Elisha
Elisha in the Bible
Elisha is the prophetic successor to Elijah whose ministry in the northern kingdom includes miracles, counsel to kings, acts of mercy, and involvement in major political transitions.
Elisha at a Glance
Key Bible Passages About Elisha
Old Testament
1 Kings 19:19–21
Elijah calls Elisha from his work in the fields.
2 Kings 2:1–15
Elisha witnesses Elijah’s departure and receives his mantle.
2 Kings 4:1–37
Elisha provides for a widow and restores the Shunammite woman’s son.
2 Kings 5:1–19
Elisha directs Naaman to wash in the Jordan and he is healed.
2 Kings 6:8–23
Elisha reveals Aramean plans and responds to captured enemies with a feast.
2 Kings 8:7–15
Elisha speaks with Hazael and foresees future violence.
2 Kings 9:1–10
Elisha sends a prophetic representative to anoint Jehu.
2 Kings 13:14–21
Elisha dies; a later corpse revives after touching his bones.
New Testament
Luke 4:27
Jesus refers to Elisha and Naaman.
The Story of Elisha
Elisha first appears when Elijah calls him from plowing. He leaves his former life and serves Elijah. In 2 Kings 2 Elisha witnesses Elijah’s departure, receives his mantle, and begins an independent prophetic ministry.
Elisha’s narratives include providing water, multiplying oil, raising the Shunammite woman’s son, purifying food, feeding a large group, healing Naaman the Syrian, and causing an iron axe head to float. He also advises kings during military crises and repeatedly demonstrates knowledge of enemy plans.
Elisha’s ministry is deeply involved with the political world of Israel and neighboring Syria. He weeps when foreseeing Hazael’s future violence and sends a prophetic representative to anoint Jehu. Even after Elisha’s death, 2 Kings records a dead man reviving after touching his bones.
Jesus later refers to Elisha’s healing of Naaman when speaking at Nazareth.
Where Does Elisha Appear in the Bible?
Old Testament
1 Kings 19:19–21MAJOR APPEARANCE
Elisha is called to follow Elijah.
2 Kings 2MAJOR APPEARANCE
Elisha succeeds Elijah.
2 Kings 3–7MAJOR APPEARANCE
Elisha performs miracles and advises during national crises.
2 Kings 8–9MAJOR APPEARANCE
Elisha participates in prophetic announcements surrounding dynastic change.
2 Kings 13:14–21MAJOR APPEARANCE
Elisha’s final illness, death, and the episode involving his bones are recorded.
New Testament
Luke 4:27
Jesus cites Naaman’s healing during Elisha’s time.
Historical & Cultural Context
Elisha ministers in the northern kingdom during continuing conflict with Aram/Syria and during dynastic change from the house of Ahab to Jehu.
Literary Role
Elisha succeeds Elijah but is not simply a duplicate. His narratives are unusually rich in miracle stories involving households, prophetic communities, foreigners, kings, and warfare.
Character & Significance
Elisha’s ministry demonstrates prophetic authority through both public national events and intensely personal acts of provision and restoration. His stories show God’s activity extending beyond Israel, most famously in the healing of Naaman.
Important People in Elisha’s Life
Elijah
Prophetic mentor and predecessorElisha follows Elijah and receives his mantle.
Naaman
Syrian commander healedElisha directs Naaman to wash in the Jordan.
Gehazi
ServantGehazi serves Elisha but is judged after deceiving Naaman.
Hazael
Syrian kingElisha foretells Hazael’s rise and the harm he will bring to Israel.
The Life and Story of Elisha
Called by Elijah
Elisha leaves his work to follow Elijah.
Receives Elijah’s Mantle
Elisha begins his independent ministry.
Shunammite Woman
Elisha promises a son and later restores him to life.
Naaman Healed
A Syrian commander is healed after following Elisha’s instruction.
National Crises
Elisha counsels during conflict and siege.
Jehu’s Anointing
Elisha initiates the prophetic mission that anoints Jehu.
Death
Elisha dies after a final prophetic interaction with Israel’s king.
Research Questions About Elisha
How is Elisha similar to and different from Elijah?
Compare their call, miracles, royal confrontations, and the structure of their ministries.
Why is Naaman’s healing significant?
Study 2 Kings 5 and Jesus’ use of the episode in Luke 4.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elisha
Who was Elisha in the Bible?
Elisha was Elijah’s prophetic successor and a major prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel.
What miracles did Elisha perform?
Second Kings records provision of oil, raising a child, healing Naaman, feeding a crowd, making an axe head float, and other signs.
Who was Naaman?
Naaman was a Syrian commander healed after Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan.
Does Jesus mention Elisha?
Yes. Luke 4:27 refers to Elisha and the healing of Naaman.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
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“Elisha: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/people/elisha/. Accessed October 1, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Elisha: Life, Story, Bible Verses & Significance.” Accessed October 1, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/people/elisha/.
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