עֶלְיוֹן
the Supreme
Definition
The Hebrew word עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôwn) is a title meaning 'the Most High' or 'the Supreme One,' used exclusively as a divine name. In the biblical context, it emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, supreme authority, and exalted position above all other powers, whether earthly or spiritual. In the book of Daniel, where it appears four times, it specifically refers to God's eternal kingdom and dominion over all earthly empires, as seen in Daniel 7:18, 22, 25, and 27. This title underscores that God's rule is ultimate and unchallengeable.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel, specifically in the prophetic visions of chapter 7. It appears in contexts describing the transfer of dominion from worldly kingdoms to the saints of the Most High, highlighting a contrast between temporary human rule and God's everlasting kingdom. For example, in Daniel 7:27, it states, 'Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the saints of the Most High.' The pattern of usage consistently associates 'Most High' with ultimate, divine authority and eschatological victory.
Etymology
The word עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôwn) is the Aramaic form corresponding to the Hebrew word עֶלְיוֹן (H5945), both derived from the root עָלָה (ʻālâ), meaning 'to go up,' 'to ascend,' or 'to be high.' It is a superlative adjective meaning 'highest' or 'most high.' In Semitic languages, this root commonly conveys elevation, superiority, and exaltation. The Aramaic usage in Daniel directly parallels the Hebrew usage found in other books like Psalms and Genesis, where it is also a title for God (e.g., Genesis 14:18-22, Psalm 91:1).
Semantic Range
This title is theologically significant as it affirms the monotheistic supremacy of the God of Israel over all pagan deities and human authorities. It reinforces doctrines of God's sovereignty, kingship, and the ultimate victory of His kingdom. In Daniel's apocalyptic context, it provides hope to persecuted believers by assuring them that despite present oppression, the 'Most High' rules and will establish an everlasting dominion. Understanding this Hebrew/Aramaic term enriches Bible reading by highlighting the cosmic scope of God's authority and the certainty of His prophetic promises.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the title 'Most High' (El Elyon) was used in Canaanite religion for the chief god of the pantheon. However, in Israelite and Jewish tradition, as reflected in the Bible, it was appropriated to describe the one true God's unique supremacy, rejecting polytheism. During the Babylonian exile, when Daniel was written, using this title in Aramaic affirmed to both Jewish and Gentile readers that the God of Israel was the ultimate sovereign, above the gods of Babylon and all earthly empires. This countered the cultural pressure to assimilate to pagan worship.
עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôn, H5945) — The Hebrew equivalent, used more broadly in the Old Testament. אֵל (ʼēl, H410) — A general term for God, often used in compound names like El Elyon. עֶלְיוֹן (ʻelyôwn, H5946) — The Aramaic form used in Daniel, identical in meaning.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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