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βάθος

báthos

G899 noun

SILEX Entry

Root βαθ- deep, depth, profound

Definition

depth; a measure of vertical distance or profoundness, both in a physical and extended figurative sense. Primarily denotes the concept of something being deep (as in deep water, a deep place, or an abyss); by extension, it can refer to the profound, the unfathomable, or the incomprehensibly vast — whether of knowledge, wisdom, mystery, or space. In figurative contexts, often used for the 'depths' of divine wisdom or the mysteries of existence.

Semantic Range

physical depth (of water, land, space), abyss, profoundness, unfathomable quality, mystery, vastness (spatial or conceptual), figurative depth (of wisdom, knowledge, evil, or experience)

Root / Etymology

From the adjective βαθύς ('deep'); forms the neuter substantive with the noun suffix -ος, indicating 'that which is deep.' Cognate with classical and Hellenistic Greek uses of depth or profundity. No Semitic loan influence noted.

Historical & Contextual Notes

βάθος appears in classical literature to denote literal depth — of the sea, land, or any spatial dimension. In Hellenistic Greek and the Septuagint, it is used for both literal and metaphorical depths; e.g., depths of the sea (Exod 15:5, LXX) or of the earth. In the New Testament (e.g., Rom 8:39; 11:33; 1 Cor 2:10; Rev 2:24), βάθος often carries a figurative meaning: the unsearchable depth of God's wisdom, the great distance or profoundness separating things, or deep mysteries ('τὰ βάθη τοῦ σατανᾶ' — 'the depths of Satan'). English translations sometimes flatten this nuance to 'depth' or 'deep,' but the Greek encompasses both literal and metaphorical dimensions and may flexibly refer to the mysterious, the inaccessible, or the immeasurable. Not identical to ἄβυσσος, which more often signifies the underworld, abyss, or bottomless pit, although there is some overlap; βάθος is more generic. Its use in philosophical and rhetorical contexts can denote intellectual profundity or the inscrutable nature of reality.

Translation Consistency

primary "depth" 8 occurrences

βάθος primarily denotes physical or figurative depth (deep place, abyss, profoundness). "Depth" is the most natural, common English noun that covers the full semantic range — physical depth, the "depths" (abyss), and figurative profundity — and will allow consistent inflected forms (e.g. "depths") across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as βαθύς; profundity, i.e. (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery:--deep(-ness, things), depth.

Root Family

βάθος (bathos) — deep, depth, profound

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G899-02 βάθος bathos N ACC N SG depth depth depth 6
G899-03 βάθους bathous N GEN N SG depth of depth of depth 1
G899-01 βάθη bathe N ACC N PL depths depths depths 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G899-02 Matthew 13:5 βάθος bathos N ACC N SG depth depth depth
G899-02 Mark 4:5 βάθος bathos N ACC N SG depth depth depth
G899-02 Luke 5:4 βάθος bathos N ACC N SG deep depth depth
G899-02 Romans 8:39 βάθος bathos N NOM N SG depth depth depth
G899-02 Romans 11:33 βάθος bathos N NOM N SG the depth depth depth
G899-01 1 Corinthians 2:10 βάθη bathe N ACC N PL depths depths depths
G899-03 2 Corinthians 8:2 βάθους bathous N GEN N SG depth of depth of depth
G899-02 Ephesians 3:18 βάθος bathos N NOM N SG depth depth depth
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