ἄβυσσος
abussos
abyss
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἄβυσσος (abussos), translated as "abyss" in the Bible, refers to a deep body of water likely originating from the concept of an unfathomable ocean. Its nine occurrences in the Bible hint at the awe-inspiring scale of its referent. The word may suggest a chasm or void, rather than a purely literal ocean. Occurrences of abussos often emphasize the mysterious and unbridled nature of the entity it describes. For example, it can describe where Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out from a man to the "abyss" (Luke 8:31), suggesting an uncrossable boundary, or it is used to describe the "abyss" in the Book of Revelation where Satan is temporarily bound (Revelation 20:3). This linguistic choice underscores the idea that there are limits to human comprehension and control. The use of abussos underscores the sense of depth, vastness, and mystery present in the human experience, often evoking feelings of reverence and humility. Its significance lies in its ability to transcend literal definitions, inviting readers to ponder the depths of existence, both physically and metaphorically.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
They begged him that he would not command them to go into the abyss.
Romans 10:7or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)”
Revelation 11:7When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.
Revelation 9:1The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him.
Revelation 9:2He opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit.
Revelation 9:11They have over them as king the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is “Abaddon”, but in Greek, he has the name “Apollyon”.
Revelation 17:8The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present.
Revelation 20:1I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
Revelation 20:3and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time.