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 (2 Kings 13:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Kings 13:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then, Elisha said to Joash, ‘Take a bow and arrows.’ Joash took (them)” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Elisha said to him, "Get a bow and an arrow and bring them." So he got a bow and an arrow and brought them.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Elisha said, ‘[You (sing.)] get a bow and arrows.’ And Jehoash obeyed it.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Elisha said to him, ‘Bring to me a bow and some arrows!’ So the king did that.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 13:15

Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows”: The direct quotation here is rendered as an indirect statement in Moffatt, which has “Elisha told him to take his bow and arrows.” This may be a helpful model for other languages.

A literal rendering of the verb Take may lead to misunderstanding in some languages. The intent seems to be that Jehoash should somehow “Get” (Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “Bring” (New Jerusalem Bible) a bow and some arrows to the place where the prophet was dying.

So he took a bow and arrows: The fulfillment of Elisha’s order is emphasized by the repetition of all the elements contained in the command. This detailed repetition, however, may or may not be natural in other languages. If it is not, a shorter summary statement like that of Good News Translation may be used.

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

SIL Translator’s Notes on 2 Kings 13:15

13:15a Elisha told him, “Take a bow and some arrows.”

Elisha said to Jehoash, “Take/Find (sing.) a bow and some arrows.”

-or-

The prophet told the king to get/bring a bow and arrows.

13:15b So Jehoash took a bow and some arrows.

Jehoash did ⌊as the prophet had said⌋ .

-or-

And the king brought them to him.

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