Kataastaasang

Kataastaasang is a Filipino term meaning “the most high” and is used as a reverential epithet for the Supreme Being in Tagalog-speaking Christian communities. The phrase is commonly found in combinations such as Kataastaasang Diyos or Katas-taasang Diyos, which translate to “Most High God.” The form appears in prayers, hymns, and some Tagalog translations of Christian texts, reflecting its role as a title that emphasizes sovereignty and transcendence.

Etymology and forms: The word is built from the Tagalog adjective for high, mataas, with intensifying formations that yield a superlative sense. In practice, variants such as kataastaasan and kat kast-taasan appear, with orthographic differences arising from historical and publisher preferences. The expression is typically used in predicative or attributive positions before the noun Diyos (God).

Usage and context: In both Catholic and Protestant Filipino communities, the epithet is employed to address or refer to God with reverence. It signals divine supremacy and is most common in religious literature, liturgy, and devotional music. It is generally not used in secular contexts.

See also: Diy o s (God), Panginoon (Lord), Kataastaasan (related adjective), Kataastaasang Diyos (Most High God).

This article provides a concise overview of the term, its meaning, and its typical religious usage within Filipino Christian language.