βαθμός
bathmós
G898 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A step or stair; by extension, a stage or grade, especially in social, hierarchical, or spiritual ranking. The core meaning refers to a literal step (of a staircase or ascent), but in some contexts is used metaphorically for rank, grade, or degree (of status, dignity, order, or progression).
Semantic Range
step, stair, ascent, degree (of rank or dignity), stage, hierarchical grade or order
Root / Etymology
From the root βαθ- ('depth, step'), likely related to βάθος ('depth'). The morphological construction suggests a derivative formation, with βαθμός indicating something that is walked on or ascended stepwise. Parallels are found in similar Greek architectural and metaphorical terms. Possible influence from cognate terms in older Greek dialects relating to stepping or going.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, βαθμός consistently refers to a literal step or stair, used in architectural, practical, or descriptive contexts (e.g., Theophrastus, Pausanias). The figurative sense — indicating a degree, rank, or stage — emerges in later Greek, including rhetorical and social contexts, and is attested in some Koine sources. In the Septuagint, βαθμός appears as a translation for Hebrew terms denoting ascent or step, such as in the psalms 'of ascents' (shir hama'alot), and in architectural descriptions (e.g., Ezekiel's temple steps). In the New Testament, the word is rare but used in metaphorical senses, retaining the idea of rank or hierarchical grade. English translations often render it simply as 'degree' or 'step,' which can obscure the word's more literal architectural roots and its developed metaphorical uses.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as βάθος; a step, i.e. (figuratively) grade (of dignity):--degree.
Root Family
βαθμ- (anabathmós) — step, stair, grade
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G304 | ἀναβαθμός | of steps |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G898-01 |
βαθμὸν | bathmon | N ACC M SG |
standing | a step | a standing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G898-01 |
1 Timothy 3:13 | βαθμὸν | bathmon | N ACC M SG |
standing | a step | a standing |