of uncertain origin; Melita, an island in the Mediterranean:--Melita.
Transliteration:Melítē
Pronunciation:mel-ee'-tay
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G3194 Melítē (Μελίτη) refers specifically to the island of Malta, an island located in the central Mediterranean Sea. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this particular geographical entity. The base definition indicates its origin is uncertain, but its identity as the island of Malta is undisputed in historical and biblical scholarship. It does not carry abstract, metaphorical, or symbolic meanings beyond its literal geographical reference. Its significance in the biblical text is derived solely from its role as a physical setting for key events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3194 Melítē occurs exclusively in the book of Acts, specifically within the narrative of Paul's shipwreck and subsequent stay on the island.
* [[Acts 28:1]]: "And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita." This verse introduces the island as the landing place for Paul and his companions after their perilous shipwreck. It establishes the geographical context for the following events.
* [[Acts 28:4]]: "And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live." While G3194 Melítē is not explicitly repeated here, the context is firmly established as the island of Melita, and the "barbarians" are its native inhabitants. This verse describes the islanders' reaction to Paul's miraculous survival of a snakebite, initially interpreting it as divine judgment.
* [[Acts 28:7]]: "In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously." This verse further grounds the narrative on Melita, introducing Publius, a prominent figure on the island, whose hospitality becomes central to Paul's ministry there.
* [[Acts 28:10]]: "Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary." This verse marks the conclusion of Paul's three-month stay on Melita, indicating the positive relationship forged with the islanders and their provision for the continued journey to Rome.
The island of Melita serves as a critical stage for demonstrating God's providence, Paul's apostolic authority, and the power of the Gospel. The events there—the snakebite, the healing of Publius's father, and the subsequent healings of other islanders—are pivotal moments that underscore divine protection and the authenticating signs of Paul's ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, G3194 Melítē does not have direct lexical synonyms. However, its contextual usage links it to several important biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Shipwreck:** The immediate event leading to Paul's arrival on Melita (e.g., `{{G3880}}` naufragia, "shipwreck"). The storm and subsequent deliverance highlight divine intervention.
* **Hospitality:** The welcoming reception by Publius and the islanders (e.g., `{{G5381}}` philoxenia, "love of strangers"). This act of kindness is a significant theme in the New Testament.
* **Divine Providence:** The overarching theme that God orchestrated Paul's survival and subsequent ministry on the island, even through adverse circumstances (e.g., `{{G4295}}` pronoia, "forethought, providence").
* **Miracles/Signs:** Paul's survival of the snakebite and the healings he performed (e.g., `{{G1411}}` dynamis, "power, miracle"; `{{G4592}}` semeion, "sign"). These events served to authenticate his message to the islanders.
* **"Barbarians":** The term used to describe the native inhabitants of Melita in [[Acts 28:2]] and [[Acts 28:4]] (`{{G915}}` barbaros). In this context, it primarily denotes those who did not speak Greek or Latin, rather than implying savagery. It underscores the cultural and linguistic diversity encountered by Paul.
* **Geographical Context:** The island's location within the Mediterranean Sea (`{{G3002}}` mesogeios, "middle of the earth") is crucial to understanding the journey's context.
### Theological Significance
The island of Melita, though a mere geographical point, holds significant theological weight within the narrative of Acts:
* **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty:** Paul's arrival on Melita is a testament to God's faithful preservation of His servant and His sovereign control over natural forces. Despite a catastrophic shipwreck, God ensures Paul's safety, fulfilling His promise that Paul would reach Rome ([[Acts 23:11]]). The island becomes a symbol of God's providential care amidst chaos.
* **Missionary Opportunity in Adversity:** What began as a disaster was transformed into an unexpected period of fruitful ministry. The forced delay on Melita allowed Paul to preach the Gospel and perform miracles, leading to the healing of many and likely the conversion of some islanders. This illustrates how God uses even unforeseen hardships to advance His kingdom purposes.
* **Authentication of Apostolic Authority:** The miraculous events on Melita, particularly Paul's survival of the snakebite and his healing ministry, served as powerful signs to the local inhabitants. These signs authenticated Paul's divine commission and the truthfulness of the Gospel message he proclaimed, demonstrating God's power working through him.
* **Universal Reach of the Gospel:** Paul's ministry to the "barbarians" on Melita subtly reinforces the New Testament's radical message that the Gospel is for all peoples, regardless of their ethnicity, language, or cultural background. The Spirit's power transcends human divisions, bringing salvation to those considered outside the dominant cultural spheres.
### Summary
G3194 Melítē designates the island of Malta, a specific geographical location in the Mediterranean Sea. Its sole biblical appearance is in the book of Acts, where it serves as the unexpected refuge for the Apostle Paul and his companions after a shipwreck. Far from being a mere geographical detail, Melita becomes a pivotal stage for demonstrating God's unwavering providence in preserving His servant and fulfilling His purposes. The events on the island—Paul's miraculous survival of a snakebite, his healing of Publius's father, and the subsequent healings of other islanders—underscore themes of divine deliverance, unexpected missionary opportunity, and the authentication of Paul's apostolic authority. The narrative also subtly reinforces the universal scope of the Gospel, reaching even those considered "barbarians," illustrating how God orchestrates even calamitous events to advance His kingdom.
TRV