What Does the Name Elijah Mean In the Bible?

What Does the Name Elijah Mean In the Bible?

Names can have a very interesting history, and are not simply a way to label people or commodify them— though this is an important reason for choosing a good name, too! For example, the meaning of a name can differ depending upon the location, language, or culture it is being derived from. Names can even have biblical or religious significance! An example of a name we see in the Christian Bible is the name Elijah.

Read on to learn more about the name Elijah, including the biblical meaning and appearance of the name, as well as its name history throughout the years. 

Meaning of the Name Elijah

When it comes to names, each name has a particular meaning. These can differ— even when it comes to the same name— based on certain factors like language, location, or, in this case, religion. For the purpose of this article, we will be discussing the name Elijah as it pertains to Christianity and the Christian Bible. Elijah comes from a Hebrew phrase that appears in the Old Testament of the Bible. The phrase means “Yahweh is my God”, or “Jehovah is my God”.

The name Elijah can be translated to mean “the Lord is my God”, as well as to mean “Yahweh is my God”, just like the Hebrew phrase can be translated to mean. This is a strong, classic name. It can be a wonderful name to choose to show unshakable faith and loyalty to the Lord.

Further on in this article, we will also go on to discuss the significance of Elijah in the Bible, as well as how and when it appears!

Read Also – What does the Name Asher Mean in the Bible?

Read Also – What does the Number 4 Mean in the Bible?

Significance of the Name Elijah

Elijah also has a special significance, especially as it pertains to the Bible. Elijah was a figure who appeared in the text of the Christian Bible in the Old Testament. It was the name of a very well-known prophet, so choosing the name Elijah is a powerful nod to your Christian faith.

The prophet Elijah was an important figure during a turbulent time in the history of Israel. He is first mentioned in 1 Kings 17 when he declared drought as the punishment for the evil doings of the kings of Israel.

There were many events that Elijah was at the center of. For example, the son of a widow in Zarephath got sick and died when Elijah was visiting. He pleaded with God and then stretched himself on top of the boy three times, which brought the child back to life.

Name History of the Name Elijah

The name Elijah is usually a boy’s given name. It has a long-reaching history since it dates all the way back to the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.

There are also nicknames and other variations on the name Elijah, some of the more common being Eli or Elisha. It is a very popular boy’s name these days and was the 4th most popular name in the year 2021. There are also many famous Elijahs. One of these is Elijah Wood, who played Frodo in Lord of the Rings! 

Read Also – What Does the Number 59 Mean in the Bible?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Elijah mean in the Bible?

Elijah is a strong and classic name, due to it being found in the Bible. However, it also has a bit of flair and is not quite as plain as some other classic names may seem. In the Bible, the name Elijah means “Yahweh is my God”, or “the Lord is my God”. It is derived from a Hebrew name that means “Jehovah is my God”, so the name is almost an exact translation of this Hebrew phrase. It can be found in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. 

Is Elijah a strong name?

When you are choosing a name for your child, you likely want one that has a certain vibe or certain characteristics. This can be due to the meaning or translation of the name, or due to how the name sounds when spoken or looks when written— or some combination of all of these factors!

If you are considering the name Elijah for your baby, you may be wondering if it is a strong name. Elijah is considered to be a strong name, but it is also a good fit for someone who is kind, just, and good.

Elijah means “the Lord is my God”, as well as some other similar translations, so it can be a great name to show unshakeable faith and strong morals and beliefs. It is a name that can be considered to be strong, classic, and mature as well. 

What does Elijah mean in Greek?

The name Elijah can be found in the Christian Bible, and in this case, it is derived from a Hebrew phrase which means “Jehovah is my God”.

However, the name is also Greek. You may be wondering what the name means in Greek as well, and if it is the same as its biblical meaning. Yes, the two translations and meanings of the name are similar!

In Greek, Elijah comes from the Hebrew root as well— Eliyahu and the Ancient Greek Hēlías are translated to mean “my God is the Lord”. This is almost the exact same translation as the biblical meaning of the name. 

What is Elijah’s short name?

Nicknames are always a great way to shorten a name that is long or can be difficult to say and pronounce. Many people also use nicknames when they do not like their full names.

In addition to all of this, a nickname can simply be a fond way to refer to a friend, loved one, or even just a beloved pet! When it comes to shorter names, like the name Elijah, a nickname is not always necessary. However, if you do want a nickname for Elijah, there are still some that you could choose from, such as Eli, Lijah, Lijey, Lahje, or Jah.

The one that is the most common is usually Eli. 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
lucas profile 15 degrees ne
About the author

Lucas is a former worship pastor and Hillsong College graduate (2005). He has spoken at churches, conferences and worship events and loves inspiring people to be more than just a Sunday service-goer. He founded 15 Degrees NE and is one of our leading authors.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments