Attributes of God in Ewe and their meaning

Attributes of God as many know it refers to the titles given to God because of who He is and what He does. These attributes are special attributions and they are unique in the making as they differ from one language to the other. The most important thing that is worth noting is that no matter the differences in the language used for these titles, they can at times have the same or similar meaning as all humans are basically a family. 

The Ewes of Ghana have many titles used to refer to the Maker and it is very obvious in Ewe names among other instances. We will delve into some of these attributes and also talk about what they mean and some applicable uses.

Consider the Bible which has many names attributed to God because He is kind, compassionate, good, loving, wonderful, mighty, all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present everywhere.

[Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. PSALM 80:1

ESV]

In Ghana likewise are many names in different languages that give attributions to God with different meanings but the language on which this article focuses will be the Ewe language which is spoken by the people of the Volta Region of Ghana in Africa. Don't forget that Ewe-speaking spoken are all over the country and beyond, you too can learn something new in this post. There are different beliefs among the Ewes like Christian, Islamic and traditional belief. 

Here is a list of some of the attributes of God in Ewe and their meaning.

Mawu - This word means God in the Ewe language. In other words, the Ewes call God Mawu. Aside from the Almighty God who is given this title, the people refer to the lesser gods too using a word related to this but with lesser strength which is indicated by writing with small letters like mawu. Some of the names given to Ewes with this word or phrase inside include: Mawunyo, Mawuli, Mawuworge, Mawukoenya, Mawuleagbe, Mawusi, Mawumenyo, Mawuenyega etc.

Mawuga/ Mawulolo/ Mawu nusewokatatɔ - These people also believe God is the all-powerful one and that aside from Him there is no one else. If these words are translated into English, they mean Great God, Omnipotent God and that only He has authority over all creation in the universe.

Mawumatrɔmatrɔ - The God that never changes. The unchanging One.

Kɔkoetɔ - Holy God. Holiness is attributed to God because all He does is absolutely pure and never has He done anything that any man can say is unholy because holiness is His nature. As the Bible says that God is holy. [They never rest day or night, but keep saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is coming". CEB]

Mawudɔmenyotɔ - Merciful and compassionate father who shows abundant mercies and favour. It is by the mercies of the Kings of kings that the entire creation is being sustained and it is an established fact and truth among these people as well.

Mawu nye lɔlɔ - Another attribute that expresses the fact that He is love. Who can deny the love of God for him or her? Obviously, no one because every day the mercies of the Maker of all things are shown us and we can't deny but be grateful for the love and this love is referred to in the Bible as the steadfast love of God which no one else demonstrates but Him alone and also those who faithfully obey Him as His sons and daughters.

Anukwaretɔ - Man or the tongue of man is deceitful but this is not with our father. All things are under His control and never does He lie but He is true to what He says as said that He is not a son of man that He should lie.

Kpedenutɔ - The helper of man. An ever-present help to those who need help and there is no denial for His steadfast love endures forever.

Mawu tsɔtsɔke nala - The only one who forgives.

Mawu de aƲa matsi aƲa - This means that our God is the one that is not overcome in battle. He goes and returns with victory.

Nuwo kata nyala - The all-knowing God. Nothing is hidden from him and even the deep secrets of men are exposed before him.

Mawu si le afi sia afi - The omnipresent God. This attributes shows the peoples' believe that God is everywhere all the time and that he sees all that happens.

Nublanui kpɔla: The merciful God.

Mawu tso mavɔ yi mavɔ me - The God of eternity.

Dela / Dedenala - Describes God as the savior. Ewes no matter the religious background acknowledge that the Omnipotent Father is the savior of all men.

Mawu nuteƑewɔla - This describes the Almighty as the ever faithful God who always abides with His Words.

Mawu kitikata

Mawu Sogbolisa 

Ame nu vela Ƒe Mawu

Nutifafa fia: The Prince of Peace. In Ewe, 'prince' is known as 'fiavi' and 'peace', 'nutifafa'.

Agakpesese: The rock that breaketh not.

Read on Ewe names and meanings, a collection of some names in Ewe and their meaning. Names are very important influencers in the life of every individual and the reason why a name given to a child is well considered and thought through by the parents before it is given.