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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key geographical terms like νῆσος (nēsos) is essential for interpreting the context of certain passages. In Acts 13:6, nēsos refers to the island of Cyprus, where Paul and Barnabas encountered a false prophet during their missionary journey. This word is significant because it not only provides a geographical setting for events but also underscores the importance of islands in the New Testament, where many significant events took place. Studying nēsos opens up a broader understanding of ancient Mediterranean travel, trade, and the challenges of spreading the Gospel in such regions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νῆσος (nēsos), pronounced nay-sos.

Etymology: The word nēsos comes from a root word that directly means “island.” It is commonly used to refer to land masses surrounded by water, emphasizing geographical boundaries and isolation.

Part of Speech: Nēsos is a noun (feminine). In biblical and classical contexts, it refers to islands, both large and small, in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Island (Geographical Landmass): The primary meaning of nēsos is “island.” It is used throughout the New Testament to describe islands that played a role in Paul’s missionary journeys, such as Cyprus in Acts 13:6 and Malta in Acts 28.

2. Isolated Places of Refuge or Exile: In the ancient world, islands often served as places of exile or refuge. The Apostle John, for instance, was exiled to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9), where he received the visions of the Book of Revelation.

Exploring Similar Words

1. νήσῃ (nēsei) [pronunciation: nay-sei]: This word is the dative singular form of nēsos, often used when referring to islands in indirect ways (e.g., “to the island”).

2. νησίον (nēsion) [pronunciation: nay-see-on]: A diminutive form of nēsos, meaning “small island” or “islet.” This term indicates a smaller geographical feature compared to nēsos.

3. πέλαγος (pelagos) [pronunciation: pe-la-gos]: Meaning “sea” or “open ocean,” this word is contrasted with nēsos as it refers to the vast body of water surrounding islands.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Nēsos is a feminine noun that can appear in different cases based on its grammatical role in a sentence. It follows the typical patterns of first-declension feminine nouns:

• Nominative singular: νῆσος

• Genitive singular: νήσου

• Dative singular: νήσῳ

• Accusative singular: νῆσον

• Nominative plural: νῆσοι

• Accusative plural: νήσους

Declension: As a first-declension feminine noun, nēsos takes standard declension endings. Understanding its declension is important when identifying its grammatical role in New Testament passages.

For more details on Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, nēsos appears in several key passages. In Acts 13:6, it refers to Cyprus, the island where Paul and Barnabas ministered during their first missionary journey. Lexical studies suggest that nēsos frequently highlights the geographical isolation and maritime nature of certain locations. In classical Greek literature, nēsos is used in similar contexts, denoting islands as important places for trade, colonization, and often exile. Theological implications include the way islands served as both refuge and isolation, especially for figures like John on Patmos.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 13:6: “And when they had gone through the isle [νῆσος] unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus.”

2. Acts 27:26: “Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island [νῆσος].”

3. Acts 28:1: “And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island [νῆσος] was called Melita.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Herodotus Histories “The people fled to the nearby islands [νῆσοι] for safety.”

Thucydides The Peloponnesian War “The island [νῆσος] was a key to the defense of the city.”

Septuagint Ezekiel 26:15 “The coastlands [νῆσοι] shall tremble at the sound of your fall.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word νῆσος (nēsos) carries significant geographical and historical weight in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. It refers to islands, important places for refuge, trade, and even exile. In Acts 13:6, nēsos is used to describe Cyprus, one of the most significant islands in the early Christian mission, where Paul and Barnabas carried out ministry. Lexical studies highlight the role of islands as both isolated places and key maritime hubs, reflecting the broader importance of geography in biblical narratives.

Did You Know?

1. Cyprus, referred to as nēsos in Acts 13:6, was a major hub for early Christian evangelism, where Paul performed several miracles.

2. Islands like Malta, also called nēsos in Acts, played crucial roles in Paul’s missionary journeys, providing both danger and refuge.

3. In classical Greek literature, nēsos often symbolized isolation but also represented cultural intersections due to their role in trade routes.