Coastal
Jump to: Webster'sConcordanceThesaurusGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The term "coastal" refers to regions or areas that are adjacent to or near a sea or ocean. In the context of the Bible, coastal areas often hold significant historical, geographical, and theological importance. The coastal regions of the ancient Near East, particularly those along the Mediterranean Sea, played a crucial role in the narrative of the Scriptures.

Geographical Significance

The coastal areas of the ancient Near East include the regions of Phoenicia, Philistia, and parts of Israel, such as the territories of Asher and Dan. These areas were known for their strategic importance due to their access to maritime trade routes. The city of Tyre, for example, was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and influence, largely due to its coastal location. In Ezekiel 27:3, Tyre is described as "situated at the entrance of the sea, merchant of the peoples to many coastlands."

Biblical References

The Bible frequently mentions coastal regions and their inhabitants. In the Old Testament, the Philistines, who occupied the coastal plain of Canaan, were often in conflict with the Israelites. Judges 3:3 refers to "the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath."

The New Testament also highlights the significance of coastal areas. Jesus' ministry included visits to coastal regions, such as Tyre and Sidon. In Matthew 15:21, it is recorded, "Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon." These areas were not only significant for their geographical location but also for their diverse populations, which included Gentiles, thus foreshadowing the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities.

Theological Implications

Coastal regions in the Bible often symbolize both opportunity and challenge. They were gateways for trade and cultural exchange, but also for idolatry and foreign influence. The prophets frequently spoke against the pride and idolatry of coastal cities like Tyre and Sidon. Isaiah 23:1 proclaims, "An oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor."

The coastal regions also serve as a backdrop for the fulfillment of God's promises. The inclusion of Gentile regions like Tyre and Sidon in Jesus' ministry underscores the universal scope of the Gospel. In Acts 21:3, Paul’s journey to spread the Gospel includes a stop at Tyre, indicating the continued importance of coastal cities in the early Christian mission: "After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo."

Cultural and Economic Aspects

Coastal areas were centers of commerce and cultural exchange. The Phoenicians, renowned for their seafaring skills, established trade networks that extended across the Mediterranean. This economic activity is reflected in biblical texts that describe the wealth and influence of coastal cities. Ezekiel 27:9 mentions the "elders of Gebal and their wise men" who were involved in shipbuilding, highlighting the economic prowess of these regions.

In summary, coastal regions in the Bible are depicted as places of both significant opportunity and spiritual challenge. They are integral to the narrative of God's interaction with His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(a.) of or pertaining to a coast.
Greek
3882. paralios -- by the sea, the sea coast
... Word Origin from para and the same as halieus Definition by the sea, the
sea coast NASB Word Usage coastal region (1). sea coast. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3882.htm - 6k
Library

Was the New Testament Created Consciously? and How did the ...
... Antioch. There remain then only the Churches of the coastal provinces of
Asia Minor, of Achaia and Macedonia, and the Church of Rome. ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 5 was the new.htm

Introduction
... In 391, he was ordained presbyter in the church of Hippo Regius (a small coastal
town nearby). Here in 395"with grave misgivings on his own part (cf. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/confessions and enchiridion/introduction.htm

Thesaurus
Coastal (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) of or pertaining to a coast. Multi-Version
Concordance Coastal (1 Occurrence). Luke 6:17 He came down ...
/c/coastal.htm - 6k

Irrigation
... Any obstruction in the trench is similarly removed, while in the soft, loamy soil
of the coastal plain or in the Nile valley these operations can be done with ...
/i/irrigation.htm - 9k

Coasting (1 Occurrence)

/c/coasting.htm - 7k

Agriculture
... On the coastal plains and in the low Jordan valley the soil was usually rich and
the season was early, whereas the mountainous regions and high interior plains ...
/a/agriculture.htm - 27k

Coast (70 Occurrences)

/c/coast.htm - 31k

Resources
What were the different missionary journeys of Paul? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Rose of Sharon? | GotQuestions.org

Coastal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Coastal (1 Occurrence)

Luke 6:17
He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases;
(See NAS)

Subtopics

Coastal

Related Terms

Lasaea (1 Occurrence)

Trader (7 Occurrences)

Tartan (2 Occurrences)

Coastal (1 Occurrence)

Coastland (6 Occurrences)

Coast (70 Occurrences)

Reached (152 Occurrences)

Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)

Boats (11 Occurrences)

Ships (46 Occurrences)

Coast
Top of Page
Top of Page