Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the terms "island" and "isle" are often used interchangeably to describe land masses surrounded by water. These terms appear in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing isolation, refuge, or distant lands. The Hebrew word often translated as "island" is "אִי" (i), and in the Greek New Testament, it is "νῆσος" (nēsos).Old Testament References The concept of islands is introduced early in the Old Testament. In Genesis 10:5, the descendants of Japheth are described as spreading out "into their territories by their clans within their nations, each with its own language." The verse mentions "the coastlands of the nations," which can be understood as islands or distant lands. This passage highlights the dispersion of peoples and the establishment of various cultures and languages. Isaiah frequently uses the imagery of islands to convey messages of judgment and hope. In Isaiah 11:11, the prophet speaks of a future time when the Lord will "reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of His people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea." Here, islands symbolize distant places from which God will gather His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and the inclusivity of His salvation. Isaiah 42:10-12 calls for praise from the ends of the earth, including "you islands, and all who live in them." This passage underscores the universal call to worship the Lord, extending even to the most remote and isolated regions. New Testament References In the New Testament, islands play a significant role in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. The Book of Acts records several instances where Paul and his companions traveled to or were shipwrecked on islands. Acts 13:4-6 describes Paul and Barnabas's journey to Cyprus, where they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. This mission underscores the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles, including those living on islands. One of the most notable island experiences in the New Testament is Paul's shipwreck on Malta, as detailed in Acts 27:39-28:10. After a perilous journey, Paul and his companions find refuge on the island, where they are warmly received by the inhabitants. This event demonstrates God's providence and protection, as well as the opportunity for the Gospel to reach new audiences. The Book of Revelation also references islands in the context of eschatological events. Revelation 1:9 mentions the island of Patmos, where John received the visions recorded in the book. Patmos serves as a place of exile but also as a site of divine revelation. In Revelation 6:14, during the opening of the sixth seal, "every mountain and island was moved from its place," symbolizing the cosmic upheaval accompanying the end times. Symbolic Significance Islands in the Bible often symbolize isolation, separation, and the idea of being set apart. They can represent places of refuge or exile, as seen in the experiences of Paul and John. Additionally, islands are depicted as distant lands that are part of God's redemptive plan, illustrating the reach of His salvation to the ends of the earth. The biblical portrayal of islands reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over all creation, including the most remote and isolated places. Whether as sites of judgment, refuge, or revelation, islands serve as significant locations in the unfolding narrative of God's interaction with humanity. ATS Bible Dictionary Island IsleThe Hebrew word which is more commonly translated isle, means strictly dry land, habitable country, in opposition to water, or to seas and rivers, Isaiah 42:15. Compare Isaiah 50:2. Hence, as opposed to water in general, it means land adjacent to water, either washed or surrounded by it, that is, maritime country, coast, island. Thus it means coast, when used of Ashdod, Isaiah 20:6; of Tyre, Isaiah 23:2,6; of Peloponnesus, or Greece, Ezekiel 27:7; "the isles of Elishah." It means island when used of Caphtor, for example, or Crete, Jeremiah 47:4 2:10 Psalm 97:1 Esther 10:1, where the phrase isles of the sea is in antithesis with the land or continent. The plural of this word, usually translated islands, was employed by the Hebrews to denote distant regions beyond the sea, whether coasts or islands; and especially the islands and maritime countries of the west, which had become indistinctly known to the Hebrews, through the voyages of the Phoenicians, Isaiah 24:15 40:15 42:4,10,12 Psalm 72:10. In Ezekiel 27:15, the East Indian Archipelago would seem to be intended. Greek 3520. nesos -- an island ... island, isle. Probably from the base of naus; an island -- island, isle. see GREEK naus. (neson) -- 2 Occurrences. (nesos) -- 3 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3520.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 339. i -- coast, region... country, isle, island. From 'avah; properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island -- country, isle, island. see HEBREW 'avah. ... /hebrew/339.htm - 6k Library How the Isle of Wight Received Christian Inhabitants, and Two ... How the Same King Oswald, Asking a Bishop of the Scottish Nation ... How Augustine, Coming into Britain, First Preached in the Isle of ... The White Island How St Francis Passed the Time of Lent in an Island, on the Lake ... Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ... How Ethelwald, Successor to Cuthbert, Leading a Hermit's Life ... Ulysses and the Sirens How the Angles, Being Invited into Britain, at First Drove Off the ... How Bishop Colman, Having Left Britain, Built Two Monasteries in ... Resources What is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Bar-Jesus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Titus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Island: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |