Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek names used in the New Testament is essential for deepening one’s comprehension of the Scriptures. The Greek word Ἐλισαῖος (Elisaíos) is significant as it refers to Elisha, one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament. Known for his miracles and his role as the successor to the prophet Elijah, Elisha’s story is integral to the Biblical narrative. His name, which means “God is salvation,” reflects the central theme of divine deliverance that runs through the Bible. By examining the name Ἐλισαῖος, we gain insight not only into the character of Elisha but also into the theological messages conveyed through his life and ministry. This overview will explore the meaning, usage, and significance of the name Ἐλισαῖος in both the Biblical text and the broader cultural context of ancient Israel.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἐλισαῖος (Elisaíos) [eh-lee-SAH-ee-os]

Etymology:

• Derived from the Hebrew name אֱלִישָׁע (Elisha), meaning “God is salvation.” The name combines the elements אֵל (El, meaning “God”) and יָשַׁע (yasha, meaning “to save” or “salvation”).

Part of Speech:

• Proper noun (Masculine, indeclinable)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

• Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Elisha, a prominent prophet in the Old Testament, known for his role as the successor to Elijah and his numerous miracles that demonstrated God’s power and salvation.

Similar Words:

• Ἠλίας (Elias) [eh-LEE-as]: The Greek form of Elijah, meaning “My God is Yahweh.” Elijah was the predecessor of Elisha and is closely linked with him in the Biblical narrative. While Elias (Elijah) emphasizes the relationship with God (Yahweh), Elisaíos (Elisha) focuses on the concept of salvation through God.
• Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) [ee-ay-SOOS]: The Greek form of Jesus, meaning “The Lord is salvation.” Like Elisha, the name emphasizes God’s role in salvation, though in a New Testament context, it refers to the ultimate fulfillment of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Both Ἐλισαῖος and Ἠλίας are connected through their prophetic ministries and their roles in demonstrating God’s power. However, Ἐλισαῖος is specifically associated with acts of salvation and deliverance, making his name a reflection of his divine mission.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: Ἐλισαῖος is an indeclinable proper noun in Greek, meaning it retains the same form regardless of its grammatical case in a sentence. This is typical for names transliterated from Hebrew into Greek, preserving their original form and meaning. Table: Declension of Ἐλισαῖος (Elisaíos) Case Singular Nominative Ἐλισαῖος Genitive Ἐλισαῖος Dative Ἐλισαῖος Accusative Ἐλισαῖος Vocative Ἐλισαῖος

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes Ἐλισαῖος as the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elisha, noting its appearance in the New Testament as a reference to the Old Testament prophet. The lexicon emphasizes the significance of Elisha’s name in relation to his prophetic role, highlighting the theme of salvation that characterizes his ministry.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon explains that Ἐλισαῖος means “God is salvation,” connecting the name to the prophet Elisha in the Old Testament. Thayer’s discusses Elisha’s role as a miracle worker and a prophet who succeeded Elijah, stressing his importance in the Biblical narrative.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary explores Ἐλισαῖος within the context of Biblical names that reflect divine attributes, particularly those associated with salvation. Vine’s notes that Elisha’s name and ministry are closely linked to the demonstration of God’s power to save and deliver His people.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon, while primarily focused on classical Greek literature, acknowledges Ἐλισαῖος as a transliteration of the Hebrew name Elisha, found in the Septuagint and the New Testament. The lexicon highlights the cultural and linguistic adaptation of Hebrew names into Greek.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies Ἐλισαῖος as the Greek form of the name Elisha, meaning “God is salvation.” The concordance emphasizes Elisha’s role as a prophet and the significance of his name in relation to the divine acts of salvation recorded in the Old Testament.

Scripture References:

• Luke 4:27 – “And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha (Ἐλισαῖος), and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
• 2 Kings 2:14 – “Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, ‘Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?’ And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha (Ἐλισαῖος) went over.”

Classical Usage:

Given that Ἐλισαῖος is a name of Hebrew origin and specifically used in the context of the Old Testament and New Testament, it does not appear in classical Greek literature. Its usage is confined to Biblical texts where it refers to the prophet Elisha, highlighting his role in the narrative of God’s salvation.

Summary of Ἐλισαῖος (G1666: Elisaíos):

The Greek name Ἐλισαῖος, meaning “God is salvation,” refers to the Old Testament prophet Elisha, a key figure in the Biblical narrative known for his miraculous works and his role as the successor to Elijah. Elisha’s ministry is characterized by acts of salvation, healing, and divine intervention, making his name a fitting reflection of his life’s mission. Understanding the significance of Ἐλισαῖος enhances our appreciation for the themes of divine deliverance and the continuity of God’s work throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Did You Know?

Elisha’s name, Ἐλισαῖος, is closely linked to the theme of salvation, which is a central concept in both the Old and New Testaments. Interestingly, the prophet Elisha is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately fulfill the promise of salvation for all humanity. Elisha’s miracles, particularly the raising of the dead and the healing of lepers, prefigure the miracles of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of God’s saving work across the Scriptures.