### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **nēsos**, represented by `{{G3520}}`, is the term for an **island** or **isle**. It is likely derived from the base of ναῦς (a ship). It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses**, primarily describing specific, named islands within historical narratives and symbolic landmasses within apocalyptic visions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3520}}` is used to denote literal geographical locations. The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys feature islands prominently; he travels through the **isle** to Paphos [[Acts 13:6]], and after a shipwreck, he is providentially cast upon a certain **island** [[Acts 27:26]] later identified as Melita [[Acts 28:1]]. This **island** becomes a place of ministry where those with diseases are healed [[Acts 28:9]]. Similarly, John receives his divine vision while in exile on the **isle** that is called Patmos [[Revelation 1:9]]. In a starkly different context, `{{G3520}}` is used in prophetic passages where every **island** is depicted as being moved from its place [[Revelation 6:14]] or fleeing away entirely during God's judgment [[Revelation 16:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context in which an island appears:
* `{{G1601}}` **ekpíptō** (be cast, fail, fall): This word describes the action that leads to being on an island. Paul prophesies that his crew must **be cast** upon an island to be saved [[Acts 27:26]].
* `{{G3735}}` **óros** (a mountain): This word is frequently used in parallel with `{{G3520}}` in apocalyptic visions, where every **mountain** and island are moved [[Revelation 6:14]] or are no longer found [[Revelation 16:20]], emphasizing the comprehensive scale of the event.
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (ship): As islands are land surrounded by water, a **ship** is the primary means of transport to or from them. After wintering on an **isle**, Paul and his companions departed in a **ship** of Alexandria [[Acts 28:11]].
* `{{G5117}}` **tópos** (place, quarter, room): This term specifies the location of or on an island. In Revelation, islands are moved out of their **places** [[Revelation 6:14]], and on the island of Melita, the chief man had possessions in certain **quarters** [[Acts 28:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3520}}` is seen in its different contexts:
* **Place of Providence and Ministry:** An island can serve as an unexpected place of refuge and divine appointment. The shipwreck on Melita, while a disaster, positions Paul to demonstrate God's power through healing [[Acts 28:9]].
* **Setting for Divine Revelation:** Isolation on an island can create a unique environment for spiritual encounters. For John, the **isle** of Patmos was a place of tribulation, yet it became the setting where he received the book of Revelation [[Revelation 1:9]].
* **Symbol of Creation's Subjection to God:** In prophecy, islands represent the most stable and permanent features of the earth. Their violent displacement signifies the awesome power of God's judgment, before which no part of the created order can stand unmoved ([[Revelation 6:14]], [[Revelation 16:20]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3520}}` **nēsos** functions as more than just a geographical descriptor. While it grounds narratives like Paul's journeys in real-world locations such as Melita, it also carries significant symbolic weight. It can be a stage for God's miraculous intervention and a solitary place for divine revelation. In its prophetic use, the island serves as a powerful illustration of the principle that the entire created world is subject to the ultimate authority and judgment of God.
TRV