Meaning & History
Elishua is a Hebrew biblical name found in the Old Testament as the name of a son of King David. The name Elishua is an extended form of Elisha 1, derived from the Hebrew אֱלִישׁוּעַ (ʾElishuaʿ), which is composed of אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God" and יָשַׁע (yashaʿ) meaning "to save, to deliver". Thus, the name Elishua carries the poetic meaning "my God is salvation" or "God is salvation". However, unlike the prophet Elisha, who is well-known from biblical narratives, Elishua is a relatively obscure figure, mentioned only in passing as a son of David.
Etymology
The name Elishua is a variant of Elisha 1, with the added Hebrew letter ו (waw) making it a longer form. In the Hebrew Bible, the names Elisha and Elishua appear to be used interchangeably in some contexts, though Elishua is specifically listed as a son of David in 2 Samuel 5:15 and 1 Chronicles 14:5. The root element ʾel is a common theophoric element in Semitic names, referring to the God of Israel, while yashaʿ is a root related to rescue and deliverance.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Elishua's mention as a son of David places him within the royal lineage of Judah, which is of immense significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. King David is considered a central figure, and his sons, including Elishua, are part of the genealogy leading to the Messiah in Christian theology. However, Elishua himself does not appear in any narratives beyond genealogical lists, and no deeds or stories are associated with him. The name's rarity highlights the biblical tradition of naming children with theophoric names that expressed devotion to God.
Notable Bearers
The only notable bearer of the name Elishua in historical records is David's son, who lived in the 10th century BCE. Unlike the prophet Elisha 1, who performed miracles and served as a prophet in Israel, Elishua's life remains unrecorded. The name itself is almost never used in modern times, although its root form Elisha remains popular among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families due to the prophet's legacy.
Related Forms
Elishua is closely related to several forms in other languages, derived from the prophet's name: Elisaie (Biblical Greek), Eliseus (Biblical Latin), Élisée (French), Eliseo (Spanish and Italian), Elisie (Macedonian), and Eliseu (Portuguese). These forms all stem from the same Hebrew root and share the meaning of "salvation."
- Meaning: "My God is salvation"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name
- Usage: English (biblical), Hebrew (biblical)
- Biblical context: Son of King David in the Old Testament