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El Elyon

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What is the meaning of El Elyon in the Bible?

El Elyon is a title for God meaning 'God Most High' found in biblical literature, particularly in Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 97:9.

TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing El Elyon as a title rather than a distinct deity helps readers understand the continuity between early Israelite religion and broader Canaanite terminology, clarifying how biblical authors appropriated existing language to assert Yahweh's unique supremacy.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how El Elyon functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention El Elyon in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does El Elyon clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Genesis 14:18-20Psalm 97:9

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"El Elyon." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/el-elyon/
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