אֵל עֶלְיוֹן
El Elyon / El Elyon
“God Most High”
El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, El Elyon) is a Hebrew name meaning “god most high,” pronounced “el el-YON.” From Hebrew אֵל (El, 'God') + עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon, 'Most High/uppermost'). Elyon derives from the root ע-ל-ה (alah, 'to go up, to ascend'). The combined name asserts God's supreme position above all other powers and beings.
| Hebrew | אֵל עֶלְיוֹן |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | El Elyon |
| English Name | El Elyon |
| Meaning | God Most High |
| Pronunciation | el el-YON |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Category | Names of God |
| Variants | El-Elyon, God Most High, The Most High |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 14:18-19 |
El Elyon — God Most High — first appears on the lips of one of the Bible's most mysterious figures: Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abraham after his military victory (Genesis 14:18-20). No genealogy, no backstory, no death recorded — Melchizedek simply appears, blesses Abraham in the name of El Elyon, and vanishes from the narrative. The title 'Most High' establishes absolute hierarchy: above every power, above every authority, above every competing claim to divinity. When the Psalmist writes 'I will cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me' (Psalm 57:2), the name El Elyon becomes a refuge — because if your God is the highest, then nothing above Him can threaten you.
Key Scripture: Genesis 14:18-19
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High (El Elyon), and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.'”
What Does El Elyon Mean in Hebrew?
אֵל (El) means 'God/mighty one.' עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon) is a superlative adjective from the root ע-ל-ה (ayin-lamed-heh, 'to ascend, go up'). Elyon means 'highest, uppermost, supreme.' The combination declares that God occupies the highest possible position — above all gods, nations, powers, and cosmic forces. It is the ultimate statement of divine sovereignty.
El Elyon in the Bible
El Elyon is first used by Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, who blessed Abraham and received his tithe (Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham then used the name in his oath to the king of Sodom. It appears frequently in Psalms (e.g., 7:17, 47:2, 57:2, 78:35, 91:1) and in Daniel's visions of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The connection between Melchizedek and El Elyon is central to the theology of the Book of Hebrews, which presents Jesus as 'a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 7). Jerusalem's ancient name 'Salem' (from Melchizedek's city) connects El Elyon to the city that would become God's chosen dwelling place.
El Elyon is not used as a personal name but is a significant theological title in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It appears in worship music, particularly songs emphasizing God's sovereignty and supreme authority over all circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Elyon
What does El Elyon mean in Hebrew?
El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, El Elyon) means “God Most High” in Hebrew. From Hebrew אֵל (El, 'God') + עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon, 'Most High/uppermost'). Elyon derives from the root ע-ל-ה (alah, 'to go up, to ascend'). The combined name asserts God's supreme position above all other powers and beings.
How do you pronounce El Elyon in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of El Elyon is “el el-YON.” The name is written אֵל עֶלְיוֹן in Hebrew script.
What does El Elyon mean in Hebrew?
El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) means 'God Most High' in Hebrew. 'El' means 'God' and 'Elyon' means 'most high/supreme/uppermost,' from the root 'alah' (to ascend). The name declares that God occupies the highest position in all reality — above all powers, all gods, all nations, and all cosmic forces. It is the ultimate expression of divine sovereignty.
Who was Melchizedek and how does he connect to El Elyon?
Melchizedek was the mysterious 'king of Salem and priest of God Most High' who blessed Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20. He appears without genealogy, background, or recorded death — simply appearing to bless Abraham in the name of El Elyon. The Book of Hebrews (chapter 7) uses Melchizedek as a type of Christ's eternal priesthood under God Most High.
Where does El Elyon appear in the Psalms?
El Elyon appears frequently throughout the Psalms in contexts of refuge and sovereignty: 'I will cry out to God Most High' (Psalm 57:2), 'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High' (Psalm 91:1), 'The LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth' (Psalm 47:2), and 'They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer' (Psalm 78:35).
Sources & Further Study
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