Patmos
LocationsGeographical Setting
Patmos is a small, rugged island in the Aegean Sea, historically significant as the place of exile for the Apostle John and the traditional site of the composition of the Book of Revelation.
What is the meaning of Patmos in the Bible?
Patmos is a Greek island located in the Dodecanese archipelago, situated in the northeastern Aegean Sea. It is characterized by its mountainous terrain and sparse vegetation. The island is most renowned for the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a fortified complex built on a hilltop overlooking the main town of Chora, which serves as a major pilgrimage site.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Patmos provides essential geographical and historical context for the Book of Revelation, clarifying the circumstances of John's exile and the physical setting that influenced the apocalyptic imagery and themes of isolation and divine revelation found in the text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Patmos in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.