ISLAND, ISLE, ISLES OF THE GENTILES (אִי֒, H362, אִיִּימ׃֙). Apparently derived from the root concept of “habitable land,” these terms cover a broad spectrum of meaning. Disregarding occasional KJV misreadings such as that amended to “hyena” (Isa 13:22 RSV) the connotations include true islands in general (Ezek 26:18) and in particular (Ezek 27:6), dry land as distinct from wet (Isa 42:15) and particularly coastlands. Sometimes littoral regions are distinguished from interior (Esth 10:1) and the nearby shores of Pal. (Isa 20:6) and Phoenicia (23:2, 6) are included. But more commonly distance is implied, esp. where “the coastlands of the Gentiles,” extending into the western Mediterranean, are in view (Gen 10:5; Zeph 2:11).

Though references are scattered, a notable concentration appears (Isa, Jer, and Ezek) and a definite pattern of Israelite geographical knowledge (based partially on Phoenician and Philistine contacts) seems implied. Items of trade suggest E African or Indian contacts through Aqabah (1 Kings 10:22; Ezek 27:15) but neighboring Mediterranean areas, esp. Kittim (Cyprus) Caphtor (Crete?) and Dedan (Rhodes?) were in clearer view. Elishah (Ezek 27:7) was perhaps the Peloponessos or southern Italy, and metal smelting Tarshish may have been Cilician Tarsus, Sardinia, or Tartessus in Spain. NT references, naturally more explicit, include Malta and specific Aegean islands, while in Revelation 6:14 and 16:20 a world-view reappears.