νησίον

a little island

Definition

The Greek word νησίον (nēsion) specifically means 'a little island' or 'an islet.' It is a diminutive form of νῆσος (nēsos), which means 'island,' thus emphasizing its small size. In the New Testament, it appears only in Acts 27:16, where it refers to a small island that the ship carrying Paul passed during a storm. This term is used literally to describe a geographical feature, with no extended metaphorical meanings in biblical texts.

Biblical Usage

Νησίον is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:16. In this narrative of Paul's shipwreck, the word describes a small island called Cauda (or Clauda in some manuscripts) that provided temporary shelter from the storm. The usage is purely descriptive within a historical travel account, highlighting a specific location during a perilous sea journey.

Etymology

Νησίον is a diminutive noun derived from the Greek word νῆσος (nēsos), meaning 'island.' The diminutive suffix -ιον (-ion) indicates smallness, thus forming 'a little island.' This follows a common pattern in Greek where diminutives convey a smaller or more specific version of the base noun, similar to how 'booklet' relates to 'book' in English.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Mediterranean world, islands were significant navigational landmarks and sometimes places of refuge or danger for sailors. The mention of a νησίον in Acts 27:16 reflects the practical realities of sea travel, where small islands could offer brief shelter from storms but were not always habitable. This contrasts with modern perceptions of islands as often larger or more developed destinations.

νῆσος (nēsos, G3520) — The standard word for 'island,' without the diminutive sense of small size.

Word Details

Scripture References