Bible Dictionary
Tishbite, The
The Tishbite was Elijah, the prophet who confronted Israel’s idolatry and served during the reign of Ahab. The title probably refers to his place of origin.
Definition
“The Tishbite” is the designation of Elijah, the well-known prophet. The title naturally suggests that he was associated with a place called Tishbeh, Tishbi, or Tesheb.
Biblical Usage
It identifies Elijah in the accounts of his prophetic ministry and in later references to him.
Historical Background
The location of Tishbeh is uncertain. Many commentators connected it with Thisbe in Naphtali, while others supposed that the place was in Gilead.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
the well-known designation of Elijah. (1 Kings 17:1; 21:17,28; 2 Kings 1:3,8; 9:36) The name naturally points to a place called Tishbeh, Tishbi, or rather perhaps Tesheb, as the residence of the prophet. Assuming that a town is alluded to as Elijah’s native place, it is not necessary to infer that it was itself in Gilead, as many have imagined. The commentators and lexicographers, with few exceptions, adopt the name “Tishbite” as referring to the place Thisbe in Naphtali which is found in the Septuagint text of Tobit 1:2.