from עָלָה; an elevation, i.e. (adj.) lofty (compar.); as title, the Supreme; (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most).
Transliteration:ʻelyôwn
Pronunciation:el-yone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5945, עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôwn), is derived from the verbal root עָלָה (`{{H5927}}`), meaning "to go up," "ascend," or "be high." Consequently, ʻelyôwn fundamentally conveys the concept of "elevation" or "lofty position." Its semantic range extends to:
1. **Adjectival Use:** Describing something as "high," "higher," or "highest" in a physical or positional sense (e.g., an "upper" gate).
2. **Substantive/Title:** Most significantly, it functions as a substantive, particularly as a divine title, "the Most High" or "God Most High." In this capacity, it denotes supreme rank, ultimate authority, and unparalleled transcendence. The inherent comparative/superlative sense underscores the idea of being above all others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of ʻelyôwn in the Hebrew Bible illuminates its dual application:
* **Adjectival Descriptors:** In a few instances, ʻelyôwn describes physical structures or locations. For example, it refers to the "upper gate" of the house of the LORD built by Jotham ([[2 Kings 15:35]], [[2 Chronicles 27:3]]) or the "upper pool" in Jerusalem ([[Isaiah 7:3]], [[Isaiah 36:2]]). These uses are straightforward, indicating elevation in a literal sense.
* **Divine Title ("God Most High"):** The profound theological significance of ʻelyôwn emerges in its consistent application as a title for God.
* **First Appearance:** The earliest and highly significant occurrence is in [[Genesis 14:18-20]], where Melchizedek, king of Salem and "priest of God Most High" (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, El Elyon), blesses Abram. This introduction of God as "Most High" in a pre-Israelite context suggests a universal recognition of a supreme deity, later integrated into Israel's understanding of Yahweh.
* **Balaam's Oracles:** Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, speaks of having "the knowledge of the Most High" in his oracles ([[Numbers 24:16]]), further underscoring the universal scope of this divine title.
* **Deuteronomy:** In the Song of Moses, ʻelyôwn is used to describe God's sovereign distribution of nations and their boundaries ([[Deuteronomy 32:8]]), highlighting His ultimate authority over all peoples.
* **Psalms:** The Psalms frequently employ ʻelyôwn, often in parallel with Yahweh (`{{H3068}}`) or Elohim (`{{H430}}`), to emphasize God's supreme power, transcendence, and protection. Examples include: "I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High" ([[Psalm 7:17]]); "For You have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place" ([[Psalm 91:9]]); "For You are the LORD Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods" ([[Psalm 97:9]]). These passages consistently portray God as sovereign, exalted, and worthy of ultimate praise.
* **Prophetic Books:** In Isaiah, ʻelyôwn appears in the context of Lucifer's pride, seeking to "make myself like the Most High" ([[Isaiah 14:14]]), which underscores the unique and unassailable position of God. The book of Daniel, particularly in its Aramaic sections, uses the Aramaic cognate עִלָּאָה (`{{H5946}}`) extensively to refer to "the Most High God," emphasizing His dominion over earthly kingdoms and His ultimate sovereignty in history ([[Daniel 4:17]], [[Daniel 4:24]], [[Daniel 7:18]], [[Daniel 7:25]], [[Daniel 7:27]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ʻelyôwn is enriched by its relationship to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **עָלָה (`{{H5927}}`):** The root verb "to go up" is the direct etymological source, providing the core meaning of elevation and ascent.
* **אֵל (`{{H410}}`):** "God." The frequent combination אֵל עֶלְיוֹן (El Elyon) is crucial, emphasizing God's divine nature alongside His supreme position.
* **אֱלֹהִים (`{{H430}}`) and יְהוָה (`{{H3068}}`):** These common names for God are often used in parallelism or apposition with ʻelyôwn, indicating that the "Most High" is indeed the God of Israel, Yahweh.
* **שָׁמַיִם (`{{H8064}}`):** "Heavens." The concept of God as "Most High" is inherently linked to His dwelling in the heavens, signifying His transcendence above the earthly realm.
* **Greek Equivalent:** In the Septuagint and New Testament, ὕψιστος (`{{G5310}}`), meaning "highest" or "most high," serves as the primary translation for ʻelyôwn. This continuity is seen in the New Testament where Jesus is identified as the "Son of the Most High" ([[Luke 1:32]], [[Luke 1:35]]).
### Theological Significance
The title ʻelyôwn carries profound theological weight:
* **Transcendence:** It powerfully conveys God's absolute transcendence. He is not merely the highest among many, but uniquely and supremely above all creation, time, and human comprehension. This emphasizes His otherness and majesty.
* **Sovereignty and Dominion:** ʻelyôwn underscores God's ultimate sovereignty and universal dominion. He is the supreme ruler over all nations, kings, and cosmic powers, whose will is unchallengeable and whose plans cannot be thwarted. His reign is eternal and extends over all things.
* **Power and Majesty:** The title evokes a sense of awe and reverence, highlighting God's immense power, unapproachable glory, and majestic presence. He is the source of all authority.
* **Uniqueness:** It affirms God's singular and unparalleled position. There is no one like Him, none higher, none who can contend with His authority. This reinforces monotheistic belief.
* **Covenantal Assurance:** For Israel, recognizing Yahweh as ʻelyôwn provided assurance that their covenant God was not merely a tribal deity, but the sovereign ruler of the universe, capable of fulfilling His promises and protecting His people against any earthly or spiritual foe.
### Summary
H5945, עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôwn), derived from the verb עָלָה (`{{H5927}}`) "to go up," signifies "elevation" or "lofty." While occasionally used to describe physical height (e.g., "upper gate" in [[2 Kings 15:35]]), its most significant and pervasive application is as a divine title: "the Most High." This title, often appearing as אֵל עֶלְיוֹן ("God Most High") as seen with Melchizedek in [[Genesis 14:18]], profoundly communicates God's absolute transcendence, supreme sovereignty over all creation and nations, unparalleled power, and unique majesty. From the Psalms' declarations of His exalted nature ([[Psalm 97:9]]) to Daniel's affirmations of His dominion over earthly kingdoms ([[Daniel 4:17]]), ʻelyôwn consistently portrays God as the ultimate, unchallengeable ruler, dwelling above all, yet intimately involved in the affairs of humanity. It is a powerful declaration of His unrivaled position and authority in the cosmos, inspiring awe and reverence.
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