Reference: Island, Isle
Hastings
The Heb. word ?? means primarily 'coastlands,' but sometimes lands in general, and in one passage (Isa 42:15) 'dry land' as opposed to water. In Isa 20:6 Palestine is called 'this isle' (AV, but RV 'coast-land'). The islands of the Gentiles or heathen (Ge 10:6; Zep 2:11) are apparently the coasts of the W. Mediterranean; the 'isles of the sea' (Es 10:1; Eze 26:18 etc.) are also the Mediterranean coasts; 'the isles' (Ps 72:10 etc., Isa 42:10 etc.) means the West generally as contrasted with the East. Tyre is mentioned as an isle in Isa 23:2, and here perhaps the term may be taken literally, as Tyre was actually at that time an island. The isle of Kittim (Jer 2:10; Eze 27:6) is probably Cyprus, and the isle of Caphtor (Jer 47:4 mg.), Crete. In the NT five islands are mentioned: Cyprus (Ac 4:36; 11:19 f., Ac 13:4; 15:39; 21:3,16; 27:4), Crete (Ac 27:7,12-13,21), Clauda (Ac 27:16), Melita (Ac 28:1), and Patmos (Re 1:9).
E. W. G. Masterman.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is interpreted, "Son of Consolation"), a Levite, a Cyprian by birth,
Those, therefore, who were dispersed by reason of the tribulation that arose about Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none but Jews only.
They, therefore, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down into Seleucia; and thence they sailed away to Cyprus.
And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted one from the other; and Barnabas, taking with him Mark, sailed away to Cyprus.
And, having come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
And there went with us also some of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an aged disciple, with whom we should lodge.
And, thence putting out to sea, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
And, sailing slowly many days, and with difficulty having come over against Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to approach, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
And, because the harbor was incommodious to winter in, the greater part advised to set sail thence, if by any means, having reached Phoenix, a harbor of Crete??ooking toward the south-west and north-west ??e might be able to winter there. And, when the south wind was blowing gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, lifting anchor, they were coasting nearer to Crete.
And, running under a certain small island, called Clauda, we were with difficulty able to secure the boat;
And, after long abstinence from food, then Paul, standing up in the midst of them, said, "Ye ought, indeed, O men, hearkening to me, not to have set sail from Crete, and to have incurred this violence and loss.
I, John, your brother, and fellow-sharer in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.