Elyon meaning “above” or “uppermost
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" 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.
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.
Jeff Benner, in his dictionaries, translates "Elyon" simply as "Superior to others," meaning one who commands, rather than the "Most High."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Samson’s Birth and Blessing
Biglino suggests that the "malakhim," or angels, were likely part of a military hierarchy under the command of the Elohim, with Elyon as the supreme commander.
He is described as the king of Salem (often identified with Jerusalem) and a priest of "God Most High" (El Elyon).
Priest of God Most High: Melchizedek is notable for being a priest of El Elyon without any recorded lineage or connection to the Levitical priesthood, which was later established through Aaron.
"When the Most High (Elyon) gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
In this passage, "Elyon" refers to "the Most High," which is a title used for God, and "YHWH" (Yahweh) refers to the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.
Behanchel Elyon goyim behafrido benei adam yatzev gevulot amim lemispar benei Yisrael.
בְּהַנְחֵל עֶלְיוֹן (Behanchel Elyon): "When the Most High apportioned" or "gave as an inheritance."
Meaning: The term Elyon means "Most High" and is often used as a title for God to emphasize His supreme power and authority over all other beings and gods.
Usage: Elyon is frequently used in conjunction with other names for God to highlight His exalted status, such as in "El Elyon" (God Most High).
Elyon emphasizes God's supreme status and is often used in contexts that highlight His exalted position over all things.
The Hebrew term עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon) can be translated in various ways, depending on the context and emphasis.
Here are some alternative translations for Elyon:
The term Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן) is used in several places in the Hebrew Bible, primarily to denote God's supreme status and authority.
Here are some notable instances where Elyon is used:
Context: Melchizedek, king of Salem, is described as a priest of "God Most High" (El Elyon) when he blesses Abram.
He was priest of God Most High (El Elyon).
And he blessed him and said, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High (El Elyon), Possessor of heaven and earth.'"
Verse: "When the Most High (Elyon) gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God."
Verse: "I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Elyon)."
Verse: "I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High (Elyon)."
Verse: "The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High (Elyon) uttered His voice."
Verse: "For the Lord Most High (Elyon) is awesome, a great King over all the earth."
Verse: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High (Elyon) will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
Verse: "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High (Elyon)."
These instances illustrate how Elyon is used to emphasize God's supreme authority, power, and exalted nature across various contexts in the Hebrew Bible.
When the Most High (Elyon) gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
Trinity: El, YHWH, Asherah
El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) - God Most High
Yahweh YHWH
"The Elyown Took the Earth * YHWH's portion was the DesertElyown -This term is likely derived from the Hebrew word "Elyon," meaning "Most High." In ancient texts, "Elyon" is a title used for God, often referring to the supreme deity or the highest god in a pantheon.Took the Earth: This suggests that Elyown, the Most High, claimed dominion over the entire earth or was allotted the earth."YHWH's portion was the Desert":Portion was the Desert: This indicates that the specific territory or domain assigned to YHWH was the desert, a place often associated with divine encounters and significant events in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., the Exodus, Moses' wanderings).The phrase might reflect a concept from ancient Near Eastern religious traditions where different gods were believed to have dominion over specific regions or aspects of nature.
Biblical References:Deuteronomy 32:8-9: This passage speaks of the division of nations by the Most High (Elyon) and mentions that YHWH's portion is His people, Jacob, but earlier traditions might have influenced this allocation of regions or roles to deities.Psalms 78:40 and Psalms 106:14: These refer to the Israelites' experiences in the desert and their relationship with YHWH during that time.
El was Anu but because of Enlil (Baal) he maybe was renamed Elyon for distinguish them, Elohim are sons of El (The Semitic root ʾlh (Arabic ʾilāh, Aramaic ʾAlāh, ʾElāh, Hebrew ʾelōah) may be ʾl with a parasitic h, and ʾl may be an abbreviated form of ʾlh) infact in Ugaritic the plural form meaning "gods" is ʾilhm, equivalent to Hebrew ʾelōhîm "powers" source