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Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G. Bible Project exists to change that: three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Paraphrase, and F.O.G. Family), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance. It is Jean Paul Joseph's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.

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G3989 (πέλαγος)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G3989
Original Word: πέλαγος
Transliteration: pélagos
Pronunciation: pel'-ag-os
Part of Speech: noun
Category: Bible Places & Spaces
Root / Etymology: of uncertain affinity;
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 389

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 deep or open sea, i.e. the main

depthsea

of uncertain affinity;

Commentary

Contributors:

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.

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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

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Odyssey	"They sailed across the deep [πέλαγος] sea."
Herodotus: Histories	"The ships were lost in the open [πέλαγος] ocean."
Thucydides: History	"They ventured into the deep [πέλαγος] waters."

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?

Used in ancient navigation texts
Influenced Christian baptismal symbolism
Source of theological term "Pelagian"

Part of speech: Noun

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

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