### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἡλίας (Hēlías), Strong's number `{{G2243}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name אֵלִיָּה (Eliyyah) or אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyyahu), Strong's number `{{H452}}`. The Hebrew name itself is a composite, meaning "My God is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is God." This etymology is profoundly significant, as it encapsulates the prophet's central mission to uphold the exclusive worship of the one true God against the idolatry of Baal in ancient Israel. The semantic range of Ἡλίας is exceptionally narrow, referring almost exclusively to the renowned prophet Elijah, whose life and ministry are detailed in the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings. In the New Testament, the name consistently identifies this specific historical figure or alludes to his prophetic role and expected return.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἡλίας appears frequently in the New Testament, primarily in contexts that highlight Elijah's eschatological significance and his relationship to Jesus Christ.
* **John the Baptist as Elijah:** Jesus explicitly links John the Baptist to Elijah, stating, "And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come" [[Matthew 11:14]]. This connection is further elaborated when the disciples ask about Elijah's coming, and Jesus replies, "Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will suffer at their hands" [[Matthew 17:10-13]]. Similar passages appear in [[Mark 9:11-13]] and [[Luke 1:17]], where John is said to go before the Lord "in the spirit and power of Elijah." These passages demonstrate the New Testament's understanding of John's ministry as fulfilling the prophecy of Elijah's return (Malachi 4:5-6), albeit in a spiritual rather than literal sense.
* **The Transfiguration:** Elijah appears alongside Moses with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration [[Matthew 17:3-4]], [[Mark 9:4-5]], [[Luke 9:30-33]]. This momentous event signifies Jesus' fulfillment of both the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah). Their presence validates Jesus' identity as the Messiah and confirms His divine authority.
* **The Crucifixion:** During Jesus' crucifixion, some bystanders misunderstand His cry, thinking He is calling for Elijah to come and save Him [[Matthew 27:47]], [[Mark 15:35-36]]. This reveals a popular expectation among some Jews that Elijah might appear as a deliverer, reflecting the enduring hope associated with his return.
* **Jesus' Ministry and Elijah's Example:** In [[Luke 4:25-26]], Jesus references Elijah's ministry during a famine, noting that God sent him to a Gentile widow in Zarephath rather than to many Israelite widows. This highlights God's sovereign choice and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.
* **Elijah as an Example of Prayer:** The Apostle James uses Elijah as a powerful example of the efficacy of fervent prayer: "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit" [[James 5:17-18]]. This passage underscores the power of a righteous person's prayer and emphasizes Elijah's humanity, making him an accessible model for believers.
* **Paul's Argument in Romans:** In [[Romans 11:2]], Paul refers to Elijah's complaint to God about Israel's apostasy, where Elijah believed he was the only faithful one left. God's response to Elijah, revealing a remnant of 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal, serves as an analogy for God's preservation of a faithful remnant in Israel during Paul's time.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Ἡλίας is enriched by examining its connections to other biblical words and theological concepts:
* **Hebrew Original:** The direct Hebrew antecedent אֵלִיָּה (Eliyyah) or אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyyahu) `{{H452}}` is fundamental, as its meaning "My God is Yahweh" defines the prophet's identity and mission.
* **Divine Names:** The components of Elijah's name, אֵל (El) `{{H410}}` (God) and יָהּ (Yah) / יְהוָה (Yahweh) (the divine covenant name), underscore the prophet's intimate relationship with the God of Israel.
* **Prophetic Office:** Προφήτης (Prophētēs) `{{G4396}}`, meaning "prophet," is the primary descriptor of Elijah's role. His ministry embodies the essence of prophecy: speaking for God, calling for repentance, and announcing divine judgment and salvation.
* **Key Figures:**
* Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) `{{G2491}}` (John the Baptist): His identity as the "Elijah who is to come" is a crucial link between the Old and New Covenants.
* Μωϋσῆς (Mōysēs) `{{G3475}}` (Moses): His appearance with Elijah at the Transfiguration signifies the convergence of the Law and the Prophets in Christ.
* **Theological Concepts:** Prophecy, divine judgment, divine provision, fervent prayer, messianic expectation, restoration, zeal for God, and the remnant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ἡλίας in the New Testament is profound and multifaceted:
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** Elijah stands as a pivotal figure in Jewish eschatology, particularly the belief that he would return before the "great and awesome day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5-6). The New Testament presents John the Baptist as the spiritual fulfillment of this prophecy, preparing the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that the Old Testament prophecies find their ultimate meaning and realization in Christ and His kingdom.
* **Witness to Christ's Glory and Authority:** Elijah's appearance with Moses at the Transfiguration is a powerful divine affirmation of Jesus' identity. By conversing with Jesus, Elijah (representing the prophets) and Moses (representing the Law) attest that Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of God's revelation to Israel. This event underscores Jesus' supreme authority as the Son of God.
* **Model of Faith and Prayer:** James's use of Elijah as an example of powerful prayer (James 5:17-18) provides a vital lesson for believers. It highlights that even a great prophet like Elijah was a human being subject to the same limitations as others, yet his fervent, righteous prayer had immense effect. This encourages believers to approach God in prayer with confidence and persistence, knowing that God hears and responds.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Grace:** Jesus' reference to Elijah's ministry to the Gentile widow of Zarephath (Luke 4:25-26) subtly foreshadows the expansion of God's redemptive work beyond the boundaries of Israel. It demonstrates God's sovereign freedom to extend His grace to whomever He chooses, laying groundwork for the universal scope of the Gospel.
* **Zeal for God and the Remnant:** Elijah's life was characterized by an unwavering zeal for Yahweh in the face of widespread idolatry. His experience, as recounted by Paul in Romans 11, illustrates God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant even in times of national apostasy, offering hope and assurance that God never abandons His covenant people entirely.
### Summary
The Greek word Ἡλίας (Hēlías) `{{G2243}}` refers to the prophet Elijah, whose Hebrew name means "My God is Yahweh." In the New Testament, Elijah is a figure of immense theological importance, serving as a bridge between the Old and New Covenants. His appearances and mentions consistently point to the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is presented as the prophetic forerunner to the Messiah (through John the Baptist), a key witness to Jesus' divine glory at the Transfiguration, and an inspiring example of effective, fervent prayer. Furthermore, his ministry underscores themes of God's sovereign grace extending to Gentiles and His faithfulness in preserving a remnant. Elijah's enduring legacy is one of zealous devotion to God and a powerful testimony to the efficacy of faith and prayer, all ultimately serving to illuminate the redemptive plan centered in Jesus Christ.
TRV