Brief Overview of Βυθίζω (G1036: Bythizō)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek verb βυθίζω (Bythizō), pronounced boo-thee’-zo, derives from the root word βυθός (bythos), meaning “depth” or “deep.” The primary meaning of Bythizō is “to sink” or “to cause to sink,” often used in the context of ships or other objects being submerged in water. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed or plunged into a situation or state.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In BDAG, Bythizō is defined as “to cause to sink, submerge, or plunge.” The lexicon notes that the term is used in both literal and figurative senses in ancient texts. In the New Testament, Bythizō is used in passages that describe physical sinking, as well as in contexts where it symbolizes being overwhelmed or deeply involved in something.

Thayer’s Lexicon expands on this definition, highlighting the term’s usage in different contexts. Thayer notes that Bythizō can refer to the act of sinking in water, as seen in nautical contexts, but it also carries a metaphorical meaning of being engulfed or overwhelmed by circumstances.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance identifies Bythizō as “to sink” or “to plunge,” emphasizing its use in the New Testament to describe physical sinking and metaphorical plunging into trouble or despair.

One significant New Testament verse where Bythizō appears is in Luke 5:7, which describes the disciples’ boat beginning to sink after being filled with a large catch of fish: “And they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink (Bythizō).” This usage highlights the word’s literal meaning in a context of physical danger.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Bythizō is frequently used to describe the action of sinking or submerging, particularly in nautical contexts. The term appears in various texts, often related to ships or objects being submerged in water.

For instance, in Homer’s “Iliad,” Bythizō is used to describe ships being sunk during battle. The term is employed to convey the finality and tragedy of a ship going down, symbolizing loss and defeat.

In the works of Herodotus, Bythizō is used in historical accounts to describe the sinking of fleets in naval warfare, highlighting the destructive power of the sea and the peril faced by sailors.

Another example is found in Euripides’ plays, where Bythizō is used metaphorically to describe characters being plunged into despair or overwhelming situations, extending the word’s meaning beyond the physical act of sinking.

Summary:
The Greek verb βυθίζω (Bythizō), meaning “to sink” or “to submerge,” carries significant weight in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s emphasize the term’s use in describing physical sinking, particularly in nautical contexts, as well as its metaphorical application to situations where one is overwhelmed or plunged into difficulty. In classical Greek literature, Bythizō is commonly used in descriptions of naval warfare and shipwrecks, symbolizing loss and danger. Understanding Bythizō provides insight into the term’s powerful imagery in both ancient Greek texts and the New Testament, where it conveys the idea of being engulfed, whether by water or by circumstances.