עֶלְיוֹן (el.yon)
el.yon
high; Most High; Upper (Beth Horon); (LORD) Most High
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word elyon primarily means high or upper, serving as an adjective to describe physical elevation or superior rank. It appears in contexts ranging from the geography of Beth-horon, where it distinguishes the upper town from the lower, to the exalted status of the Davidic king who stands above other monarchs.
More significantly, elyon functions as a divine title for God, often paired with the name Yahweh. In this usage, it identifies the Most High ruler over all earthly kings and angelic powers. This combination emphasizes God’s supreme authority, portraying Him not merely as powerful but as existing above all competing claims to sovereignty.
The term carries theological weight by asserting that no human or spiritual power rivals God’s position. When Scripture refers to Him as elyon, it affirms His unique place at the top of the cosmic order, a truth highlighted in Psalms and Chronicles where His reign over history is celebrated.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elyon points to a height that is beyond human reach. It describes physical places like the upper gate of Jerusalem or the high ground of Beth Horon, but Scripture uses it most often for God. When we call Him the Most High, we acknowledge that He sits above every earthly throne and every spiritual power. This truth offers deep comfort because it means no rival can stand against His rule.
For your daily life, this title reminds you that your struggles are seen from a perspective far greater than your own. Melchizedek used this name to bless Abram, linking God’s supreme authority with the gift of heaven and earth. You can rest in the knowledge that the One who holds all nations is also close enough to hear your prayers.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ upper13×
- [the] Most High10×
- Most High6×
- most high4×
- with/ [the] Most High1×
- upper1×
- to/ [the] Most High1×
- and/ [the] Most High1×
- [are] most high1×
- <to>/ [the] Most High1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֶלְי֔וֹן6×
- הָֽ/עֶלְי֔וֹן5×
- עֶלְיֽוֹן\׃4×
- עֶלְי֑וֹן3×
- עֶלְיוֹן֙2×
- עֶלְי֣וֹן2×
- עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן2×
- הָ/עֶלְיוֹנָ֔ה2×
- הָ/עֶלְי֑וֹן2×
- עֶלְי֥וֹן1×
- עֶלְי֗וֹן1×
- עֶ֝לְיוֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:18
Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
This occurrence introduces Melchizedek as priest of God Most High, establishing the title before it appears in the Mosaic law.
-
Genesis 14:19
He blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth.
The blessing links God’s supreme status directly to His ownership of heaven and earth, defining the scope of His power.
-
Psalms 50:14
Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.
This verse connects the sacrificial system with the title Most High, showing that worship is due to the One who reigns above all.
-
Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the children of men, he set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.
Here elyon acts as the sovereign divider of nations, highlighting His control over history and human boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does elyon mean in the Bible?
Why is God called the Most High?
Where does elyon appear most often?
Every Occurrence (39 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
Genesis 14:19He blessed him, and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth.
Genesis 14:20Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
Genesis 14:22Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
Genesis 40:17In the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my…