Elisha

The name that is transliterated as “Elisha” in English means “God the Savior,” “to whom God is salvation,” “God of salvation,” “God is Savior.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “help + prophet.” (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Elisha” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In American Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “bald,” referring to 2 Kings 2:23. This is a sign that was adapted from Kenyan Sign Language. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Elisha” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with with the sign depicting “putting on mantel” referring to 2 Kings 2:13. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Elisha .

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

complete verse (1 Kings 19:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 19:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “Hazael will kill the people who worship Baal. But/And those who escape from Hazael, Jehu will kill. And/But those who escape from Jehu, Elisha will kill.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Those who escape the sword of Hazael will be killed by Jehu, those who escape the sword of Jehu will be killed by Elisha.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Hazael will-kill those who-worship Baal. Those who-can-escape from him, Jehu will-kill-(them), and those who-can-escape from Jehu, Elisha will-kill-(them).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Hazael’s army will kill many people, and those who escape from being killed by his army will be killed by Jehu’s army, and those who escape from being killed by Jehu’s army will be killed by Elisha.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 19:17

This verse begins in Hebrew with the verbal transition that is sometimes rendered “And it will happen.”

Him who escapes: The pronoun him is to be understood in the sense of “any person,” “anyone,” or “whoever.” The Hebrew verb rendered escapes is actually a passive form of a verb meaning “save” or “deliver.” But the meaning is adequately translated by the verb “escape” in English. Others may use an expression like “avoids death” or “flees death.”

The sword of Hazael: See Elisha’s words to Hazael in 2 Kgs 8.12. For the use of sword here, see the comments on 1 Kgs 2.8.

Him who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay: There is no record in the Old Testament of Elisha killing people who escaped death from Jehu.

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 19:17

19:17a Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael,

Jehu will kill the one who escapes death at the hands of Hazael.
-or-
Anyone who escapes the soldiers of Hazael, Jehu will kill.
-or-
Jehu will kill/execute anyone that Hazael is not able to kill/execute.

19:17b and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu.

Elisha will kill/execute anyone who escapes death at the hands of Jehu.
-or-
Anyone who escapes Jehu ⌊and his soldiers,⌋ Elisha will kill.
-or-
Elisha will kill/execute anyone that Jehu is not able to kill/execute.

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