--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: All attributes ascribed to God are…" description: "\"All attributes ascribed to God are attributes of His acts, and do not imply that God has any qualities.\" — Maimonides" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png" --- # All attributes ascribed to God are attributes of His acts… ![“All attributes ascribed to God are attributes of His acts, and do not imply that God has any qualities.” quote by Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png) > “All attributes ascribed to God are attributes of His acts, and do not imply that God has any qualities.” [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Divine actions are described with human terms, but God transcends all qualities. **In simple terms:** God's deeds are described metaphorically. Key Takeaway Recognize limits of human language about the divine. Themes theology philosophy language Mood reflective thoughtful Type theological philosophical When to use this quote - religious study - interfaith dialogue - personal contemplation Key Concepts apophatic theology metaphor divine transcendence Questions to Reflect On - How do you describe the divine without limiting it? - Can language ever capture the infinite? A Different Perspective Human concepts can mislead understanding of God. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) ## Related quotes > [ Management \[ Providence \], knowledge, and intention are not the same when ascribed to us and when ascribed to God. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/management-providence-knowledge-and-intention-are-not-the-same-when/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [I can begin to give God attributes. He's a counselor. He's a healer. He's a friend that sits closer than a brother. To me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-white/i-can-begin-to-give-god-attributes-he-s-a-counselor-he-s-a-healer-he/) [Paula White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-white/) > [While love is one of God's attributes, it's not his only attribute. God is also holy and just.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-jeffress/while-love-is-one-of-god-s-attributes-it-s-not-his-only-attribute-god/) [Robert Jeffress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-jeffress/) > [It is a mischievous notion that we are come late into nature; that the world was finished a long time ago. As the world…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/it-is-a-mischievous-notion-that-we-are-come-late-into-nature-that-the/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [Beckett does not believe in God, though he seems to imply that God has committed an unforgivable sin by not existing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-burgess/beckett-does-not-believe-in-god-though-he-seems-to-imply-that-god-has/) [Anthony Burgess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-burgess/) > [“Though such an explicit contradiction is no doubt bewildering, Calvin’s final conclusion—namely, that the author of 1 John “does not speak of the essence \[or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-talbott/though-such-an-explicit-contradiction-is-no-doubt-bewildering-calvin/) [Thomas Talbott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-talbott/) > [“Once more I say, the word used by St Paul does not imply that God adopts children that are not his own, but rather…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-macdonald/once-more-i-say-the-word-used-by-st-paul-does-not-imply-that-god/) [George MacDonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-macdonald/) > [We have usurped many of the powers we once ascribed to God. Fearful and unprepared, we have assumed lordship over the life or death…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/we-have-usurped-many-of-the-powers-we-once-ascribed-to-god-fearful/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [Men have ascribed to God imperfections that they would deplore in themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-somerset-maugham/men-have-ascribed-to-god-imperfections-that-they-would-deplore-in/) [W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-somerset-maugham/) > [We have usurped many of the powers we once ascribed to God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/we-have-usurped-many-of-the-powers-we-once-ascribed-to-god/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [“Nature is what we know. We do not know the gods of religions. And nature is not kind, or merciful, or loving. If God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-edison/nature-is-what-we-know-we-do-not-know-the-gods-of-religions-and/) [Thomas Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-edison/) > [Personal revelation, consecration of performance, attention to detail, and dependency on God-with these qualities you cannot fail.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-taft-benson/personal-revelation-consecration-of-performance-attention-to-detail/) [Ezra Taft Benson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ezra-taft-benson/) > [ “You yourself are indeed Bhagwan \[God\], but the qualities of God have not yet manifested.” ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dada-bhagwan/you-yourself-are-indeed-bhagwan-god-but-the-qualities-of-god-have-not/) [Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dada-bhagwan/) > [Nature is what we know. We do not know the gods of religions. And nature is not kind, or merciful, or loving. If God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-a-edison/nature-is-what-we-know-we-do-not-know-the-gods-of-religions-and-2/) [Thomas A. Edison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-a-edison/) > [Jesus says God is love. I would like to change it. I would like to say love is God. When you say God is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajneesh/jesus-says-god-is-love-i-would-like-to-change-it-i-would-like-to-say/) [Rajneesh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajneesh/) ## More by Maimonides > [The so-called evils are evils only in relation to a certain thing, and that which is evil in relation to a certain existing thing,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/the-so-called-evils-are-evils-only-in-relation-to-a-certain-thing-and/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [Hear the truth from whomever says it](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/hear-the-truth-from-whomever-says-it/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [It is better and more satisfactory to acquit a thousand guilty persons than to put a single innocent one to death.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/it-is-better-and-more-satisfactory-to-acquit-a-thousand-guilty/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [God cannot be compared to anything. Note this.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/god-cannot-be-compared-to-anything-note-this/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [Even the existence of this corporeal element, low as it in reality is, because it is the source of death and all evils, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/even-the-existence-of-this-corporeal-element-low-as-it-in-reality-is/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [WHEN reading my present treatise, bear in mind that by "faith" we do not understand merely that which is uttered with the lips, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/when-reading-my-present-treatise-bear-in-mind-that-by-faith-we-do-not/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [The philosophers likewise assume that in Nature there is nothing in vain, so that everything that is not the product of human industry serves…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/the-philosophers-likewise-assume-that-in-nature-there-is-nothing-in/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [That which is produced with intention has passed over from non-existence to existence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/that-which-is-produced-with-intention-has-passed-over-from-non/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [No form remains permanently in a substance; a constant change takes place, one form is taken off