Person · Old and New Testament

Elijah

Also known as Elias, Elijah the Tishbite

Elijah was the prophet from Tishbe in Gilead who confronted King Ahab and the prophets of Baal, was fed by ravens and by a widow in Zarephath, raised the widow's son, and was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Malachi promised his return before the Day of the Lord, and Jesus identified John the Baptist with that promise.

Why it matters. Elijah stands with Moses on the mountain of transfiguration, and the Gospels present John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come, so his story frames how Israel expected the Messiah's arrival.

Primary passages

• 1 Kings 17:1-24
• 1 Kings 18:20-40
• 2 Kings 2:1-12
• Malachi 4:5-6
• Matthew 17:1-13

Last reviewed

2026-08-30 by the FaithGraph team