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Tharshish

Locations
Modern Location Likely Tartessos, in southern Spain (Andalusia), though identification remains debated among scholars.
Coordinates 37.3891, -6.0022

Geographical Setting

Tharshish denotes a distant western maritime region or kingdom known for its wealth in silver, iron, tin, and lead, frequently associated with Phoenician trade networks in the ancient Near East.

What is the meaning of Tharshish in the Bible?

Tharshish is a geographical entity referenced in biblical texts, most notably in the Book of Jonah, where it is identified as a distant port on the western coast, traditionally associated with the Iberian Peninsula or Cyprus.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Tharshish as a major western trade hub clarifies the narrative of Jonah's attempt to flee from the presence of the Lord by traveling to the extreme opposite end of the known world, emphasizing the theme of God's omnipresence.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Tharshish (located near modern Likely Tartessos, in southern Spain (Andalusia), though identification remains debated among scholars.) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Tharshish in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Tharshish clarify?

Related Topics

BezerHazar-SusahHaruphiteAtadPaddanHethlon

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.

How to Cite This Entry

"Tharshish." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tharshish/
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