Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, ports were crucial hubs of trade, travel, and cultural exchange. They served as gateways for the movement of goods, people, and ideas across the ancient world. The Bible references several ports, highlighting their significance in the historical and spiritual narratives of the Scriptures.
Key Biblical Ports:1.
Joppa (Jaffa): Joppa is one of the oldest functioning harbors in the world and is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. It was the port from which Jonah attempted to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh (
Jonah 1:3). In the New Testament, Joppa is noted as the place where Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead (
Acts 9:36-43). The port's strategic location made it a vital link for trade and communication.
2.
Caesarea Maritima: Built by Herod the Great, Caesarea Maritima was a major Roman port and the administrative center of the province of Judea. It is significant in the New Testament as the place where Cornelius, the Roman centurion, received the Holy Spirit, marking the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). Paul also sailed from Caesarea on his journey to Rome (
Acts 27:1).
3.
Tyre and Sidon: These ancient Phoenician cities were renowned for their maritime prowess and trade. Tyre is mentioned in the context of its wealth and pride (
Ezekiel 28:1-19). Jesus visited the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He healed the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman (
Mark 7:24-30).
4.
Alexandria: Although not directly mentioned as a port in the Bible, Alexandria was a significant center of learning and commerce in the ancient world. It is referenced in the context of Paul's journey to Rome, as he sailed on an Alexandrian ship (
Acts 27:6).
Role and Symbolism:Ports in the Bible often symbolize places of transition and divine encounter. They are settings for pivotal events, such as Jonah's flight, Peter's vision, and Paul's missionary journeys. These locations underscore the spread of God's message beyond the borders of Israel, illustrating the universal scope of the Gospel.
Cultural and Economic Impact:The ports mentioned in the Bible were not only centers of economic activity but also melting pots of diverse cultures and ideas. They facilitated the exchange of goods such as timber, spices, and textiles, which were essential for the economies of ancient Israel and its neighbors. The bustling activity of these ports reflects the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the role of trade in shaping biblical history.
Spiritual Lessons:The narratives associated with biblical ports often convey spiritual lessons about obedience, faith, and the inclusivity of God's kingdom. Jonah's attempt to escape God's call at Joppa serves as a reminder of the futility of fleeing from divine purpose. Peter's vision in Joppa and the events at Caesarea Maritima highlight the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the message of salvation for all people.
In summary, ports in the Bible are more than mere geographical locations; they are integral to the unfolding of God's plan and the dissemination of His word across the ancient world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A dark red or purple astringent wine made in Portugal. It contains a large percentage of alcohol.
2. (n.) A place where ships may ride secure from storms; a sheltered inlet, bay, or cove; a harbor; a haven. Used also figuratively.
3. (v.) In law and commercial usage, a harbor where vessels are admitted to discharge and receive cargoes, from whence they depart and where they finish their voyages.
4. (n.) A passageway; an opening or entrance to an enclosed place; a gate; a door; a portal.
5. (n.) An opening in the side of a vessel; an embrasure through which cannon may be discharged; a porthole; also, the shutters which close such an opening.
6. (n.) A passageway in a machine, through which a fluid, as steam, water, etc., may pass, as from a valve to the interior of the cylinder of a steam engine; an opening in a valve seat, or valve face.
7. (v. t.) To carry; to bear; to transport.
8. (v. t.) To throw, as a musket, diagonally across the body, with the lock in front, the right hand grasping the small of the stock, and the barrel sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder; as, to port arms.
9. (n.) The manner in which a person bears himself; deportment; carriage; bearing; demeanor; hence, manner or style of living; as, a proud port.
10. (n.) The larboard or left side of a ship (looking from the stern toward the bow); as, a vessel heels to port. See Note under Larboard. Also used adjectively.
11. (v. t.) To turn or put to the left or larboard side of a ship; -- said of the helm, and used chiefly in the imperative, as a command; as, port your helm.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PORT; PORTERport, por'-ter: "Port" in the sense of "gate" (of a city or building) is obsolete in modern English, and even in the King James Version is found only inNehemiah 2:13. "Porter," as "gate-keeper," however, is still in some use, but "porter" now (but never in the English Versions of the Bible) generally means a burden-carrier. In the Old Testament, except in2 Samuel 18:262 Kings 7:10, 11, the porter (sho`er) is a sacred officer of the temple or tabernacle, belonging to a particular family of the Levites, with a share in the sacred dues (Nehemiah 13:5;Nehemiah 12:47). The "porters" are mentioned only in Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, and Chronicles has a special interest in them, relating that their duties were settled as far back as the time of David (1 Chronicles 26:1-19), and that the office extended further to the first settlement of Palestine and even to Moses' day (1 Chronicles 9:17-26). The office was evidently one of some dignity, and the "chief-porters" (1 Chronicles 9:26) were important persons. For some inscrutable reason the Revised Version (British and American) renders sho`er by "doorkeeper" in1 Chronicles 15-26, but not elsewhere.
SeeDOORKEEPER.
Burton Scott Easton
Greek
2747. Kegchreai -- Cenchrea, aport of Corinth... Cenchrea, a
port of Corinth. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kegchreai
Phonetic Spelling: (keng-khreh-a'-hee) Short Definition: Cenchreae
...3040. limen -- a harbor, a haven
... a harbor, a haven. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: limen Phonetic
Spelling: (lee-mane') Short Definition: a harbor,port Definition: a harbor...
