### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Melítē**, represented by `{{G3194}}`, is a proper name for **Melita, an island in the Mediterranean**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Of uncertain origin, its sole function is to identify the specific island where Paul and his companions found refuge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G3194}}` occurs in [[Acts 28:1]], marking a pivotal moment of discovery. After a perilous journey and escape, the survivors finally learned their location: "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called **Melita**" [[Acts 28:1]]. The name serves as a geographical anchor, identifying the place of safety after the chaos of the sea.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words found in the same verse provide context for the naming of **Melita**:
* `{{G3520}}` **nēsos** (an island): This word defines the geographical nature of **Melita**. It is the same term used for the isle of Patmos [[Revelation 1:9]] and appears multiple times in the surrounding narrative to describe the setting ([[Acts 28:7]], [[Acts 28:9]]).
* `{{G1295}}` **diasṓzō** (to save thoroughly, escape): This verb describes the action that brought the travelers to **Melita**. It signifies a complete rescue, as they had "escaped all safe to land" [[Acts 27:44]].
* `{{G1921}}` **epiginṓskō** (to become fully acquainted with, recognize): This word describes the moment of realization for the survivors. It implies a fuller knowledge, a recognition of where they were after their ordeal [[Acts 28:1]].
* `{{G2564}}` **kaléō** (to "call"): This is the verb used to state the name of the island. It is the same word used in a theological sense when God is said to have **called** believers to His purpose [[2 Timothy 1:9]] or when the peacemakers shall be **called** the children of God [[Matthew 5:9]].
### Theological Significance
Though a simple place name, the identification of `{{G3194}}` carries significant weight within its narrative context.
* **A Marker of Preservation:** The naming of **Melita** occurs immediately after the survivors `escaped` `{{G1295}}`, a term linked to being saved and brought to safety [[Acts 23:24]]. The island is thus established as the location of divine deliverance.
* **A Point of Clarity:** It was on **Melita** that the group `knew` `{{G1921}}` their location. The island serves as the place where confusion ends and awareness begins, grounding the miraculous survival in a known, physical place.
* **A Stage for Further Events:** By being `called` `{{G2564}}` **Melita**, the island is given a specific identity that becomes the backdrop for subsequent events, including interactions with the inhabitants and further demonstrations of God’s power through healing ([[Acts 28:7]], [[Acts 28:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3194}}` **Melítē** is more than just a name on a map within the biblical text. Although it appears only once, its identification in [[Acts 28:1]] is crucial. It pinpoints the exact location of a dramatic rescue, anchoring a story of divine preservation to a real-world place and setting the stage for the next chapter of the apostolic narrative.
TRV