Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H339 אִי (i): Meaning "island" or "coastland," used in the Old Testament to describe distant lands or regions across the sea. This term appears in passages such as Isaiah 41:1, where it refers to the distant coastlands called to listen to God's judgment.
• H1475 גִּי (gi): Another term for "island," though less frequently used, it can be found in poetic or prophetic contexts within the Hebrew Scriptures.

Understanding the Greek and Hebrew terms for islands provides insight into the geographical and metaphorical landscapes of the biblical world, enhancing the interpretation of scriptural texts.

Usage: The term νησίον is used in ancient Greek literature to refer to a small island. It is not directly found in the New Testament but is relevant in understanding geographical references and contexts within biblical narratives.

Context: The term νησίον, while not appearing in the New Testament, is significant in the study of biblical geography and the cultural context of the ancient Mediterranean world. The diminutive form suggests a smaller landmass surrounded by water, which would have been common in the Aegean Sea and other parts of the Mediterranean region. Understanding such terms helps in comprehending the setting of various biblical events, especially those involving travel and trade routes in the ancient world.

In biblical times, islands played crucial roles as places of refuge, trade, and cultural exchange. The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, for instance, involved travel by sea, where islands served as waypoints or destinations. Although νησίον itself is not used in the New Testament, its root, νῆσος, appears in passages such as Acts 27:16, where Paul encounters the island of Clauda during his voyage to Rome.

The concept of islands also holds metaphorical significance in biblical literature, often symbolizing isolation or separation, but also refuge and divine providence. The understanding of such geographical terms enriches the study of biblical narratives and their historical contexts.