Bible Dictionary
Elishah
Elishah was a son of Javan whose descendants were associated with the “isles of Elishah.” They were known as a source of purple and blue materials used by the Tyrians.
Definition
Elishah was the eldest son of Javan. The name also designates the land or islands associated with his descendants, from which the Tyrians obtained purple and blue dyes. Its precise geographical identification is uncertain.
Biblical Usage
Elishah is named in the genealogy of the nations as a son of Javan. The “isles of Elishah” are mentioned as a source of dyed materials used by Tyre.
Historical Background
Suggestions for Elishah have included the Aeolians, Elis, the Peloponnesus, Hellas, Southern Italy, and North Africa. The supplied material states that certainty is not possible.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The oldest of the four sons of Javan (Gen. 10:4), whose descendants peopled Greece. It has been supposed that Elishah’s descendants peopled the Peloponnesus, which was known by the name of Elis. This may be meant by “the isles of Elishah” (Ezek. 27:7).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(God is salvation), the eldest son of Javan. (Genesis 10:4) The residence of his descendants is described in (Ezekiel 27:7) as the isles of Elishah, whence the Phoenicians obtained their purple and blue dyes. Some connect the race of Elishah with the AEolians, others with Elishah, and in a more extended sense Peloponnesus, or even Hellas.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e-li'-sha ('elishah, "God saves"; Elisa, Eleisai):</p><p>Mentioned in Ge 10:4 as the eldest son of Javan, and in Eze 27:7 as the source from which the Tyrians obtained their purple dyes. On the ground of this latter statement attempts have been made to identify it with Southern Italy or the north of Africa. Josephus (Ant., I, vi, 1) identified Elisha with the Aeolians. The Targum on Ezekiel gives "the province of Italy." Other suggestions include Hellas, Ells, and Alsa; the last named is a kingdom mentioned in the Tell el-Amarna Letters, but its precise location is unknown. It is impossible as yet to claim certainty for any of these conjectures.</p><p>A. C. Grant</p>