What Does “El Elyon” Mean?

Long before the New Testament was written, a man named Abraham lifted his hands to God and called Him by a name that still shakes the heavens: El Elyon — “God Most High.”

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High (El Elyon), possessor of heaven and earth.” — Genesis 14:19

Above Every Name

The word elyon means “highest,” “exalted,” “supreme.” When the Bible pairs El (the strong, covenant God) with Elyon, it is declaring that our God is not one god among many — He is above all gods, all powers, all thrones, and all rulers.

The psalmist puts it plainly:

“For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.” — Psalm 47:2

Why It Matters

If El Elyon is above all, then nothing in your life is outside His reach. The anxiety, the bills, the diagnosis, the lonely night — none of it sits higher than the Most High. He possesses heaven and earth, and He knows your name.

To call Him “El Elyon” is to bow: the God who reigns above all is the same God who hears you when you pray.

A Prayer

Lord Most High, You reign above every power and every fear. Teach my heart to trust that nothing is too great for You, and nothing in my life is too small for Your care. In Jesus’ name, amen.