This is the Greek form of Elisha, the prophet who succeeded Elijah in the ninth century BC. In Luke 4:27, Jesus mentions Elisha to illustrate that God's mercy extends beyond Israel's borders: many lepers were in Israel, but only Naaman the Syrian was cleansed. The reference stings His Nazareth audience, who become enraged at the implication. Elisha's ministry, marked by miracles of compassion, foreshadows Jesus' own inclusive mission to Gentiles as well as Jews.