789. Assos -- Assos, a city on the W. coast of Asia Minor
... of Asia Minor. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Assos Phonetic Spelling:
(as'-sos) Short Definition: Assos Definition: Assos, aport of Mysia, in...
4198. poreuomai -- to go
... 4198 (from , "passageway") -- properly, to , moving something from one destination
(port) to another; (figuratively) to go or depart, which is attached to...
4667. Smurna -- "myrrh," Smyrna, an Ionian city in Asia Minor
... Minor. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Smurna Phonetic Spelling:
(smoor'-nah) Short Definition: Smyrna Definition: Smyrna, a greatport of the...
98. Adramuttenos -- of Adramyttium, a seaport of Mysia
... Adramuttenos Phonetic Spelling: (ad-ram-oot-tay-nos') Short Definition: belonging
to Adramyttium Definition: belonging to Adramyttium, aport in Mysia, in Asia...
3460. Mura -- Myra, a city of Lycia
... Myra, a city of Lycia. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: Mura Phonetic
Spelling: (moo'-rah) Short Definition: Myra Definition: Myra, aport in Lycia...
825. Attaleia -- Attalia, a city of Pamphylia
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Attaleia Phonetic Spelling:
(at-tal'-i-ah) Short Definition: Attalia Definition: Attalia, theport of Perga...
Index of /greek2
Index of /greek2. Parent Directory; 1.htm; 10.htm; 100.htm; 1000.htm; 1001.htm;
1002.htm; 1003.htm; 1004.htm; 1005.htm; 1006.htm; 1007.htm; 1008...
Strong's Hebrew
8659. Tarshish -- a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a...... 8658, 8659. Tarshish. 8660 . a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also
a
port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite, also a Pers.
...8179. shaar -- a gate
... city, door, gate,port. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, ie Door or
gate -- city, door, gate,port (X -er). see HEBREW sha'ar. 8178b, 8179....
Index of /hebrew2
Index of /hebrew2. Parent Directory; 1.htm; 10.htm; 100.htm; 1000.htm; 1001.htm;
1002.htm; 1003.htm; 1003a.htm; 1003b.htm; 1004.htm; 1005.htm;...
Library
Port of Spain
... CHAPTER IV:PORT OF SPAIN. The first thing notable, on landing inPort of
Spain at the low quay which has been just reclaimed from...
Apparitions on Occasion of the Death of Jesus.
... There was aport there with many vessels in it; and near thisport stood a house
with a high tower, in which I saw a pagan whose office was to watch these...
Drawing Nearer to the Storm
... Obviously the coaster tied up or anchored inport at night.... Tyre was the
firstport of call, and there the cargo was to be landed....
If any one Wishes to Hear the Arrangements for My Journey from...
... accompanied by the reverend presbyter Vincentius and my young brother, and other
monks who are now living at Jerusalem, I went on board ship at theport of Rome...
Moody's Stories
... When they came back, the crew were short of water, and being near an Englishport,
they wanted to get water; but they were afraid that they would be taken...
Phoebe
... Her Christian associations were with the Church at Cenchrea, theport of Corinth,
of which little Christian community nothing further is known....
Tempest and Trust
... The ship was lying in aport which gave scanty protection against the winter weather,
and it was clearly wise to reach a more secure harbour if possible....
Lost in the Woods
... Sunday, 4."God renewed our strength, we arose neither faint nor weary, and resolved
to make one trial more, to find out a path toPort Royal....
The Papal Bulls against the Jansenists, 1653 and 1713.
... Fontaine: M??moires pour servir al'histoire dePort-Royal (Utrecht), 1738, 2 vols....
H. Reuchlin: Geschichte vonPort-Royal, Hamb.1839-44, 2 vols. Comp....
Your Apology Says that There are Three Opinions as to the Origin...
... You are the Aristippus of our day: you bring your ship into theport of Rome full
of merchandize of all kinds; you set your professorial chair on high, and...
Thesaurus
Port (3 Occurrences)... the lock in front, the right hand grasping the small of the stock, and the barrel
sloping upward and crossing the point of the left shoulder; as, to
port arms.
...Dung-port (1 Occurrence)
Dung-port. Dung-pit, Dung-port. Duplicates . Multi-Version
Concordance Dung-port (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 2:13 And I...
Tarshish (24 Occurrences)
... There can be little doubt, however, that this is the name of a Phoenicianport in
Spain, between the two mouths of the Guadalquivir (the name given to the...
Porter (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A malt liquor, of a dark color and moderately bitter taste, possessing tonic
and intoxicating qualities. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.PORT; PORTER....
Haven (8 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A bay, recess, or inlet of the sea, or the mouth of a river, which
affords anchorage and shelter for shipping; a harbor; aport....
Neapolis (1 Occurrence)
... It was the sea-port of the inland town of Philippi, which was distant about
10 miles. From thisport Paul embarked on his last journey...
Joppa (14 Occurrences)
... It is one of the oldest towns in Asia. It was and still is the chief
sea-port of Judea. It was never wrested from the Phoenicians....
Jabneh (1 Occurrence)
... sea. It had aport, now called Mina Rubin, a short distance South of the
mouth of the river, some remains of which still exist....
Jabneel (2 Occurrences)
... sea. It had aport, now called Mina Rubin, a short distance South of the
mouth of the river, some remains of which still exist....
Lap (12 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) The amount by which a slide valve at its half stroke overlaps aport in
the seat, being equal to the distance the valve must move from its mid stroke...
Resources
Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Simon the tanner? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.orgPort: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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