### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼÊlîyâh**, represented by `{{H452}}`, is a proper name meaning **God of Jehovah**. It appears **71 times** across **65 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is most famously associated with the prophet Elijah, but it is also the name of two other Israelites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Elijah `{{H452}}` is a central prophet of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. He is introduced as Elijah `{{H452}}` the Tishbite `{{H8664}}` from Gilead `{{H1568}}`, who declares to King Ahab `{{H256}}` that there will be no dew `{{H2919}}` or rain `{{H4306}}` except by his word `{{H1697}}` [[1 Kings 17:1]]. He confronts the people of Israel `{{H3478}}` for their divided loyalties, challenging them to choose between the LORD `{{H3068}}` and Baal `{{H1168}}` [[1 Kings 18:21]]. His ministry includes miraculous acts, such as calling down fire `{{H784}}` from heaven `{{H8064}}` to consume a captain `{{H8269}}` and his fifty `{{H2572}}` men [[2 Kings 1:10]]. His life concludes not with death, but by being taken up `{{H5927}}` into heaven `{{H8064}}` in a whirlwind `{{H5591}}` with a chariot `{{H7393}}` of fire `{{H784}}` [[2 Kings 2:11]]. The book of Malachi prophesies his return before the great `{{H1419}}` and dreadful `{{H3372}}` day `{{H3117}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Malachi 4:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of Elijah's life and ministry:
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or inspired man): Elijah is repeatedly identified as a **prophet** `{{H5030}}`, signifying his role as a messenger for God. This is central to his identity, with Malachi foretelling the sending of "Elijah the **prophet**" [[Malachi 4:5]].
* `{{H477}}` **ʼĔlîshâʻ** (Elisha, the famous prophet): Elisha was Elijah's successor, who asked for and received a double `{{H8147}}` portion `{{H6310}}` of Elijah's spirit `{{H7307}}` before he was taken away [[2 Kings 2:9]]. He continued Elijah's work, as seen when he used Elijah's mantle `{{H155}}` to part the waters `{{H4325}}` [[2 Kings 2:14]].
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal, a Phoenician deity): The worship of **Baal** `{{H1168}}` was the primary form of idolatry Elijah confronted. His challenge to the people was to stop halting between two opinions and choose either the LORD or **Baal** [[1 Kings 18:21]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire): **Fire** is a recurring and powerful element in Elijah's story. It is the instrument of God's judgment and power, as when he called for **fire** from heaven to consume a captain and his men [[2 Kings 1:10]], and when a chariot of **fire** `{{H7393}}` appeared at his ascension [[2 Kings 2:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H452}}` is tied directly to the prophet's ministry and what his name represents.
* **Confronting Idolatry:** Elijah's life is a testament to unwavering loyalty to the LORD `{{H3068}}` in the face of widespread apostasy. He directly challenged the worship of Baal `{{H1168}}` [[1 Kings 18:21]] and rebuked the king for inquiring of Baalzebub `{{H1176}}`, the god of Ekron `{{H6138}}`, instead of the God `{{H430}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` [[2 Kings 1:3]].
* **Demonstration of God's Authority:** Through Elijah, God's supreme authority is demonstrated. This is seen in his power over nature, withholding rain `{{H4306}}` and dew `{{H2919}}` by his word `{{H1697}}` [[1 Kings 17:1]]; over life, when the LORD `{{H3068}}` heard `{{H8085}}` Elijah's voice `{{H6963}}` and the soul `{{H5315}}` of a child `{{H3206}}` was restored [[1 Kings 17:22]]; and over false gods, through the use of fire `{{H784}}` from heaven `{{H8064}}` [[2 Kings 1:10]].
* **Prophetic Forerunner:** Elijah holds a significant eschatological role. The prophet Malachi states that God will send `{{H7971}}` Elijah `{{H452}}` the prophet `{{H5030}}` before the coming of the great `{{H1419}}` and dreadful `{{H3372}}` day `{{H3117}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Malachi 4:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H452}}` represents far more than a historical individual. The name **ʼÊlîyâh**, meaning "God of Jehovah," encapsulates the prophet's entire mission: to call Israel `{{H3478}}` back to the one true God `{{H430}}` and to demonstrate His supreme power over all rivals. He stands as a pillar of prophetic faith, a symbol of God's power over creation and false deities, and a key figure in future prophetic fulfillment.
TRV