Elijah

The name that is transliterated as “Elijah” in English means “God-LORD,” “strength of the LORD,” “my God is YHWH.” “the LORD God.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated as “whirlwind” (according to 2 Kings 2:11) (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. )


“Elijah” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

Click or tap here to see how other sign languages are translating “Elijah”

In American Sign Language it is translated with a depiction of being taken up to heaven with a chariot of fire. (Source: ASL Sign Language Directory )


“Elijah” in American Sign Language (source )

Likewise in Estonian Sign Language, but with a different sign (source: Liina Paales in Folklore 47, 2011, p. 43ff.)


“Elijah” in Estonian Sign Language (source )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “fire” (referring to 1 Kings 18:38). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Elijah” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Elijah from the late 13h century.

 
Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Elijah .

complete verse (1 Kings 17:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 17:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then, Elijah said to that lady, ‘Do not fear. Go and do as you have said, but you first prepare for me a little bread and bring to me. Then, you also prepare something to eat with your son.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Elijah said to her, "No need to be afraid, Go home right now like you said and prepare food to eat. But before [that] first bake a small flat piece of bread for me and bring it to me. Then you are to prepare something for you and your son.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Elias said to her, ‘You do- not -worry. You go-home, and do what you said. But cook for-me first a small-size of bread from your flour that was-left, and then bring here to me. Afterward, you cook also for you and your child.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But Elijah said to her, ‘Do not be worried! Go home and do what you said that you were going to do. But first, bake me a little loaf of bread and bring it to me. After you do that, take what is left and prepare some food for you and your son.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 17:13

Fear not: Good News Translation says “Don’t worry.” While the emotions of fear and worry are not identical, the intent of the command here is to calm the anxieties of the woman and let her know that “Everything will be fine” (Contemporary English Version).

But first make me a little cake of it is literally “only make me from there a little cake first.” The prophet insists that the woman go ahead with her plan to prepare a meal for herself and her son. But before doing so, he asks that she first bake a small loaf for him. The reason for this seemingly selfish request will be given in the verse that follows.

The Hebrew noun rendered cake (also in 1 Kgs 19.6) refers to a flat, round loaf baked on a hot stone or on hot coals. Translators should avoid giving the impression of a light, sweet dessert-type cake since this loaf contained no sugar. Compare Gen 18.6 and Exo 12.39.

Afterward make for yourself and your son: Revised Standard Version follows the form of the Hebrew by having no object after the verb make. But the Revised Standard Version translation is not natural English, so New Revised Standard Version says “make something.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 17:13

17:13a “Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said.

Elijah replied, “Do (sing) not be afraid. Go (sing) home and do what you said.
-or-
Elijah answered, “Do not fear (sing) ⌊that you will die/starve⌋. You (sing) may go home and do what you have planned.
-or-
“There is no need to be worried/anxious,” Elijah told her. “You (sing) can go back home and do just that.

17:13b But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me.

But first, use (sing) what you (sing) have ⌊at home⌋ to make a small loaf of bread for me. Bring (sing) it to me.
-or-
But before that, get/take what you (sing) have ⌊left⌋. Make (sing) /Prepare (sing) for me a small loaf/cake of bread. Bring (sing) it ⌊here⌋ to me.
-or-
But first bring me a small round of bread baked/made from your ⌊remaining flour and oil⌋.

17:13c Afterward, make some for yourself and your son,

Then prepare (sing) /cook (sing) /make (sing) something for yourself (sing) and your (sing) son ⌊to eat⌋.
-or-
After that, you can prepare (sing) food for your (sing) son and yourself.
-or-
Make/Bake (sing) bread for yourself and your son afterwards.

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