Elisha

The name that is transliterated as “Elisha” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying “help + prophet.” (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Elisha” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

In American Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “bald,” referring to 2 Kings 2:23. This is a sign that was adapted from Kenyan Sign Language. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Elisha” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with with the sign depicting “putting on mantel” referring to 2 Kings 2:13. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Elisha” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

Following is a Russian Orthodox icon of Elisha from the 18th century (found in the Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia).

 
Orthodox Icons are not drawings or creations of imagination. They are in fact writings of things not of this world. Icons can represent our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints. They can also represent the Holy Trinity, Angels, the Heavenly hosts, and even events. Orthodox icons, unlike Western pictures, change the perspective and form of the image so that it is not naturalistic. This is done so that we can look beyond appearances of the world, and instead look to the spiritual truth of the holy person or event. (Source )

Translation commentary on 2 Kings 13:15

Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows”: The direct quotation here is rendered as an indirect statement in Moffatt, which has “Elisha told him to take his bow and arrows.” This may be a helpful model for other languages.

A literal rendering of the verb Take may lead to misunderstanding in some languages. The intent seems to be that Jehoash should somehow “Get” (Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “Bring” (New Jerusalem Bible) a bow and some arrows to the place where the prophet was dying.

So he took a bow and arrows: The fulfillment of Elisha’s order is emphasized by the repetition of all the elements contained in the command. This detailed repetition, however, may or may not be natural in other languages. If it is not, a shorter summary statement like that of Good News Translation may be used.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .