νῆσος (nēsos)
nēsos
island
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun nēsos simply means an island, a piece of land surrounded by water. In the New Testament, it appears nine times, primarily in the Acts of the Apostles and Revelation. The word carries no inherent spiritual metaphor; it is a straightforward geographical term used to describe physical locations where events unfold or visions occur.
Its most prominent usage marks significant turning points in the narrative of Acts. Paul’s journey takes him to Cyprus (Acts 13:6) and later to Malta (Acts 28:1, 7), where he experiences shipwreck and miraculous healing. These islands serve as stages for divine intervention and the spread of the gospel beyond mainland centers. In Revelation, John sees them move from their places during apocalyptic judgments (Revelation 6:14; 16:20), emphasizing the cosmic scale of the events described.
Etymologically, the word is likely related to other terms for land or territory, though its specific origin remains somewhat obscure. Translators consistently render it as "island," reflecting its clear and unambiguous meaning in both ancient and modern contexts. The term highlights how geography plays a role in biblical storytelling, grounding spiritual narratives in real-world settings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for 'island' in the New Testament is a simple geographical term, yet it marks some of the most pivotal moments in biblical history. It grounds the story of faith in real places, showing that God works within our physical reality. When Paul was shipwrecked on Malta, he did not see isolation as abandonment; instead, he found an opportunity to share hope with those who had rescued him. This reminds us that even in unexpected detours or difficult seasons, we are never outside the scope of divine care.
In Revelation, islands move and flee during cosmic judgments, highlighting the vast scale of God’s sovereignty over all creation. These passages assure believers that no place is too remote for God’s presence or purpose. Whether on a mainland or a small island, the call to persevere in faith remains the same. We can trust that our current circumstances, however isolated they may feel, are part of a larger story where God is actively at work.
Ultimately, these references encourage us to see our own 'islands'—those times of waiting or transition—as places where we might encounter God’s provision and peace. They invite us to remain faithful in the present moment, knowing that every location holds potential for witness and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- island6×
- island,2×
- an island1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νῆσος3×
- νῆσον2×
- νήσῳ2×
- νήσῳ,1×
- νήσου,1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 28:1
When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
This verse identifies Malta as the place of Paul's shipwreck, marking a turning point where he moves from prisoner to host, demonstrating God's protection in isolation.
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Revelation of John 1:9
I John, your brother and partner with you in the oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God’s Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
John’s exile on Patmos shows that spiritual clarity and revelation often come during times of separation or hardship, grounding vision in physical reality.
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Acts 28:9
Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.
This occurrence highlights the island as a stage for healing, showing how God’s power extends to those outside the immediate circle of believers through acts of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word nēsos mean?
Why are islands significant in the book of Acts?
How is 'island' used in Revelation?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Acts 6 verses
When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was…
Acts 27:26But we must run aground on a certain island.”
Acts 28:1When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.
Acts 28:7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received…
Acts 28:9Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came and were cured.
Acts 28:11After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The…