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Cyprus in the Bible.

Cyprus is an island in the Bible, about 415 km (258 miles) north-west of Jerusalem. The King James Version names it in 12 verses, from Isaiah 23:1 to Acts 27:4.

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About Cyprus.

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, 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.

From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897).

People named with Cyprus.

Barnabas 2Jesus 1John 1Mnason 1Stephen 1

Near Cyprus.

All 12 verses that name Cyprus.

Isaiah 2

  • Isaiah 23:1The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.
  • Isaiah 23:12And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.

Jeremiah 1

  • Jeremiah 2:10For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

Ezekiel 1

  • Ezekiel 27:6Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim.

Acts 8

  • Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
  • Acts 11:19Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
  • Acts 11:20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
  • Acts 13:4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
  • Acts 15:39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
  • Acts 21:3Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
  • Acts 21:16There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
  • Acts 27:4And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Questions about Cyprus.

Where is Cyprus in the Bible?

Cyprus is an island about 415 km (258 miles) north-west of Jerusalem. BibleLectio shows it on a painted map of the Bible’s world, with every verse that names it.

How many times is Cyprus named in the Bible?

The King James Version names Cyprus in 12 verses, in 4 books, from Isaiah 23:1 to Acts 27:4.

Which people are named with Cyprus in the Bible?

The verses that name Cyprus also name Barnabas, Jesus, John, Mnason and Stephen.

Every place in the Bible, on one map.

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