### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼîy**, represented by `{{H339}}`, refers to a habitable spot, dry land, a coast, or an island. It appears **36 times** across **35 unique verses** in the Bible. While often translated as "isle" or "island," its meaning extends to encompass coastlands and distant lands, frequently representing the farthest reaches of the known world and the Gentile nations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H339}}` is used both literally and figuratively. Geographically, it helps to describe the dispersion of nations, as in Genesis where the "isles `{{H339}}` of the Gentiles `{{H1471}}` were divided" [[Genesis 10:5]]. Prophetically, the term is frequently used to illustrate the scope of God's dominion and redemptive plan. The isles are depicted as waiting for God's law [[Isaiah 42:4]], looking to Him for salvation [[Isaiah 51:5]], and receiving His messengers who declare His glory [[Isaiah 66:19]]. Figuratively, God says, "I will make the rivers islands `{{H339}}`" [[Isaiah 42:15]], signifying His power to dry them up. The term can also mean "country," as seen in the prophecy against the Philistines, the "remnant of the country `{{H339}}` of Caphtor" [[Jeremiah 47:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context in which `{{H339}}` appears:
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (Gentile, heathen, nation, people): This word is directly associated with `{{H339}}`, establishing the isles as the domain of non-Israelite peoples. The connection is made clear from the beginning, where the "isles `{{H339}}` of the Gentiles `{{H1471}}`" are described [[Genesis 10:5]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (sea): The term for "sea" is often used in direct conjunction with `{{H339}}` to describe these remote lands, as in the phrase "islands `{{H339}}` of the sea `{{H3220}}`" which appears in prophecies of restoration ([[Isaiah 11:11]], [[Isaiah 24:15]]).
* `{{H8659}}` **Tarshîysh** (Tarshish): A prominent, distant port city frequently mentioned alongside the isles. Its ships are noted in prophecies about the nations waiting for the LORD, where "the ships `{{H591}}` of Tarshish `{{H8659}}` first" will bring sons from afar to honor God [[Isaiah 60:9]].
* `{{H7350}}` **râchôwq** (remote, far off): This adjective emphasizes the distant nature of the isles. God's word is to be declared "in the isles `{{H339}}` afar off `{{H7350}}`" [[Jeremiah 31:10]], highlighting the expansive reach of His message.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H339}}` is significant, particularly in prophetic literature, as it broadens the scope of God's work to all humanity.
* **Universal Sovereignty:** The word underscores God's dominion over the entire earth, not just Israel. The nations are like "a drop `{{H4752}}` of a bucket `{{H1805}}`," and God "taketh up the isles `{{H339}}` as a very little thing `{{H1851}}`" [[Isaiah 40:15]]. His judgment extends to them, as He promises "to the islands `{{H339}}` he will repay `{{H7999}}` recompence `{{H1576}}`" [[Isaiah 59:18]].
* **The Hope of the Gentiles:** The isles are consistently portrayed as subjects of God's redemptive plan, waiting in expectation for Him. They "shall wait `{{H3176}}` for his law `{{H8451}}`" [[Isaiah 42:4]], and they "shall wait `{{H6960}}` upon me, and on mine arm `{{H2220}}` shall they trust `{{H3176}}`" [[Isaiah 51:5]].
* **Worship from the Ends of the Earth:** The inhabitants of the isles are called to participate in the worship of the LORD. They are commanded to "sing `{{H7891}}` unto the LORD `{{H3068}}` a new `{{H2319}}` song `{{H7892}}`" [[Isaiah 42:10]], and the "multitude `{{H7227}}` of isles `{{H339}}`" are called to be glad and rejoice in His reign [[Psalms 97:1]]. This call to worship includes "all the isles `{{H339}}` of the heathen `{{H1471}}`" [[Zephaniah 2:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H339}}` serves as a vital term that expands the biblical focus from a national to a global stage. While denoting a literal island or coast, its primary significance lies in its representation of distant lands and Gentile peoples. Through this word, the prophets convey that God's sovereignty, judgment, and ultimate salvation are not confined to Israel but extend to the very ends of the earth, calling all nations to wait for Him, worship Him, and witness His glory.
TRV