Χίος
Chios
Definition
Χίος (Chios) refers to a significant island in the Aegean Sea, located off the western coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). In the New Testament, it is mentioned solely as a geographical location along the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey. The island was known in antiquity for its wine and marble, and it served as a navigational point for maritime travel. Its single biblical appearance in Acts 20:15 marks it as a stopover in Paul's voyage from Assos to Samos, en route to Miletus.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 20:15, where it functions as a proper noun identifying a specific island. The context is purely geographical, detailing the itinerary of Paul's sea travel. No patterns or varied meanings exist, as it simply denotes the location itself within the narrative of Acts.
Etymology
The name Χίος is of ancient Greek origin, derived directly from the island's name in classical antiquity. It is not derived from a root verb but is a proper geographical name that has remained consistent through history. The modern name 'Scio' or 'Chios' continues this tradition.
Semantic Range
In the 1st century, Chios was a well-known and prosperous island in the Aegean, part of the Roman province of Asia. It was famous for its wine production and was a hub for trade and travel. Understanding its location enriches the reading of Acts 20:15 by highlighting the detailed, realistic travelogue in Luke's narrative, emphasizing the historical accuracy and the extensive nature of Paul's missionary efforts across the Roman world.
νῆσος (nēsos, G3520) — a general term for 'island', whereas Χίος is a specific island name.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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