probably the same as תַּרְשִׁישׁ (as the region of the stone, or the reverse); Tarshish, a place on the Mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port); also the name of a Persian and of an Israelite; Tarshish, Tharshish.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tarshîysh**, represented by `{{H8659}}`, is used to denote a place on the Mediterranean, a type of merchant vessel, and the name of both a Persian and an Israelite. It appears **28 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. The term, which also appears as **Tharshish**, is associated with distant lands, maritime trade, and significant wealth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8659}}` serves several distinct functions. Geographically, it is presented as a remote destination; the prophet Jonah attempts to flee there from the presence of the LORD, boarding a ship at Joppa [[Jonah 1:3]]. This same narrative reveals Jonah's motive was his knowledge of God's gracious and merciful character [[Jonah 4:2]]. Tarshish is also identified as a center of commerce, trading in silver `{{H3701}}`, iron `{{H1270}}`, tin `{{H913}}`, and lead `{{H5777}}` [[Ezekiel 27:12]] and as a source for silver and gold `{{H2091}}` [[Jeremiah 10:9]]. The term is also used as an epithet for large merchant vessels, the "ships of Tarshish," which transported valuable cargo like gold, silver, ivory `{{H8143}}`, apes `{{H6971}}`, and peacocks `{{H8500}}` [[1 Kings 10:22]]. Lastly, Tarshish is used as a personal name for a son of Javan [[Genesis 10:4]], a Persian prince [[Esther 1:14]], and an Israelite from the family of Jediael [[1 Chronicles 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context surrounding Tarshish:
* `{{H591}}` **ʼŏnîyâh** (a ship): This word is frequently associated with Tarshish, often in the phrase "ships of Tarshish." These vessels were symbols of international trade and were central to prophecies concerning maritime powers ([[Isaiah 23:1]], [[Psalms 48:7]]).
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea): As a distant port, Tarshish is intrinsically linked to the sea. The navy `{{H590}}` of Tarshish operated "at sea" [[1 Kings 10:22]], and its ships were made glorious "in the midst of the seas" [[Ezekiel 27:25]].
* `{{H339}}` **ʼîy** (isle, country): Tarshish is often mentioned in connection with remote coastal lands or islands. The kings of Tarshish and of the isles `{{H339}}` are prophesied to bring presents [[Psalms 72:10]], and it is listed among the "isles afar off" [[Isaiah 66:19]].
* `{{H5503}}` **çâchar** (merchant): This term highlights the primary economic role of Tarshish. It is identified as a merchant `{{H5503}}` that traded with Tyre [[Ezekiel 27:12]], and the "merchants of Tarshish" are noted for their involvement in global commerce [[Ezekiel 38:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8659}}` is significant, representing concepts of global reach, divine judgment, and God's sovereignty.
* **The Gentile World:** Tarshish often symbolizes the farthest reaches of the world, representing nations distant from Israel. It is prophesied that the ships of Tarshish will bring Israel's sons from afar [[Isaiah 60:9]] and that the kings of Tarshish will bring presents `{{H4503}}` to the anointed king [[Psalms 72:10]], signifying the inclusion of the Gentiles.
* **Worldly Pride Judged:** The wealth and power embodied by the "ships of Tarshish" make them a target of divine judgment. God is depicted breaking `{{H7665}}` these ships with an east wind `{{H7307}}` [[Psalms 48:7]], and judgment is declared "upon all the ships of Tarshish" as a sign of humbling human pride [[Isaiah 2:16]].
* **Futility of Fleeing God:** The story of Jonah establishes Tarshish as the ultimate destination for one attempting to escape God's call. Jonah's flight "unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD" [[Jonah 1:3]] demonstrates that no location, however remote, is beyond the reach of God's sovereignty.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8659}}` **Tarshîysh** is a multifaceted term that refers to a person, a place, and a class of ship. It functions as a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing the wealth and pride of nations, the far corners of the earth that will one day acknowledge God, and the ultimate futility of attempting to evade the divine will. From a source of precious metals to the destination of a fleeing prophet, Tarshish consistently points to the scope of God's dominion over all creation.
TRV