Tarshish can refer to a descendant of Javan, a distant maritime region or port associated with sea trade, a family name, or a precious stone. The term is also used for large oceangoing ships.
Definition
Tarshish has several biblical uses. It may be the name of a descendant of Javan, a Benjamite family, one of the princes of Ahasuerus, a precious stone, or a distant maritime region. “Ships of Tarshish” can mean large vessels intended for long voyages.
Biblical Usage
Tarshish was associated with maritime trade, especially the western port reached by Phoenician sailors and connected with Jonah’s intended voyage. Solomon’s ships were called ships of Tarshish, and the expression could denote large sea-going vessels without specifying their destination.
Historical Background
The principal geographical identification in the supplied material is a Phoenician port in Spain near the Guadalquivir, rich in gold and silver. Other proposed locations include the Indian coast and Carthage. The term also names a precious stone rendered “beryl” in several passages.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A Sanscrit or Aryan word, meaning “the sea coast.” (1.) One of the “sons” of Javan (Gen. 10:4; 1 Chr. 1:7). (2.) 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).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(established).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tar'-shish (tarshish):</p><p>(1) Eponym of a Benjamite family (1Ch 7:10); Rhamessai, A and Lucian, Tharseis</p><p>(2) One of the "seven princes" at the court of Ahasuerus (Es 1:14 Massoretic Text).</p><p>(3) The Hebrew name of a precious stone (Eze 10:9 margin, English Versions of the Bible "beryl"; Ex 28:20; 39:13; Eze 1:16; 28:13; So 5:14; Da 10:6).</p><p>See STONES, PRECIOUS.</p>
