ἄβυσσος – Pronunciation Guide: ah-boos-sos (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G12: The bottomless pit or abyss; an immeasurably deep void. In biblical usage, it refers to the deepest parts of the earth and sea, often associated with the realm of evil spirits and the location of final judgment.

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Word Study

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Language Origin: Compound of α- (negative prefix) and βυσσός (depth, bottom)

Morphology:

• ἄβυσσος (nominative singular) – the abyss
• ἀβύσσου (genitive singular) – of the abyss
• ἄβυσσον (accusative singular) – into/toward the abyss

Word Origin & History

The term ἄβυσσος originated in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe the primordial waters of chaos. Homer employed it in the Iliad to describe the deepest parts of the ocean, while Herodotus used it to refer to unexplored depths.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἄβυσσος was chosen to translate the Hebrew word תְּהוֹם (tehom), which appears in Genesis 1:2 describing the watery deep before creation. This translation choice significantly influenced its later New Testament usage.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄβυσσος appears nine times, predominantly in Revelation, where it represents a place of confinement for evil spirits and a symbol of God’s ultimate authority over all creation.

Key Passages:

• Luke 8:31 – Demons beg Jesus not to command them into the abyss
• Romans 10:7 – Paul uses it metaphorically regarding Christ’s descent
• Revelation 9:1-2 – The abyss as a place of judgment and divine authority

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, the abyss represented not just physical depths but spiritual realms beyond human reach. Greek philosophers like Plutarch described it as the boundary between the visible and invisible worlds, a concept that enriched biblical authors’ use of the term to convey spiritual truths.

The concept of an “bottomless pit” would have resonated particularly with Mediterranean cultures familiar with deep sea chasms and underwater volcanic vents, which seemed to have no bottom to ancient observers.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄβυσσος in Scripture powerfully demonstrates God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the deepest and darkest realms. Even the abyss, associated with chaos and evil, remains under His complete control.

This word also serves as a vivid reminder of Christ’s complete victory over death and evil, as demonstrated by His authority over demons and His resurrection from the depths. The abyss represents the farthest possible distance from God’s throne, yet even there, His power and presence reign supreme.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄβυσσος reminds us that no depth of despair or darkness lies beyond God’s reach. When we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges or spiritual warfare, we can take comfort in knowing that the One who commands the abyss also holds us in His hands.

Related Words

• χάος (chaos) – primordial emptiness – See G5490
• ᾅδης (hades) – the realm of the dead – See G86
• θάλασσα (thalassa) – sea, often associated with depths – See G2281

Did You Know?

• Modern oceanographers have discovered actual “bottomless” submarine canyons that ancient sailors might have encountered
• The word’s influence extends into modern languages, with “abyssal plain” describing the ocean floor’s deepest regions
• Early church fathers like Origen used ἄβυσσος as a metaphor for the inexhaustible depth of Scripture’s meaning

Remember This

Even the bottomless depths bow to the boundless authority of our God.