Tarshish
Tarshish is a island mentioned in 16 verses. Its most likely location is another name for Tartessos. The name means “contemplation; examination.”
Where is Tarshish?
Approx. 37.2719, -6.9442 · OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
Possible modern locations
| Identification | Type | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| another name for Tartessos | settlement | Medium |
| Sardinia | island | Medium |
| another name for Carthage | settlement | Low |
| not a proper name (name for an ore-producing region or an undefined far-off place) | special | Low |
| Cádiz | settlement | Low |
| another name for Tarsus | settlement | Low |
Tarshish in the Bible dictionary
The name of a place which first comes into notice in the days of Solomon. The question as to the locality of Tarshish has given rise to not a little discussion. Some think there was a Tarshish in the East, on the Indian coast, seeing that “ships of Tarshish” sailed from Eziongeber, on the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26; 22:48; 2 Chr. 9:21). Some, again, argue that Carthage was the place so named. There can be little doubt, however, that this is the name of a Phoenician port in Spain, between the two mouths of the Guadalquivir (the name given to the river by the Arabs, and meaning “the great wady” or water-course). It was founded by a Carthaginian colony, and was the farthest western harbour of Tyrian sailors. It was to this port Jonah’s ship was about to sail from Joppa. It has well been styled “the Peru of Tyrian adventure;” it abounded in gold and silver mines.
It appears that this name also is used without reference to any locality. “Ships of Tarshish” is an expression sometimes denoting simply ships intended for a long voyage (Isa. 23:1, 14), ships of a large size (sea-going ships), whatever might be the port to which they sailed. Solomon’s ships were so styled (1 Kings 10:22; 22:49).
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain. Full dictionary entry →
Verses that mention Tarshish
- 2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
- 2 Chronicles 20:36
And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion–geber.
- 2 Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
- Psalms 72:10
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
- Isaiah 23:1
The 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 23:6
Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the isle.
- Isaiah 23:10
Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: there is no more strength.
- Isaiah 23:14
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.
- Isaiah 66:19
And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
- Jeremiah 10:9
Silver spread into plates is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman, and of the hands of the founder: blue and purple is their clothing: they are all the work of cunning men.