Lexical Summary Elisaios: Elisha Original Word: Ἐλισαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Elissaeus. Of Hebrew origin (Eliysha'); Elissaeus, an Israelite -- Elissaeus. see HEBREW Eliysha' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Elisha Definition Elisha, an Isr. prophet NASB Translation Elisha (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1666: ἘλισσαιοςἘλισσαιος and (so L T) Ἐλισαῖος (cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 107; Tr WH Ἐλισαῖος, cf. WH's Appendix, p. 159), Ἐλισσαίου, ὁ, (אֱלִישַׁע my God is salvation), Elisha, a distinguished O. T. prophet, the disciple, companion, and successor of Elijah (1 Kings 19:16; 2 Kings 1-13): Luke 4:27. Topical Lexicon Canonical Placement and Occurrence The Greek form Ἐλισαίου (Strong’s 1666) appears once in the New Testament at Luke 4:27. There it serves as the genitive of “Elisha,” anchoring Jesus’ teaching in Nazareth to the well–known prophetic narratives of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Historical Setting Elisha ministered primarily in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz and Joash (approximately 850–790 B.C.). His tenure spans the turbulent years that saw Israel struggle with Baal worship, Aramean aggression and internal instability. Raised in Abel-meholah as the son of Shaphat, Elisha was called from plowing to prophetic service when Elijah cast his mantle upon him (1 Kings 19:19-21). Succession and Anointing Elisha’s request for a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9) reflects both filial inheritance language and an eagerness for amplified prophetic power. The parted Jordan (2 Kings 2:14) demonstrates immediate divine ratification of that request. Major Acts and Their Theological Import 1. Judgments and Signs of Covenant Fidelity 2. Mercy and Provision 3. Resurrection Power 4. Mission to the Nations Prophetic Typology Elisha’s works mirror and prefigure Jesus’: The parallels reinforce Scripture’s unity, portraying Elisha as a divinely appointed foreshadowing of the Messiah’s compassion and authority. Relationship with Elijah While Elijah often confronts rulers in dramatic judgment, Elisha’s ministry largely operates among common people, illustrating complementary aspects of prophetic service—confrontation and consolation, judgment and mercy. Use in Jesus’ Nazareth Sermon (Luke 4:24-27) By citing Elisha, Jesus affirms: 1. Prophetic rejection at home: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” Lessons for Christian Discipleship • Availability: Elisha left oxen and fields immediately—prompt obedience remains exemplary. Later Jewish and Early Church Reception Second-Temple literature and patristic writings esteem Elisha as a paradigm of wonder-working power yet subordinate to Jesus. Church Fathers (e.g., Irenaeus, Tertullian) cite his miracles when arguing for continuity between the covenants and the superiority of Christ’s ministry. Concluding Reflection The single New Testament occurrence of Ἐλισαίου acts as a gateway to a rich Old Testament portrait. Elisha’s life testifies that the God who acted through prophets now acts climactically in His Son, calling every generation—even Gentile outsiders like Naaman—to obedient faith. Forms and Transliterations έλικι Ελισαιου Ἐλισαίου Elisaiou ElisaíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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