Where is Cyprus in the Bible?

What happened at Cyprus?

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).

Where does Cyprus appear in the Bible?

Cyprus is referenced in 12 verses across 5 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• Acts 4:36
• Acts 11:19
• Acts 11:20
• Acts 13:4
• Acts 15:39
• Acts 21:3
• Acts 27:4
• Ezekiel 27:6
• Isaiah 23:1
• Isaiah 23:12
• Jeremiah 2:10
• Numbers 24:24

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Cyprus.