Deep
NatureWhat is the meaning of Deep in the Bible?
The Hebrew word 'tehom' refers to the primeval watery waste, the sea, and a subterranean reservoir of water. The Greek word 'abussos' is often translated as 'abyss'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this concept clarifies the ancient cosmological framework where order emerges from chaotic waters, a motif central to the creation narratives in Genesis and other biblical texts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Deep were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Deep in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Deep clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Deep." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/deep/