Lexical Summary nésos: Island Original Word: νῆσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance island, isle. Probably from the base of naus; an island -- island, isle. see GREEK naus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition an island NASB Translation island (9). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3520: νῆσοςνῆσος, νήσου, ὁ (νεώ, to swim, properly, 'floating land'), an island: Acts 13:6; Acts 27:26; Acts 28:1, 7, 9, 11; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:14; Revelation 16:20. (the Sept. for אִי; (from Homer down).) Topical Lexicon Scope and Range of Meaning The term consistently denotes a landmass surrounded by water—whether a small outcrop like Malta or a sizable region such as Cyprus. Although the Mediterranean world knew many gradations of size, Scripture treats them all as “islands,” highlighting separation by sea more than specific dimensions. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 13:6 – Cyprus, the first island to receive apostolic proclamation after Pentecost. Acts 27:26; 28:1 7 9 11 – Malta, scene of shipwreck, divine protection, and evangelistic fruit. Revelation 1:9 – Patmos, John’s place of exile and revelatory vision. Revelation 6:14; 16:20 – the eschatological “islands” that flee before the wrath of the Lamb. Islands in Apostolic Mission 1. Cyprus (Acts 13:6). The Spirit-led missionary venture of Paul and Barnabas began on an island. The narrative underscores how maritime barriers could not restrain the gospel: “They traveled the whole island as far as Paphos” (Acts 13:6). Conversion of Sergius Paulus illustrates governmental openness to the message. Missionary Implication: Islands serve as strategic outposts where seafaring commerce and cultural mix create unique listening audiences. The Spirit repeatedly turns marginal locations into hubs for proclamation. Islands and Divine Protection Malta displays providential shelter: the centurion’s plan to kill prisoners is overruled; the venomous viper causes no harm; the governor’s estate becomes a haven. Each detail magnifies Psalm 107:23–30 themes: those “who go down to the sea” see the Lord’s works and are delivered when they cry out. Prophetic Symbolism of Islands Revelation 6:14 and 16:20 portray cosmic upheaval: “every mountain and island was moved from its place… every island fled”. Islands, emblematic of stability amid waters, cannot withstand final judgment. What once offered refuge dissolves before the unveiled glory, underscoring that ultimate security rests only in Christ. Theological Threads • Sovereign Direction – God turns maritime detours into ministry opportunities. Historical Echoes Early Christian writers record vibrant churches on islands by the second century, likely seeded by the events in Acts. Patmos became a pilgrimage site, underscoring how exile locations can mature into centers of devotion. Practical Ministry Applications • Modern missions to archipelagos carry apostolic precedent; prayer and planning should expect strategic impact disproportionate to population size. Summary Strong’s Greek 3520 portrays islands as theaters of divine initiative: places where the gospel lands first, where prophets receive vision, and where creation itself will convulse under eschatological judgment. From Cyprus to Patmos, God turns isolation into influence and underscores that no stretch of sea can hinder the advance of His Word. Forms and Transliterations νήσοι νήσοις νησον νήσον νῆσον νησος νήσος νῆσος νησου νήσου νήσους νησω νήσω νήσῳ νήσων neso nēsō nḗsoi nḗsōi neson nêson nēson nē̂son nesos nêsos nēsos nē̂sos nesou nēsou nḗsouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 13:6 N-AFSGRK: ὅλην τὴν νῆσον ἄχρι Πάφου NAS: the whole island as far KJV: when they had gone through the isle unto INT: all the island as far as Paphos Acts 27:26 N-AFS Acts 28:1 N-NFS Acts 28:7 N-GFS Acts 28:9 N-DFS Acts 28:11 N-DFS Revelation 1:9 N-DFS Revelation 6:14 N-NFS Revelation 16:20 N-NFS Strong's Greek 3520 |
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