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 Sirach 48:12

It was Elijah who was covered by the whirlwind: See 2 Kgs 2.9-11. Good News Translation‘s sentence structure here is better than Revised Standard Version‘s structure. Rather than “was hidden” (Good News Translation), it would be possible to say “disappeared” or “vanished”; for example, Contemporary English Version renders this line as “When Elijah disappeared in the whirlwind.”

And Elisha was filled with his spirit may be rendered “and the power of Elijah filled Elisha” or even “The Lord gave Elisha the same power he had given to Elijah.”

In all his days he did not tremble before any ruler: To tremble is to be afraid. Good News Translation‘s model here is helpful, but “rulers” could be changed to “kings.”

And no one brought him into subjection: New Revised Standard Version says “nor could anyone intimidate him at all.” The only problem with Good News Translation is that it makes the rulers of the previous line the subject of this line, but the text is broader than that by saying no one. Perhaps this line could be rendered “and no one could force him to do what he did not want to do” or “No one could force their will on him.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• When Elijah disappeared in the whirlwind, the Lord gave Elisha the same power he had given to Elijah. As long as he lived, Elisha was not afraid of kings, and no one could force him to do what he did not want to do.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.