Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies helps readers grasp the depth and richness of the original text. The Greek word θάλασσα (thalassa), which translates to “sea,” is particularly significant as it appears frequently in the New Testament, often in relation to Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee. This word is not only important for understanding geographical and natural elements in the biblical narrative but also offers insights into ancient Greek culture and thought, where the sea held both literal and symbolic meanings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θάλασσα (thalassa), pronounced [THAH-lah-sah].
• Etymology: The word θάλασσα has its roots in ancient Greek, though its precise etymological origins are debated. It is often used to denote any large body of water, such as a sea or lake.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine). It belongs to the first declension in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Sea: The general term for a large body of saltwater, like the Mediterranean Sea.
• Lake: In some contexts, θάλασσα can also refer to large inland bodies of water, such as the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias).

Similar Words: Πόντος (Pontos), pronounced [PON-tos], also means “sea” but is more often used in poetic and mythological contexts to personify the sea or refer to specific seas, such as the Black Sea. Θάλασσα (thalassa) is a more general term used in everyday language and scripture.

Further Insights: θάλασσα (thalassa) is a first declension feminine noun. It has a regular inflection pattern in Greek. Below is a table showing its full declension:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: θάλασσα (thalassa) is defined as a large body of saltwater, such as a sea or lake. BDAG discusses its frequent appearances in the Gospels, particularly in contexts involving the Sea of Galilee, and notes its figurative uses to represent vastness or chaos.

Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon provides a detailed look at θάλασσα (thalassa), highlighting its use to describe both literal seas and metaphorical references, such as the “sea of nations” in apocalyptic literature.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the word’s versatility, noting how it can refer to both natural bodies of water and symbolic representations of tumult and disorder, often seen in prophetic and apocalyptic contexts.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon points out the classical usage of θάλασσα (thalassa), underscoring its importance in ancient Greek literature and its general use to mean “sea.” It distinguishes θάλασσα from more poetic terms like Πόντος (Pontos).

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists θάλασσα (thalassa) under G2281 and highlights its various appearances throughout the New Testament, both in literal and metaphorical senses. It suggests that the word can imply both danger and tranquility, depending on the context.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 4:18: “Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea [θάλασσαν] of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”
• Revelation 13:1: “And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea [θάλασσης], having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names.”
• Mark 4:39: “And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea [θάλασσαν], ‘Hush, be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Usage

Summary of θάλασσα (G2281: Thalassa)

The Greek word θάλασσα (thalassa) plays a vital role in both biblical and classical Greek literature. It primarily denotes a “sea” or large body of water and appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in narratives involving Jesus’ ministry. It can also take on metaphorical meanings, symbolizing chaos, vastness, or even nations in prophetic writings. Understanding θάλασσα within its historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts allows for a more nuanced interpretation of biblical texts and ancient Greek thought.

Did You Know?

• The phrase “wine-dark sea,” famously used by Homer, refers to the θάλασσα and has been the subject of much scholarly debate regarding its meaning and poetic imagery.
• In Revelation, the sea (θάλασσα) often symbolizes chaos and the source of evil, contrasting its use as a place of tranquility in other scriptures.
• The Sea of Galilee, frequently mentioned in the Gospels, is actually a freshwater lake, yet it is referred to as θάλασσα due to the Greek word’s broad application to any large body of water.

This comprehensive overview of θάλασσα (thalassa) highlights its importance in biblical and classical contexts, shedding light on its varied meanings and cultural significance.