### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma G5508, *Chíos* (Χίος), is a proper noun referring exclusively to a specific geographical location: the island of Chios. This island is situated in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Its derivation is noted as "uncertain," a common characteristic for ancient place names whose origins predate extensive linguistic records. As a proper noun, *Chíos* possesses no inherent semantic range beyond its singular denotation as this particular island. It does not carry conceptual, qualitative, or action-oriented meanings, but rather serves as a fixed geographical referent within the biblical narrative. In essence, its meaning is purely descriptive of a physical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The island of Chios (G5508) appears only once in the New Testament, within the book of Acts, specifically detailing Paul's third missionary journey:
* [[Acts 20:15]]: "And sailing thence, we came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus."
This verse describes a segment of Paul's return voyage from Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem. After departing from Assos, the ship carrying Paul and his companions continued its journey, passing by Chios. The phrase "over against Chios" (κατὰ Χίον) indicates that they sailed opposite or in the vicinity of the island, likely along its eastern coast, rather than making a stop or landing there. This detail is characteristic of Luke's meticulous geographical reporting in the Book of Acts, which provides precise itineraries and navigational markers. The inclusion of such specific, albeit brief, geographical references underscores the historical reliability and eyewitness nature of the narrative, grounding the unfolding events of early Christian expansion in tangible, verifiable locations.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a unique proper noun designating a specific island, *Chíos* (G5508) does not have direct lexical cognates or synonyms in the typical sense. However, its contextual appearance links it to several broader concepts and categories within the biblical text:
* **Maritime Geography:** Chios is part of a cluster of Aegean islands and coastal cities (e.g., Samos `{{G4515}}`, Lesbos `{{G2993}}`, Cos `{{G2972}}`, Rhodes `{{G4497}}`, Miletus `{{G3407}}`) that delineate the routes of ancient sea travel. Its mention contributes to the detailed geographical landscape of the New Testament.
* **Ancient Travel and Navigation:** The reference to Chios highlights the prevalence of sea voyages in the ancient world as a primary mode of transportation. It is contextually related to terms describing ships (e.g., `{{G4143}}` *ploion*), sailing (e.g., `{{G3089}}` *naus*), and journeys.
* **Apostolic Journeys and Evangelism:** The itinerary that includes Chios is part of Paul's extensive missionary endeavors. Therefore, it is conceptually tied to the broader theme of the spread of the Gospel and the expansion of the early Church into the Hellenistic world.
* **Historical Accuracy:** Luke's precise geographical details, including the passing of Chios, serve to affirm the historical veracity of the Book of Acts, aligning with the practices of ancient historiography. This reinforces the grounded nature of the biblical narrative in real-world events.
### Theological Significance
While the island of Chios itself holds no direct theological significance as a site of revelation or specific divine action, its inclusion in the biblical narrative subtly contributes to several important theological themes.
1. **Divine Providence in Mission:** The meticulous detailing of Paul's journey, including passing by Chios, underscores the providential hand of God guiding the apostles. Even seemingly mundane geographical details are part of a larger divine plan for the spread of the Gospel. God's sovereignty is evident not only in miraculous interventions but also in the ordinary course of travel and human endeavor, ensuring the Gospel reaches its intended destinations.
2. **The Global Reach of the Gospel:** The extensive travels of Paul, which encompassed numerous islands and coastal regions like Chios in the Aegean, visually represent the burgeoning global scope of the early Christian mission. This fulfills the Great Commission to preach the Gospel to "all nations" [[Matthew 28:19-20]], demonstrating that the Good News was not confined to Judea but was actively expanding into the wider Roman world.
3. **Authenticity and Reliability of Scripture:** Luke's precise geographical details, such as the mention of Chios, lend significant historical credibility to the Book of Acts. This grounding in verifiable historical reality strengthens the authenticity of the biblical narrative, reassuring believers that the spiritual truths conveyed are rooted in actual events. The physical journey through the Aegean serves as a tangible backdrop for the spiritual journey of faith and the establishment of the Church.
### Summary
The Greek word *Chíos* (G5508) exclusively denotes the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea. It appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 20:15]], as a geographical marker during Paul's third missionary journey, indicating that his ship sailed "over against" the island. This detail, though brief, is characteristic of Luke's precise historical reporting, which lends strong veracity to the narrative of early Christian expansion. While Chios itself carries no inherent theological meaning, its presence in the biblical text contributes to broader theological themes. It underscores God's providential guidance in the meticulous planning and execution of Paul's missionary travels, highlights the rapidly expanding global reach of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins, and reinforces the historical authenticity and reliability of the biblical account. The inclusion of such specific geographical points, even those merely passed by, grounds the profound spiritual narrative in the concrete realities of the ancient world.
TRV