and another is put on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/no-form-remains-permanently-in-a-substance-a-constant-change-takes/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [Further, there are things of which the mind understands one part, but remains ignorant of the other; and when man is able to comprehend…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/further-there-are-things-of-which-the-mind-understands-one-part-but/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [Now, we occupy a lowly position, both in space and rank in comparison with the heavenly sphere, and the Almighty is Most High not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/now-we-occupy-a-lowly-position-both-in-space-and-rank-in-comparison/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [If men possessed wisdom, which stands in the same relation to the form of man as the sight to the eye, they would not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/if-men-possessed-wisdom-which-stands-in-the-same-relation-to-the-form/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [If one avoids haughtiness to the utmost extent and is exceedingly humble, he is termed a saint, and this is the standard of saintliness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/if-one-avoids-haughtiness-to-the-utmost-extent-and-is-exceedingly/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [Know that the difficulties which lead to confusion in the question what is the purpose of the Universe or of any of its parts,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/know-that-the-difficulties-which-lead-to-confusion-in-the-question/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) > [You will find that there is no other difference of opinion as regards any portions of the Universe, except that the philosophers believe in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/you-will-find-that-there-is-no-other-difference-of-opinion-as-regards/) [Maimonides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) [Explore all 156 Maimonides quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/) ## More Attributes quotes > [Lutherans, whose arguments and mistakes will not be difficult to contest or discover, do not want to attribute any value to works, and they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-servetus/lutherans-whose-arguments-and-mistakes-will-not-be-difficult-to/) [Michael Servetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-servetus/) > [If, for instance, they have heard something from the postman, they attribute it to a semi-official statement; if they have fallen into conversation with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evelyn-waugh/if-for-instance-they-have-heard-something-from-the-postman-they/) [Evelyn Waugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evelyn-waugh/) > [The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-darwin/the-love-for-all-living-creatures-is-the-most-noble-attribute-of-man/) [Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-darwin/) > [I think the greatest imagination we can exercise is one that imagines how someone else feels. Because you know how you feel, but so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larry-gelbart/i-think-the-greatest-imagination-we-can-exercise-is-one-that-imagines/) [Larry Gelbart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/larry-gelbart/) > [A lover asked his beloved, Do you love yourself more than you love me? Beloved replied, I have died to myself and I live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-lover-asked-his-beloved-do-you-love-yourself-more-than-you-love-me/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [One of the greatest attributes of jazz, I think, is that it is that open.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbie-hancock/one-of-the-greatest-attributes-of-jazz-i-think-is-that-it-is-that-open/) [Herbie Hancock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbie-hancock/) > [God is compassionate and just, loving and holy, wrathful and forgiving. WE can't sideline His more difficult attributes to make room for the palatable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-chan/god-is-compassionate-and-just-loving-and-holy-wrathful-and-forgiving/) [Francis Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-chan/) > [I'm Irish and always will be, but America has taught me so much. Maybe it's here in the U.S. that we find a healing,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fionnula-flanagan/i-m-irish-and-always-will-be-but-america-has-taught-me-so-much-maybe/) [Fionnula Flanagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fionnula-flanagan/) > [“It is this spirit of godliness that will bring forth the attributes, the principles and the life style of godliness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/it-is-this-spirit-of-godliness-that-will-bring-forth-the-attributes/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [My Calvinism persuades me that we are open to God, in the sense that we are not delimited, not organisms with fixed attributes in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilynne-robinson/my-calvinism-persuades-me-that-we-are-open-to-god-in-the-sense-that/) [Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilynne-robinson/) > [A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery-th e strength to place reason over appetite. Self-mastery builds a strong conscience. And your conscience determines…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-m-nelson/a-pivotal-spiritual-attribute-is-that-of-self-mastery-th-e-strength/) [Russell M. Nelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/russell-m-nelson/) > [I have often noticed that the two nuclear powers on the Indian subcontinent, India and Pakistan, attribute to Kashmiris an inferior intellect, a lineage,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nyla-ali-khan/i-have-often-noticed-that-the-two-nuclear-powers-on-the-indian/) [Nyla Ali Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nyla-ali-khan/) > [Primarily affecting low-information voters and members of the mainstream media, Obama Worship Syndrome attributes impossible capabilities to Obama's political opponents, finds excuses for every…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-shapiro/primarily-affecting-low-information-voters-and-members-of-the/) [Ben Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-shapiro/) > [Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dieter-f-uchtdorf/developing-christlike-attributes-in-our-lives-is-not-an-easy-task/) [Dieter F. Uchtdorf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dieter-f-uchtdorf/) > [If I have any attribute that serves me well, it's I don't have a long-range plan in life. I have no idea. I just…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-wilbon/if-i-have-any-attribute-that-serves-me-well-it-s-i-don-t-have-a-long/) [Michael Wilbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-wilbon/) Browse all 852 Attributes quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "All attributes ascribed to God are attributes of His acts, and do not imply that God has any qualities.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Maimonides" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attributes-of-his-acts-and-do-not/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Attributes" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attributes-of-his-acts-and-do-not/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a8/maimonides-2639_attributes_all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attri_1796370.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“All attributes ascribed to God are attributes of His acts, and do not imply that God has any qualities.” — Maimonides", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Maimonides", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maimonides/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "All attributes ascribed to God are...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attributes-of-his-acts-and-do-not/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maimonides/all-attributes-ascribed-to-god-are-attributes-of-his-acts-and-do-not/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```