Brief Overview of πέλαγος (Strong’s G3989: pelagos)

Strong’s G3989: Primary noun referring to the deep, open sea or ocean depths. Used in NT to emphasize vast depths and powerful waters. In Matthew’s warning about causing others to stumble, symbolizes severe judgment. Used metaphorically to represent overwhelming circumstances or judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέλαγος represents the deep, open sea, carrying connotations of vastness and power. In NT usage, it appears in Jesus’s stern warning about causing spiritual harm to others and in describing Paul’s sea travels. Early church writers saw it as a symbol of divine judgment and life’s overwhelming challenges. Today, it reminds us of both God’s power and the seriousness of spiritual responsibility.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέλαγος, pelagos, [PEL-a-gos]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEH-lah-gos
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Primary noun
• Indo-European root *pelag- (flat surface)
• Related to Latin pelagus
• Root of English “pelagic”

D – Defining Meanings

• Deep sea
• Open ocean
• Ocean depths
• Vast waters

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• Deep sea – Emphasizing depth
• Open ocean – Emphasizing vastness
• Sea depths – Combining both aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θάλασσα [thalassa, tha-LAS-sa] – sea generally
• ἄβυσσος [abyssos, A-boos-sos] – abyss
• βυθός [bythos, boo-THOS] – deep waters

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Second Declension
• Neuter Gender
• Nominative: πέλαγος
• Genitive: πελάγους
• Dative: πελάγει
• Accusative: πέλαγος
• Cross-references: πελάγιος (of the sea)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes vastness aspect. Thayer’s notes metaphorical usage. LSJ traces maritime contexts. Vine’s highlights judgment symbolism. Moulton and Milligan show nautical usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth [πέλαγος] of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

Additional References:
Acts 27:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέλαγος reminds us of both God’s mighty power and our serious responsibility toward others in faith. Like the vast depths of the sea, God’s judgment is profound, but His mercy is equally deep. This encourages careful spiritual leadership while trusting in divine grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used in ancient navigation texts
2. Influenced Christian baptismal symbolism
3. Source of theological term “Pelagian”

Strong’s G3989: Primary noun referring to the deep, open sea or ocean depths. Used in NT to emphasize vast depths and powerful waters. In Matthew’s warning about causing others to stumble, symbolizes severe judgment. Used metaphorically to represent overwhelming circumstances or judgment.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Sea #Judgment #Depth #SpiritualResponsibility #Ocean #DivinePower #Warning #Maritime #BiblicalImagery #Justice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​