Elias
Elias is the Latin transliteration of the Greek name Ἠλίας, which in turn is the Hellenized form of the Hebrew: אליהו, Eliyahu, meaning "Yahweh is my God" Another form of Eliyahu in English is Elijah. [1]
The Name Elias
Elias is both a name and a title which has four basic meanings.
Scriptures do not reveal much information concerning the man Elias. Modern day scripture as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 110:12 reveals that Elias was a man who “committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham.” This included the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant which were conferred upon the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on 3 April 1836. Other than this small insight, nothing more is known about this man.
In the New Testament, the name “Elias” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew name Elijah (See Matthew 17:3; James 5:17-18).
Elias Used as a Title
“Elias” may also be used as a title given to a forerunner in building God’s Kingdom, or a prophet who helps restore something of particular importance, such as the Hebrew prophet Elijah (See JST Matthew 17:10-14).
People such as John the Baptist would be considered an Elias.
- In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, And saying, repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (Matthew 3:1-3).
- And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1:17)
And, Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, would also be considered an Elias.
- Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
- And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—
