Table of Contents
Introduction
Mauro Biglino begins by emphasizing the importance of reading the Bible in the clearest, most serene, and accurate way possible. He advocates for a reading that respects what the ancient authors wrote while avoiding the many pointless debates that have dragged on without reaching a consensus.
The Importance of Reading with Intellectual Honesty
Biglino recalls his first video on the term “Elohim,” referencing Professor Garbini, who stated that the Bible was written based not on grammatical rules but on ideological bases.
He argues that modern grammarians have tried to impose grammatical rules on a text that was not originally concerned with them.
Moreover, Garbini points out that even when there is total scholarly agreement on the meaning of a word in ancient texts, this does not guarantee certainty.
Introducing the Term Elyon
Today, Biglino shifts focus to the term “Elyon.” He immediately clarifies that despite the assonance between “Elyon” and “Elohim,” these terms derive from entirely different roots. “Elohim” comes from the root “El,” involving the letter “ain,” while “Elyon” involves the letter “alef.”
Elyon: Meaning and Usage
“Elyon” is an adjective meaning “above” or “uppermost.” Biglino explains that while “Elohim” is a term that encompasses various meanings, “Elyon” has been translated as “Most High” in many instances, though it is not a superlative.
He points out that this translation represents an unjustified forcing of language between Hebrew and other languages.
Scholarly Interpretations of Elyon
Biglino refers to several authoritative sources to demonstrate the varying interpretations of “Elyon.” The Catholic Encyclopedia suggests that “Elyon” indicates a monotheistic tendency, while Jewish scholar Professor Emanuel Tov asserts that “Elyon,” “El,” and “Yahweh” correspond to three different individuals. Furthermore, Dr. Jeff Benner, in his dictionaries, translates “Elyon” simply as “Superior to others,” meaning one who commands, rather than the “Most High.”
Pictographic Origins of Elyon
Biglino delves into the pictographic origins of “Elyon,” explaining that it derives from two pictograms: one representing an eye, symbolizing the one who observes and controls, and the other a shepherd’s staff, symbolizing leadership over others.
He likens this to the way Plato described the gods in “Critias,” as rulers who govern their people like shepherds overseeing their flocks.
Biblical Examples of Elyon
Biglino presents three specific examples from the Bible where “Elyon” is used, demonstrating its concrete application as an adjective rather than as a superlative:
- Deuteronomy 32:8 – “Elyon” is used to describe the division of peoples and the setting of boundaries, where it refers to one who is above others, guiding and controlling them.
- Joshua 16:5 – “Elyon” is used in a geographical context, indicating “upper” Bet Horon, distinguishing it from the lower part of the city. This usage shows that “Elyon” simply means “above” in a literal sense.
- Ezekiel 41:7 – “Elyon” is used to describe the upper part of a building, again emphasizing its non-superlative, concrete meaning.
The Function of Elyon
Biglino concludes that “Elyon” refers not to the “Most High” in a superlative sense, but rather to a governor or leader who is above others, observing and guiding them like a shepherd with his flock.
He stresses that to avoid unnecessary debate, readers should replace “Most High” with “Elyon” when encountering it in the Bible, as this will lead to a clearer and more faithful reading of the text.
Final Remarks
Biglino finishes by reiterating his advice for reading the Bible: replace “Most High” with “Elyon” and “God” with “Elohim” to achieve a more accurate and uncontroversial understanding of the text, in line with the intentions of the ancient authors.
