1666. Elisaios
Lexical Summary
Elisaios: Elisha

Original Word: Ἐλισαῖος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Elisaios
Pronunciation: eh-lee-SAH-yos
Phonetic Spelling: (el-is-sah'-yos)
KJV: Elissaeus
NASB: Elisha
Word Origin: [of Hebrew origin (H477 (אֱלִישָׁע - Elisha))]

1. Elissaeus, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Elissaeus.

Of Hebrew origin (Eliysha'); Elissaeus, an Israelite -- Elissaeus.

see HEBREW Eliysha'

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Hebrew origin Elisha
Definition
Elisha, an Isr. prophet
NASB Translation
Elisha (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1666: Ἐλισσαιος

Ἐλισσαιος and (so L T) Ἐλισαῖος (cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 107; Tr WH Ἐλισαῖος, cf. WH's Appendix, p. 159), Ἐλισσαίου, , (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
• Cursing of irreverent youths (2 Kings 2:23-24) underscores reverence for God’s appointed servants.
• Prophetic counsel in war (2 Kings 6:8-23) affirms Yahweh’s sovereignty over national affairs.

2. Mercy and Provision
• Healing Jericho’s water (2 Kings 2:19-22) and multiplying a widow’s oil (2 Kings 4:1-7) reveal God’s concern for everyday need.
• Feeding one hundred men with barley loaves (2 Kings 4:42-44) anticipates Jesus’ feedings (Matthew 14:13-21; Matthew 15:32-39).

3. Resurrection Power
• Raising the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:18-37) and the posthumous revival through his bones (2 Kings 13:21) foreshadow Christ’s victory over death.

4. Mission to the Nations
• Cleansing of Naaman the Syrian (2 Kings 5) displays God’s grace toward Gentiles, a point Jesus emphasizes in Luke 4:27: “And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”

Prophetic Typology

Elisha’s works mirror and prefigure Jesus’:
• Multiplication of food → John 6:1-14.
• Healing of leprosy → Matthew 8:2-4.
• Raising the dead → Luke 7:11-17; John 11:1-44.

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.”
2. Divine outreach beyond Israel: God bypasses unbelief to bless a foreigner with faith.
3. Continuity of redemptive history: From Elisha to Jesus, the divine pattern remains consistent—grace is extended where hearts are receptive.

Lessons for Christian Discipleship

• Availability: Elisha left oxen and fields immediately—prompt obedience remains exemplary.
• Dependence on the Spirit: Ministry effectiveness derives from God’s endowment, not mere succession.
• Compassionate Engagement: Miracles addressed material and spiritual need, offering a model for holistic gospel witness.
• Faith Over Familiarity: Jesus’ reference warns against the complacency that can arise among those most familiar with divine truth.

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 Elisaíou
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 4:27 N-GMS
GRK: Ἰσραὴλ ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου τοῦ προφήτου
NAS: in the time of Elisha the prophet;
KJV: in the time of Eliseus the prophet;
INT: Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet

Strong's Greek 1666
1 Occurrence


Ἐλισαίου — 1 Occ.

1665
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