Beach Believer (19 June 2004)
"Re:  Miriam Brown - "omni" means 'All, Every' - not 'one'"


Dear Miriam:

I too recogized the words (?omni Elihenu?), but, strangely, the actual words and correct spelling - as well as how/from where I know them - is escaping me for the time being.  Very frustrating.

I did want to add something to what you said about the seder song and the words, particularly about the root word "omni" meaning "one".

As a long-time student of Latin, I can say that:

====>>       "Omni-" means "ALL".

From the Latin 'omnis' meaning "all"; "every"; "the complete total"
 

Some simple Latin root-word examples:

Omniscient  ~~ ("all-knowing").   From Latin 'omniscius'  =  'omnis' (all, every, total)  +  'scio' (to know; to have knowledge; to perceive; to understand; to have skill).

Omnipotent  ~~ ("all-powerful").   From Latin 'omnipotentis'  = 'omnis' (all, every, total)  +  'potens' (powerful).  (Latin: 'Omnipotens' = "The Almighty").

Omnipresent  ~~ ("ever-present"; "being everywhere at once").  From Latin  'omnis' (all, every, completely encompassing)  +  'praesentia'  (a state of being 'at hand' or being 'in view').
 

I know it seems like a small difference between the definition of "omni" as "one", and its correct definition of "all; every", but I didn't want anyone to misunderstand and -- even unintentionally -- limit our limitless G-d.  For although "one" can also mean "unified" (for example, as in Deut.6:4  "Hear, O, Israel:  The Lord our G-d , the Lord is ONE."), our G-d is infinite - the Alpha AND the Omega - and "one" can be such an inadequate word to describe Him, when we know that it also means "single" and "only" ... even "lone".   I just wanted to make that distinction and give the Lord all the Glory and Honor and Awe that He deserves ... proclaiming that He is "Omni"  - the complete total; the all-encompassing; the 'Omni-potens' - The ALMIGHTY.

And how very thankful I am that He - IS!

In HIM,
Beach