Atomic Bible

Island in the Mediterranean Sea; early Christian community

Cyprus

Named in 15 verses across 6 books, first in Numbers 24:24.

כִּתִּיCyprus

אֱלִישָׁהElishah

ΚύπριοςCyprus

ΚύπροςCyprus

Also called Elishah.

The name means “fair; fairness.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Cyprus Written by AI

Cyprus is an island located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, known in the Bible by various names, including Kittim and Elishah. In the Old Testament, the island is mentioned in the context of trade and prophecy. Isaiah 23:1, 12 and Jeremiah 2:10 refer to the ships of Kittim, indicating the island's involvement in maritime trade. Ezk.27.6 mentions the use of ivory from the coasts of Elishah (possibly Cyprus) in the construction of ships. In Numbers 24:24 and Dan.11.30, Kittim is associated with ships that come against the people of God, possibly referring to the island's role in military campaigns or as a base for hostile forces. In the New Testament, Cyprus plays a significant role in the spread of early Christianity. The apostle Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus (Act.4.36), and some unnamed believers from the island were among the first to preach the gospel to the Gentiles in Antioch (Act.11.19-20). Barnabas and Saul (Paul) visited Cyprus during their first missionary journey (Act.13.4), where they encountered the sorcerer Elymas and converted the proconsul Sergius Paulus (Act.13.6-12). Later, Barnabas and Mark sailed to Cyprus after a disagreement with Paul (Act.15.39). Paul also visited the island during his third missionary journey (Act.21.3) and during his journey to Rome as a prisoner (Act.27.4). The early Christian community in Cyprus included Mnason, an early disciple who provided lodging for Paul and his companions in Jerusalem (Act.21.16).

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

One of the largest islands of the Mediterranean, about 148 miles long and 40 broad. It is distant about 60 miles from the Syrian coast. It was the “Chittim” of the Old Testament (Num. 24:24). The Greek colonists gave it the name of Kypros, from the cyprus, i.e., the henna (see CAMPHIRE), which grew on this island. It was originally inhabited by Phoenicians. In B.C. 477 it fell under the dominion of the Greeks; and became a Roman province B.C. 58. In ancient times it was a centre of great commercial activity. Corn and wine and oil were produced here in the greatest perfection. It was rich also in timber and in mineral wealth.

It is first mentioned in the New Testament (Acts 4:36) as the native place of Barnabas. It was the scene of Paul’s first missionary labours (13:4-13), when he and Barnabas and John Mark were sent forth by the church of Antioch. It was afterwards visited by Barnabas and Mark alone (15:39). Mnason, an “old disciple,” probaly one of the converts of the day of Pentecost belonging to this island, is mentioned (21:16). It is also mentioned in connection with the voyages of Paul (Acts 21:3; 27:4). After being under the Turks for three hundred years, it was given up to the British Government in 1878.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

35.018, 33.208 See it on a map

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names it

  1. Numbers 24:24

    Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”

  2. Isaiah 23:1

    This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.

  3. Isaiah 23:12

    He said, “You shall rejoice no more, O oppressed Virgin Daughter of Sidon. Get up and cross over to Cyprus—even there you will find no rest.”

  4. Jeremiah 2:10

    Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and take a look; send to Kedar and consider carefully; see if there has ever been anything like this:

  5. Ezekiel 27:6

    Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory.

  6. Ezekiel 27:7

    Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning.

  7. Daniel 11:30

    Ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and rage against the holy covenant and do damage. So he will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.

  8. Acts 4:36

    Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),

  9. Acts 11:19

    Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.

  10. Acts 11:20

    But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.

  11. Acts 13:4

    So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

  12. Acts 15:39

    Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

  13. Acts 21:3

    After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.

  14. Acts 21:16

    Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple.

  15. Acts 27:4

    After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.