(Aramaic) corresponding to עִלִּי; supreme (i.e. God); (most) high.
Transliteration:ʻillay
Pronunciation:il-lah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H5943}}` (ʻillay) is derived from a root signifying "to go up," "to ascend," or "to be high." As an adjective, it conveys the meaning of "most high," "supreme," or "exalted." It is the direct Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew `{{H5945}}` (ʻilliy), which also carries the meaning of "Most High." The term does not merely denote physical elevation but primarily signifies qualitative superiority, preeminence, and ultimate authority. When applied to God, it emphasizes His transcendent nature and His position as the supreme ruler over all creation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H5943}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage consistently attributes supreme status to God:
* **Daniel:** The most frequent occurrences are found in Daniel, often in the construct phrase "God Most High" (אֱלָהָא עִלָּיָא).
* In [[Daniel 3:26]], Nebuchadnezzar addresses God as "God Most High" after witnessing the deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, acknowledging His power.
* Throughout Daniel 4 (e.g., [[Daniel 4:2]], [[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:24]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:34]]), Nebuchadnezzar repeatedly confesses the sovereignty of the "Most High" following his humbling experience, recognizing that "the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whomever He wishes." This highlights God's ultimate control over earthly kingdoms.
* In [[Daniel 5:18]] and [[Daniel 5:21]], Daniel reminds Belshazzar of how God, the "Most High," had granted and then removed Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom, underscoring divine judgment and authority.
* The prophetic visions in Daniel 7 also employ ʻillay. The "saints of the Most High" (קַדִּישֵׁי עֶלְיוֹנִין) are those who receive the kingdom, and the "Most High" Himself is the ultimate judge and sovereign, whose dominion is everlasting ([[Daniel 7:18]], [[Daniel 7:22]], [[Daniel 7:25]], [[Daniel 7:27]]).
* **Ezra:** The term appears in official decrees and letters concerning the rebuilding of the temple.
* In [[Ezra 5:8]], Tattenai, the governor, reports to King Darius about the construction of the "house of the great God."
* In [[Ezra 7:12]], [[Ezra 7:21]], and [[Ezra 7:23]], King Artaxerxes issues a decree regarding the temple and its services, demonstrating respect for the "God of heaven," implicitly acknowledging His supreme authority.
Across these contexts, ʻillay consistently emphasizes God's absolute supremacy, His control over human affairs, and His unique position as the ultimate divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic `{{H5943}}` (ʻillay) is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H5945}}` (ʻilliy), which is also translated as "Most High" or "Highest." This Hebrew term is widely used in the Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 7:17]], [[Psalm 9:2]], [[Psalm 91:1]]) and elsewhere to describe God's exalted nature. Both words derive from the common Semitic root עלה (ʻalah, `{{H5927}}`), meaning "to go up" or "to ascend," reinforcing the concept of elevation and superiority.
Other related divine titles and concepts include:
* אֵל עֶלְיוֹן (El Elyon): "God Most High," a compound divine name emphasizing God's supreme authority, found in both Hebrew and Aramaic contexts (e.g., [[Genesis 14:18]]). ʻillay functions as the Aramaic equivalent of עֶלְיוֹן.
* יְהוָה (Yahweh, `{{H3068}}`): The covenant name of God. While ʻillay is a descriptive attribute, it is applied to Yahweh, affirming His unique and incomparable supremacy.
* **Sovereignty:** The concept of God's absolute rule over all creation and human history.
* **Transcendence:** God's distinctness from and superiority over His creation.
* **Omnipotence:** God's infinite power, which enables Him to exercise His supreme will.
* **Kingship:** God's role as the ultimate King and ruler of the universe.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5943}}` (ʻillay) is profound, centering on the absolute transcendence and sovereignty of God.
* **Divine Transcendence:** The primary emphasis of ʻillay is God's otherness and exalted nature. He is "Most High," meaning He is above all human understanding, all earthly powers, and all other purported deities. This title underscores His qualitative superiority and distinctness from creation.
* **Sovereignty Over Kingdoms:** Particularly prominent in Daniel, the repeated application of ʻillay to God highlights His ultimate dominion over all human kingdoms and political powers. Even the most formidable empires and their rulers are depicted as subordinate to the "Most High God," who grants and removes authority as He wills ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:25]], [[Daniel 4:32]]). This provides a foundational theological truth that God's plan will ultimately prevail over all human opposition.
* **Unchallengeable Authority:** The title conveys God's unassailable authority and power. His decrees are ultimate, His judgments are final, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. This offers immense comfort and assurance to God's people, especially during times of exile, persecution, or political upheaval, as it affirms that God remains in control.
* **Source of All Dominion:** By being ʻillay, God is presented as the ultimate source from whom all power and dominion flow. He is the one who establishes kings and deposes them, demonstrating that all earthly authority is delegated and accountable to Him.
* **Call to Worship and Awe:** The recognition of God as "Most High" naturally elicits profound reverence, humility, and worship. To acknowledge Him as ʻillay is to humble oneself before His majestic supremacy and to ascribe to Him the glory due His name as the supreme ruler of the cosmos.
### Summary
The Aramaic word `{{H5943}}` (ʻillay), meaning "Most High" or "Supreme," is a powerful descriptor of God found in the books of Daniel and Ezra. As the direct Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H5945}}` (ʻilliy), it carries the same profound theological weight. Its consistent usage underscores God's absolute transcendence, His unparalleled sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and rulers, and His unchallengeable authority. In Daniel, ʻillay is central to the confessions of pagan kings and the prophetic visions, revealing that even the most formidable human empires are ultimately subservient to the "Most High God." In Ezra, it appears in official decrees, acknowledging the God of Jerusalem as supreme. Theologically, ʻillay compels a recognition of God's preeminence, His ultimate control over history, and His rightful claim to worship and awe from all creation. It is a title that speaks to God's majestic elevation above all things, assuring His people of His ultimate victory and dominion.
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