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. Luke 18:13; 78:35; 89:27).

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)
3. Luke 6:35 (Jesus)
4. Acts 7:48 (Stephen’s sermon)
5. Acts 16:17 (Philippian slave girl to Paul)
6. Hebrews 7:1
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

See Robert B. Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament, p. 35.