Eternal Chasm: χάσμα (Strong’s G5490: chasma) Separates Heaven From Hell

Strong’s G5490: From a root meaning “to gape” or “yawn,” χάσμα denotes an impassable gulf or chasm, particularly referring to the insurmountable divide between the righteous and unrighteous in the afterlife, as depicted in the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

U- Unveiling the Word

χάσμα represents more than just a physical gap or chasm – it embodies a profound theological concept of eternal separation. In Luke 16:26, it illustrates the permanent divide between the saved and lost souls after death. The word carries weighty implications about the finality of one’s eternal destiny and the impossibility of crossing between realms after death. Early church fathers often used this term to emphasize the urgency of responding to the Gospel in this life, as post-mortem opportunities cease. Today, it reminds us of the critical nature of our response to the Messiah’s offer of salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χάσμα, chasma, /ˈkæz.mə/
• Detailed pronunciation: KHAZ-mah (χ as in Scottish “loch”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From χαίνω (chainō) meaning “to gape, yawn”
• Root: χα- (cha-) expressing the idea of opening wide
• Suffix: -σμα (-sma) forming concrete nouns from verb stems

D – Defining Meanings

• A gaping opening or chasm
• An impassable gulf
• An unbridgeable divide

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple noun derived from a verbal root

Translation Options:

• “Chasm” – Best captures both physical and metaphorical divide
• “Gulf” – Emphasizes the separation aspect
• “Great divide” – Communicates the insurmountable nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βάραθρον (barathron) /ˈbær.æ.θrɒn/ – a gulf or pit, more specifically referring to physical depths – See G999
• φάραγξ (pharanx) /ˈfær.æŋks/ – a ravine or valley, emphasizing the geological formation – See G5327

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative singular: χάσμα
• Genitive singular: χάσματος
• Dative singular: χάσματι
• Nominative/Accusative plural: χάσματα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical tradition unanimously emphasizes χάσμα’s significance in Luke’s account of the rich man and Lazarus. BDAG highlights its usage as a fixed gulf in the afterlife context. Thayer’s emphasizes the etymological connection to “yawning” or “gaping wide.” LSJ provides classical references where the term describes physical chasms. Vine’s notes the word’s unique appearance in the New Testament and its theological implications. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in secular Greek texts describing physical terrain features, showing how Luke adapted a common geographical term for theological purposes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And besides all this, between us and you there is a great [χάσμα] fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.” Luke 16:26

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χάσμα serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal consequences of our choices regarding salvation. The word appears in one of the Messiah’s most sobering teachings about the afterlife, emphasizing that after death, our eternal destiny is fixed. This underscores the urgency of embracing the Gospel now, while we have the opportunity. The good news is that through the Messiah’s sacrifice, we can avoid being separated from God by this eternal chasm, as He bridges the gap between humanity and God through His death and resurrection.

D – Did You Know?

• χάσμα is the origin of our English word “chasm”
• It appears only once in the New Testament but has profoundly influenced Christian theology of the afterlife
• Ancient Greek geographers used this term to describe the strait of Gibraltar

Strong’s G5490: From a root meaning “to gape” or “yawn,” χάσμα denotes an impassable gulf or chasm, particularly referring to the insurmountable divide between the righteous and unrighteous in the afterlife, as depicted in the story of the rich man and Lazarus.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: afterlife, eternal separation, gulf, heaven, hell, judgment, Lazarus, rich man, salvation, eternal destiny, divine justice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​