βαθύς
bathýs
G901 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Deep, extending far below the surface; in literal contexts, signifying great depth (of water, earth, space); in figurative contexts, indicating profundity, obscurity, or intensity, whether of time (e.g., very early, as in 'deep dawn'), thought, or character. The core sense is physical or metaphorical depth, expressed as something remote from a surface or point of reference.
Semantic Range
deep (of soil, water, space), profound (of thought or feeling), very early (of time), remote, intense, obscure
Root / Etymology
From the root βαθ-, possibly related to βάσις ('step, base'), though the precise etymology is unclear. The sense development is from 'going down' or pointing toward significant depth or intensity. See also related adjective βαθύς in earlier Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek (since Homer), βαθύς primarily described physical depth—deep bodies of water, deep soil, or spatial remoteness. Over time, its figurative use developed to describe something difficult to comprehend (e.g., profound ideas or mysteries) or intense (e.g., deep feelings). In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term retains its literal sense but expands to denote temporal depth—such as 'very early' (literally, 'deep in the night' or 'deep dawn'), reflecting a metaphorical extension into abstract domains. Standard English translations such as 'deep' or 'profound' often adequately capture the range, but nuance can be lost for temporal or metaphorical uses. No major distinction in usage between Septuagint and classical/Koine sources. Closely related to βάθος ('depth') and its cognates.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of βάσις; profound (as going down), literally or figuratively:--deep, very early.
Root Family
βαθ- (bythós) — deep, depth, abyss
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1037 | βυθός | in the abyssal depth |
| G899 | βάθος | depths |
| G900 | βαθύνω | he deepened |
| G999 | βόθυνος | a deep pit |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G901-01 |
βαθέα | bathea | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
depths | deep things | deep things | 1 |
G901-02 |
βαθεῖ | bathei | ADJ.A DAT M SG |
deep | to a deep (masculine singular) | deep | 1 |
G901-03 |
βαθέως | batheos | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
deep | of deep | of deep | 1 |
G901-04 |
βαθύ | bathu | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
deep | deep | deep | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G901-03 |
Luke 24:1 | βαθέως | batheos | ADJ.A GEN M SG |
deep | of deep | of deep |
G901-04 |
John 4:11 | βαθύ | bathu | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
deep | deep | deep |
G901-02 |
Acts 20:9 | βαθεῖ | bathei | ADJ.A DAT M SG |
deep | to a deep (masculine singular) | deep |
G901-01 |
Revelation 2:24 | βαθέα | bathea | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
depths | deep things | deep things |