgments are never arbitrary but rooted in His holy, loving, and perfect nature. As believers, we are called to reflect His justice in our lives (Isaiah 1:17).

Here are key verses from the Bible that emphasize God’s justice and righteousness—His perfect fairness, moral integrity, and commitment to setting all things right:

Deuteronomy 32:4
“He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
(God’s character is flawlessly just.)
Psalm 89:14
“Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.”
(God’s rule is founded on justice and righteousness.)
Isaiah 30:18
“And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you… for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.”
(God’s justice is intertwined with His mercy.)
Proverbs 16:11
“A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work.”
(God defines and upholds perfect fairness.)
Amos 5:24
“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”
(A call for divine justice to prevail.)
Romans 2:6-8
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds… indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil…”
(God’s impartial judgment.)
Psalm 97:2
“Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.”
(Justice is central to His reign.)
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
(God’s demand for justice reflects His nature.)
Revelation 16:7
“And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.”
(Affirmation of God’s righteous judgments.)
2 Thessalonians 1:6
“Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.”
(God’s justice ensures ultimate accountability.)
Psalm 9:7-8
“But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.”
(God’s eternal commitment to righteous judgment.)
Isaiah 61:8
“For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
(God’s love for justice and hatred of hypocrisy.)
Job 34:12
“Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.”
(God cannot act unjustly.)
Proverbs 21:3
“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
(God prioritizes justice over ritual.)
Revelation 19:11
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
(Christ’s return as the ultimate Just Judge.)

7. Mercy – God shows compassion and forgiveness

You view mercy as the compassionate forgiveness you extend even when justice might demand retribution. It is the gracious quality that calls you to overlook faults and extend kindness, mirroring the divine mercy bestowed upon you, as echoed in the scriptures of the King James Version.

These verses highlight God’s mercy as a defining aspect of His character. He is compassionate, forgiving, and patient, offering grace to those who turn to Him. His mercy is not only a response to human need but also a reflection of His boundless love (Psalm 136:1). As recipients of His mercy, we are called to extend it to others (Matthew 5:7).

Here are key verses that emphasize God’s mercy—His compassion, forgiveness, and lovingkindness toward humanity:

Psalm 103:8
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”
(God’s abundant mercy is central to His character.)
Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
(God’s mercies are endless and renewed daily.)
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”
(God’s mercy brings salvation through Christ.)
Psalm 86:15
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”
(God’s mercy is paired with His truth and patience.)
James 5:11
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
(God’s mercy is tender and compassionate.)
Psalm 145:9
“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”
(God’s mercy extends to all creation.)
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
(Salvation is a gift of God’s mercy, not human effort.)
Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.”
(God delights in showing mercy and forgiving sin.)
Psalm 51:1
“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
(David’s plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness.)
Luke 6:36
“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
(Jesus calls believers to reflect God’s mercy.)
Nehemiah 9:31
“Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”
(God’s mercy restrains His judgment.)
1 Peter 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
(God’s mercy gives us new life and hope.)
Psalm 25:6
“Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.”
(God’s mercies are eternal and unchanging.)
Daniel 9:9
“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.”
(God’s mercy is greater than our rebellion.)
Exodus 34:6-7
“And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…”
(God’s self-revelation of His merciful nature.)

8. Faithfulness – God always keeps His promises

God’s faithfulness means He is unwavering, reliable, and true to His Word. He never breaks His promises, and His character remains constant throughout time. He is completely trustworthy and always fulfills His promises. He never fails, never changes, and never goes back on His Word.

Biblical Evidence of God’s Faithfulness

Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”
- Unlike humans, God never breaks a promise.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
- God’s faithfulness means He will never abandon you.
Joshua 23:14 – “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.”
- Everything God promises, He accomplishes.
Psalm 36:5 – “Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.”
- God’s faithfulness is vast and immeasurable.
Psalm 89:8 – “O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?”
- His faithfulness surrounds Him—it is part of His nature.
Isaiah 25:1 – “O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
- Everything God does is grounded in faithfulness and truth.
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
- God’s faithfulness is renewed daily, never running out.
1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- He is faithful in calling and keeping His people.
Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
- Every promise God makes, He fulfills.
Hebrews 11:11 – “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”
- His faithfulness makes the impossible possible.
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- His faithfulness ensures forgiveness when you repent.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”
- His faithfulness protects and strengthens you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
- God is faithful even in trials—He provides a way out.
Revelation 19:11 – “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
- Jesus Himself is called “Faithful and True,” proving God’s unchanging nature.
Sovereignty – God has supreme authority over all things (Proverbs 16:9, Romans 8:28).
Immutability – God never changes (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8).

Each of these attributes reveals something essential about God’s nature and how He interacts with His people.