Uttermost
An Archaic Term with Deep Meaning
The word 'uttermost' appears frequently in the King James Version as a pleonastic compound combining a comparative ('utter,' meaning outer) with a superlative ('most'). It is used interchangeably with 'utmost' and 'outmost' throughout the KJV. While modern translations typically replace it with clearer terms like 'farthest,' 'ends,' or 'completely,' the underlying biblical concepts it conveys remain powerful and theologically significant.
Geographical Uses: The Ends of the Earth
In many passages, 'uttermost' describes the farthest geographical extent. The Queen of Sheba came from 'the uttermost parts of the earth' to hear Solomon's wisdom (Matthew 12:42). God promises that the Messiah's dominion will reach 'the uttermost parts of the earth' (Psalm 2:8). Jesus commissioned his disciples to be witnesses 'unto the uttermost part of the earth' (Acts 1:8). In these contexts, the word emphasizes the universal scope of God's reign and the gospel's reach, extending to every corner of the world without limit.
Theological Uses: Completeness and Totality
The most theologically significant use of 'uttermost' appears in Hebrews 7:25: 'He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.' Here, 'uttermost' carries the meaning of completeness and totality. Christ's saving power is not partial or limited; it extends to the fullest possible degree. This encompasses both the depth of sin from which he can rescue and the duration of his saving work, which continues perpetually through his intercession.
The Uttermost Farthing
Jesus used the concept of 'uttermost' in his teaching about reconciliation and justice. In the Sermon on the Mount, he warned that one who refuses to settle a dispute may be thrown into prison and will 'by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing' (Matthew 5:26). The image conveys absolute thoroughness — every last debt must be paid. This teaching emphasizes the urgency of making peace and the completeness of divine justice.
Tabernacle and Temple References
In the construction of the tabernacle, 'uttermost' describes the outermost edge of curtains and coverings (Exodus 26:4, 10). These seemingly mundane references carry theological weight, as the precise measurements and positions of the tabernacle elements reflected God's exacting standards for worship. The 'uttermost' curtain was at the farthest boundary of the sacred space, marking the limits of the consecrated area.
God's Unlimited Reach
Throughout Scripture, the concept behind 'uttermost' consistently points to the limitless nature of God's power, knowledge, and salvation. Whether describing the farthest point of the earth, the completeness of Christ's saving work, or the thoroughness of divine justice, the word reminds readers that there is no place too distant, no sin too deep, and no need too great for God to reach.
Biblical Context
The word 'uttermost' appears across multiple biblical genres. In the Psalms, it describes the far reaches of God's dominion (Psalm 2:8). In the Gospels, it appears in Jesus' teaching about justice (Matthew 5:26) and in reference to the Queen of Sheba (Matthew 12:42). In Acts 1:8, it defines the scope of the apostolic mission. Its most theologically rich use is in Hebrews 7:25, describing the completeness of Christ's saving power.
Theological Significance
The concept of 'uttermost' teaches that God's power and salvation know no limits. Hebrews 7:25 assures believers that Christ can save completely and permanently, not just from the penalty of sin but through ongoing intercession. The geographical uses reinforce the universal scope of God's kingdom and the Great Commission, while the teaching about the 'uttermost farthing' underscores the thoroughness of divine justice.
Historical Background
The English word 'uttermost' was common in Elizabethan usage but has largely fallen out of everyday speech. In the ancient world, the concept of the 'ends of the earth' reflected both geographical knowledge and cosmological beliefs. For ancient Israelites, the known world extended from the western Mediterranean to the eastern deserts, and the 'uttermost parts' represented the limits of human civilization. The Queen of Sheba's visit from southern Arabia exemplified this vast geographical scope.