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 lemma תַּרְשִׁישׁ (Tarshîysh, `{{H8659}}`) primarily denotes a significant geographical location, widely understood to be a distant port city, likely situated on the Mediterranean Sea. Its core meaning encompasses both the place itself and, metonymically, the large, ocean-going merchant vessels associated with it, famously known as "ships of Tarshish." The definition also indicates its use as a proper name for individuals, specifically a Persian prince and an Israelite. The etymological note within the definition suggests a possible connection to the gemstone `{{H8658}}` (tarshish, beryl/chrysolite), implying that the region may have been a source of this precious stone or that the stone was named after the region. This connection imbues the term with connotations of wealth, exotic goods, and distant origins.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term תַּרְשִׁישׁ appears in various biblical contexts, highlighting its multifaceted significance:
* **Geographical Location:** Tarshish is consistently portrayed as a distant land, often associated with maritime trade and immense wealth.
* It is a key destination for King Solomon's fleet, which brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks every three years, alongside the ships of Hiram ([[1 Kings 10:22]], [[2 Chronicles 9:21]]). These long voyages suggest a location far to the west, possibly in the Iberian Peninsula (e.g., Tartessos) or even beyond.
* The prophet Jonah famously attempts to flee from the Lord's presence to Tarshish, emphasizing its reputation as the "ends of the earth" or the furthest known point from Israel ([[Jonah 1:3]], [[Jonah 4:2]]). This narrative underscores the futility of escaping divine omnipresence.
* In prophetic literature, Tarshish is mentioned as a source of silver, iron, tin, and lead, indicating its role in ancient metallurgy and trade networks ([[Ezekiel 27:12]]). It also features in pronouncements of judgment against Tyre ([[Isaiah 23:1]], [[Isaiah 23:6]], [[Isaiah 23:10]], [[Isaiah 23:14]]) and in visions of future restoration, where its ships bring the dispersed people and their wealth to Jerusalem ([[Isaiah 60:9]]).
* **"Ships of Tarshish":** This phrase (אֳנִיּוֹת תַּרְשִׁישׁ) evolves into a metonym for large, robust merchant vessels capable of long-distance voyages.
* Beyond Solomon's fleet, these ships become a symbol of human pride, commercial power, and the might of nations. Isaiah prophesies the humbling of all that is lofty and proud, specifically mentioning the "ships of Tarshish" as objects of God's judgment ([[Isaiah 2:16]]). This implies a connection between vast material wealth and human arrogance.
* **Proper Name:**
* The name Tarshish is attributed to an individual in the genealogies of Benjamin, as a son of Bilhan ([[1 Chronicles 7:10]]).
* It also identifies one of the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to King Ahasuerus's presence, highlighting a position of significant influence and authority ([[Esther 1:14]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of תַּרְשִׁישׁ (`{{H8659}}`) is enriched by its connections to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **`{{H8658}}` (Tarshish - the gemstone):** The explicit link in the definition between the place Tarshish and the gemstone `{{H8658}}` (beryl or chrysolite) is significant. This stone was one of the twelve stones in the high priest's breastplate ([[Exodus 28:20]], [[Exodus 39:13]]) and is used in descriptions of divine glory or heavenly beings ([[Ezekiel 1:16]], [[Ezekiel 10:9]], [[Daniel 10:6]]). This connection reinforces the idea of Tarshish as a place of great value and perhaps even divine splendor, or at least a source of materials associated with it.
* **Maritime Trade and Wealth:** תַּרְשִׁישׁ is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical themes of international trade, the accumulation of wealth, and the distant sources of precious commodities. It is often mentioned alongside other wealthy regions like Ophir (`{{H6098}}`) and Sheba (`{{H7614}}`).
* **Phoenicia/Tyre:** The close association of Solomon's fleet with the ships of Hiram of Tyre suggests a strong connection between Tarshish and the powerful Phoenician maritime empire, exemplified by Tyre (`{{H6629}}`).
* **"Ends of the Earth":** The concept of Tarshish as the furthest known point connects it to the theological idea of God's universal reach and sovereignty over all creation, even the most remote corners.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of תַּרְשִׁישׁ is profound, touching upon themes of divine sovereignty, human pride, and the scope of God's redemptive plan:
* **Divine Omnipresence and Sovereignty:** Jonah's ill-fated journey to Tarshish serves as a powerful testament to the inescapable presence and sovereign will of God. No matter how far one flees, God's reach extends to the "ends of the earth," demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by human disobedience ([[Psalm 139:7-10]]).
* **Judgment on Human Pride and Materialism:** The "ships of Tarshish" in Isaiah's prophecy ([[Isaiah 2:16]]) symbolize the epitome of human achievement, commercial power, and self-sufficiency. Their destined humbling by the Lord signifies God's ultimate judgment on all forms of human pride, materialism, and reliance on earthly strength rather than divine power. This underscores the transient nature of worldly glory in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God.
* **Universal Scope of God's Redemption:** Despite its association with judgment, תַּרְשִׁישׁ also appears in visions of future restoration. [[Isaiah 60:9]] depicts the "ships of Tarshish" as among the first to bring the scattered people of God and their wealth to Jerusalem, acknowledging the Lord. This portrays a future where distant nations, once symbols of worldly power, will willingly submit to God's reign, highlighting the universal and inclusive nature of God's redemptive purposes for all peoples.
* **Wealth and Wisdom:** Solomon's association with the wealth brought by the ships of Tarshish illustrates the blessings that can accompany obedience and wisdom. However, it also subtly hints at the dangers of excessive wealth and the potential for it to lead to spiritual decline if not consecrated to God's purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word תַּרְשִׁישׁ (Tarshîysh, `{{H8659}}`) is a multifaceted term primarily denoting a distant, wealthy maritime region on the Mediterranean, renowned for its extensive trade and large merchant vessels, the "ships of Tarshish." It also serves as a proper name for individuals. Contextual analysis reveals its significance as a symbol of the "ends of the earth," particularly in the narrative of Jonah's flight, which powerfully illustrates God's inescapable omnipresence. In prophetic literature, "ships of Tarshish" represent human pride, commercial might, and reliance on earthly power, all destined for humbling under divine judgment. Yet, these same ships are also envisioned as bringing the wealth of distant nations to Jerusalem in a future era of universal worship, pointing to the global scope of God's redemptive plan. Its potential connection to the gemstone `{{H8658}}` further links it to concepts of value, preciousness, and even divine glory. Ultimately, תַּרְשִׁישׁ serves as a rich biblical motif for God's universal sovereignty, His unwavering judgment on human arrogance, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom over all earthly powers, drawing all nations to Himself.
TRV