SPECIAL TOPIC: THE MOST HIGH

The title "Most High" (hupsistos) comes from the Septuagint's translation of the Hebrew Elyon. It is first applied to Israel's God in Gen. 14:18,19,20,22, in connection with Melchizedek (cf. Heb. 7:1) and again in Num. 24:16 in connection with Balaam.

Moses uses it of Israel's God in Deut. 32:8 (cf. Acts 17:26). It is used several times in the Psalms (cf. Ps. 18:13; 78:35; 89:27) and a related title in Micah 6:6b.

This title for Deity (i.e., Elyon, see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, B.) is used several times in the NT.

referring to Israel's God
1. Luke 1:35 (Gabriel to Mary)
2. Luke 1:76 (Zacharias to family and friends at the naming of Jesus)
3. Luke 6:35 (Jesus to faithful followers of Jesus)
4. Acts 7:48 (Stephen's sermon to the Sanhedrin)
5. Acts 16:17 (Philippian slave girl to Paul)
6. Hebrews 7:1 (a reference to Melchizedek and Abraham)
referring to Jesus as YHWH's son
1. Luke 1:32 (Gabriel to Mary)
2. Luke 8:28; Mark 5:7 (demon to Jesus)
referring to Jesus as Prophet ? Luke 1:76 (Zacharias)
referring to believers as "sons" ‒ Luke 6:35

For a good study of the use of Hebrew words in the NT, see Robert B. Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament. This term is briefly discussed on p. 35.

Please note that this title used of Israel's Deity does not imply the chief deity of a pantheon. It is a designation of monotheism in the Bible.

SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM