Refiner Word Study elias (G2243)
G2243  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
Ἠλίας
elias
30 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"Elijah, pr name, (1 Ki. 17-20), Mt. 11:14; 17:3f.; Mk. 15:35f.; Lk. 1:7; Jn. 1:21; Jas. 5:17"

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Definition and meaning

What does elias mean in Greek?

30
Occurrences in Scripture
G2243
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

Elijah, pr name, (1 Ki. 17-20), Mt. 11:14; 17:3f.; Mk. 15:35f.; Lk. 1:7; Jn. 1:21; Jas. 5:17

In the original Greek the word is written: Ἠλίας

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 10 Bible verses with elias

These are the most notable occurrences of elias (G2243) across the King James Bible.

Matthew 11:14

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

Matthew 16:14

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

Matthew 17:3

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Matthew 17:4

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Matthew 17:10

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Matthew 17:11

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

Matthew 17:12

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Matthew 27:47

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

Matthew 27:49

The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

Mark 6:15

Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about elias

What does elias mean in Greek?

Strong's G2243 (elias) is a Greek word that means: Elijah, pr name, (1 Ki. 17-20), Mt. 11:14; 17:3f.; Mk. 15:35f.; Lk. 1:7; Jn. 1:21; Jas. 5:17 It appears 30 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does elias appear in the Bible?

The word elias (G2243) appears 30 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G2243?

Strong's G2243 is elias, a Greek word defined as: Elijah, pr name, (1 Ki. 17-20), Mt. 11:14; 17:3f.; Mk. 15:35f.; Lk. 1:7; Jn. 1:21; Jas. 5:17. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is elias in the Old Testament or New Testament?

elias is a Greek word found in the New Testament.