אֱלִישָׁע (e.li.sah)
e.li.sah
Elisha
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 52 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Elisha, rendered from the Hebrew אֱלִישָׁע, carries the meaning "God is salvation." It serves as a fitting title for the prophet who succeeded Elijah, acting as a living sign that divine deliverance remains active even in times of national crisis. The sources note that this name is a contraction of a longer form, emphasizing that the core identity of the figure is defined by God's saving action rather than personal merit.
Scripture records his ministry primarily in the books of Kings, where he appears as Elijah’s companion and successor. His narrative arc begins with being called to serve (1 Kings 19:16) and continues through a series of miracles that demonstrate God’s power over nature and life. The New Testament references him briefly in Luke 4:27, highlighting his role among the prophets during a period when Israel often failed to recognize God’s work.
Translators consistently preserve the name Elisha across both Testaments, linking the Hebrew prophet with the Greek form Elissaios. This continuity underscores his enduring significance in biblical history as a man through whom God provided physical and spiritual sustenance, from feeding the hungry to healing the sick, always pointing back to the source of true salvation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Elisha means "God is salvation," a title that reflects his role as a prophet who demonstrated divine deliverance during times of national crisis. Unlike figures defined by personal power, Elisha’s identity was rooted in God’s saving action, showing us that true strength comes from reliance on the Lord rather than our own abilities.
His life offers comfort when we face uncertainty or transition. When Elijah was taken away, Elisha did not retreat into fear but stepped forward with loyalty and courage. This reminds us that God prepares us for new seasons of service through faithful companionship and steady trust in His presence.
We see this same provision in moments of scarcity, such as when Elisha helped a widow multiply a small amount of oil to save her family from debt. These stories invite us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize how God provides sustenance and hope, pointing always to the source of true salvation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 52 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Elisha49×
- and/ Elisha7×
- of/ Elisha1×
- O Elisha1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֱלִישָׁ֔ע11×
- אֱלִישָֽׁע\׃7×
- אֱלִישָׁ֤ע5×
- אֱלִישָׁע֙4×
- אֱלִישָׁ֣ע4×
- אֱלִישָׁ֖ע4×
- אֱלִישָׁ֑ע4×
- אֱלִישָׁ֜ע3×
- אֱלִישָׁ֗ע3×
- וֶ/אֱלִישָׁע֙2×
- אֱלִישָׁע֒2×
- לֶ/אֱלִישָֽׁע\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 19:19
So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and put his mantle on him.
This verse marks the moment Elisha is called, showing that God initiates service by meeting us in our daily work and placing His authority upon us.
-
II Kings 2:2
Elijah said to Elisha, “Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me as far as Bethel.” Elisha said, “As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
Elisha’s refusal to leave Elijah demonstrates the loyalty required to inherit spiritual leadership and carry forward a divine mission.
-
II Kings 4:2
Elisha said to her, “What should I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She said, “Your servant has nothing in the house, except a pot of oil.”
Here Elisha asks what the widow has, revealing that God often uses our limited resources to create abundance when we offer them in faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elisha mean?
How is Elisha different from Elijah?
Where does Elisha appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (52 verses across 2 books)
I Kings 3 verses
Anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be…
I Kings 19:17He who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and he who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill.
I Kings 19:19So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and…