Ἡλίας (Hēlias)
Hēlias
Elijah
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Hēlias is the Greek form of Elijah, meaning "my God is Jehovah." It appears thirty times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels where Jesus and his followers identify him as a major prophet. The sources note that early Jewish tradition expected this figure to return before the Messiah arrived, a belief that shaped how people interpreted events during Jesus’ ministry.
Its usage highlights distinct roles for Elijah across different books. In Matthew 17:3, he appears physically with Moses at the Transfiguration, confirming Jesus’ glory. In Luke 1:17, John the Baptist is described as acting in Elijah’s spirit to prepare the people. Romans 11:2 refers to Paul’s own lineage by mentioning Elijah, while James 5:17 recalls his prayerful power over rain.
The variation between Hēlias and the more common Elias reflects manuscript differences noted by textual critics. The name serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament fulfillment, reminding readers of God’s consistent history with Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elijah means "my God is Jehovah," a declaration that anchors faith in the reality of who God is. In the New Testament, this figure appears not just as a distant prophet from the past, but as a living witness to Jesus’ identity and mission. When you encounter references to him, you are seeing how the early believers understood God’s consistent work across generations.
At the Transfiguration, Elijah stands with Moses beside Jesus, confirming that Christ is the fulfillment of both the Law and the Prophets. This moment reminds us that our faith is rooted in a long, unbroken story of God’s faithfulness. It is comforting to know that the same God who spoke through ancient prophets is present with us today.
Even when people misunderstood his role or tried to use him as a last-minute hope, Jesus clarified that Elijah had already come in the person of John the Baptist. This shows how God often works in ways we do not expect, calling us to recognize His presence in the ordinary and the unexpected.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elijah21×
- Elijah,3×
- of Elijah2×
- for Elijah2×
- for Elijah;1×
- Elijah;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἠλίας16×
- Ἠλίαν4×
- Ἠλίᾳ3×
- Ἠλίαν,3×
- Ἠλίου2×
- Ἠλίᾳ·1×
- Ἠλίας·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 17:3
Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
Elijah appears physically with Moses at the Transfiguration, visually confirming Jesus’ divine glory to the disciples.
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Luke 1:17
He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord.”
John the Baptist is described as acting in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the people for the Lord.
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Matthew 11:14
If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy that Elijah would come before the Messiah.
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Luke 4:25
But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land.
Jesus references Elijah’s ministry to a widow in Sidon, highlighting God’s grace extending beyond Israel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hēlias mean?
Why is Elijah mentioned in the New Testament?
Is Elijah the same as Elias?
Every Occurrence (30 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 9 verses
If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
Matthew 16:14They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Matthew 17:3Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
Matthew 17:4Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…
Matthew 17:10His disciples asked him, saying, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
Matthew 17:11Jesus answered them, “Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things;
Matthew 17:12but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…
Matthew 27:47Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”
Matthew 27:49The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”