Learn more about Isles

Introduction to Isles

The term “Isles” in the Bible is a poetic and often prophetic reference to distant lands, typically those located across seas from the land of Israel. In Hebrew, the word is translated from אִי (’iy), meaning coast, island, or region by the sea. It is often used in the plural form (’iyyim) and represents distant peoples or nations, especially in the context of divine judgment or blessing extending beyond Israel to the Gentiles. The term is not limited to modern concepts of islands but can also encompass coastal territories and remote lands across water bodies, particularly in prophetic literature.

Isles Pronunciation

“Isles” is pronounced as eyelz, rhyming with “smiles.” The Hebrew word אִי (’iy) is pronounced as ee, with a long “e” sound.

Isles in the Bible

The concept of “isles” is found throughout the Old and New Testaments, often used symbolically to describe the reach of God’s plan to the ends of the earth or to reference distant nations. Below are key scriptural references:

• Isaiah 11:11: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people... from the islands of the sea.” This speaks to the worldwide regathering of Israel, including from distant places.
• Isaiah 42:4: “The isles shall wait for his law.” A messianic prophecy indicating that even the distant lands will hope in the justice and law of the Messiah.
• Jeremiah 31:10: “Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off…” Here, the term reinforces the universal scope of God’s message.
• Ezekiel 27:6-7: The isles are referenced in the context of Tyre’s trading partners, indicating maritime commerce and wealth.
• Zephaniah 2:11: “The Lord will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.” This reveals a prophetic future where even distant lands abandon idols to worship Yahweh.

Related Themes and Meanings to Isles

The use of “isles” in Scripture often aligns with broader theological and prophetic themes:

• Universality of God’s Kingdom: The repeated use of "isles" signifies that God's dominion and message are meant not just for Israel but for all peoples, including those in remote areas.
• Judgment and Redemption: Prophets often address the “isles” in oracles of judgment or salvation, underscoring God’s sovereignty over all lands.
• Maritime Commerce: Especially in books like Ezekiel, “isles” are part of the narrative about wealth, trade, and luxury goods coming from coastal nations.
• Symbol of Distance and Mystery: The isles often represented unknown lands to ancient Israelites, adding an air of mystery or foreboding, particularly in apocalyptic texts.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Isles

• The word “isles” appears over 30 times in the King James Version (KJV), largely in prophetic books.
• In ancient Near Eastern context, the term may have been applied to areas around the Aegean Sea, including Cyprus, Crete, and even as far west as the Greek isles.
• The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translates the Hebrew word for “isles” as “νησοί (nēsoi),” meaning “islands,” maintaining the sense of remoteness.
• Some biblical scholars believe references to “isles” could even hint at Europe and the broader Mediterranean world, thus prophetically extending the scope of the gospel.
• In prophetic literature, the use of “isles” reinforces God’s vision for global redemption, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament through the missionary work of Paul and others.

Isles and the Missionary Mandate

Though more frequent in the Old Testament, the idea of reaching the “isles” takes on deeper fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) reflects the Old Testament vision of God’s word reaching the farthest regions of the earth — the “isles.” Early Christian mission work, especially Paul's journeys to regions like Cyprus and beyond, can be seen as an initial fulfillment of this prophetic vision.

Conclusion

The term “isles” in the Bible is far more than a geographical note — it carries deep theological and prophetic weight. Representing both literal coastal lands and symbolic distant peoples, the isles stand as a testament to the global scope of God's plan for humanity. Whether in contexts of judgment, trade, or redemption, the isles help underscore the Bible’s consistent message that God’s reach extends to the very ends of the earth.