1. Overview

βάθος (Bathos) is a Greek word meaning “depth.” It pertains to the deepest point of a physical object, like an ocean or well, and metaphorically, it signifies profoundness or intensity of a state or emotion. The word derives from the base meaning “deep” or “profound,” which is often used to describe both physical deepness and metaphorical depths, such as knowledge or wisdom.

2. Lexical Details

According to BDAG, Bathos is primarily used to describe physical depth, such as the depth of the sea or a pit. Thayer’s extends the meaning to include the depths of the earth or the grave, signifying profoundness or an unreachable state. Vines expands on the metaphorical usage, suggesting it can refer to a deep, unfathomable quality of God’s riches and wisdom, as well as the profound mystery of Christ’s teachings. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance aligns with these interpretations and provides biblical references to highlight these uses.

Biblical references:

• Romans 8:39: Paul speaks of neither height nor depth (βάθος) being able to separate us from the love of God.
• 1 Corinthians 2:10: It is used to describe the depths of God’s spirit probing all things, even the deep things of God.

3. Classical Usage

In classic Greek literature, Bathos appears in works concerning natural philosophy and poetry, often used to describe the physical aspects of the world like the sea or the cosmos. Homer, for example, uses it to describe the ocean depths, while Plato may use it philosophically to discuss the depths of the soul or the profundity of an idea. Hellenistic poets and philosophers use the term to convey the overwhelming and often immeasurable aspects of emotion and the human condition.

4. Summary

The term βάθος encapsulates the concept of depth in both a literal and figurative sense. Its usage across Greek literature and Scripture reflects a universal fascination with and reverence for the profound, whether it be the physical depths of the earth or the unfathomable depths of spiritual and intellectual life. As a descriptive term, it powerfully conveys both the inaccessibility and the allure of the profound, making it a key word in theological and philosophical discussions alike.