ἄβυσσος (abussos)
abussos
abyss
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun abussos refers to an abyss or bottomless depth, describing a place without a measurable floor. In classical Greek it often described boundless oceans or riches, but in Scripture it takes on a more specific theological weight. The term appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Revelation, where it denotes a profound spiritual reality rather than just a physical location.
Its usage distinguishes between two main concepts: the chaotic waters of creation and the prison for demonic forces. In Luke 8:31, unclean spirits beg Jesus not to command them to go into the abyss, identifying it as their place of confinement. Similarly, Revelation uses the word to describe the pit from which smoke rises (Revelation 9:2) and the place where Satan is bound for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3). This aligns with its Old Testament background, where it translates Hebrew words for the deep waters present before creation.
The word’s etymology emphasizes its nature as "without a bottom," reinforcing the idea of an inescapable or immense depth. While Romans 10:7 uses it metaphorically to quote Deuteronomy about descending into the grave, the dominant biblical theme is its role as a holding place for evil spirits. Translators consistently render it as "abyss" or "pit," preserving the sense of a deep, dark chasm that separates the realm of chaos from the order of God’s creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word abussos points to something vast and without a bottom, often described as a place of confinement for chaotic forces. In the Gospels, demons plead with Jesus not to send them there, showing that this depth is under His absolute control. This imagery reminds us that no power of darkness operates outside the limits God has set.
While the term can evoke fear, its primary biblical function is to highlight Christ’s authority over evil. In Revelation, we see angels holding keys to this place and Satan being bound within it. These images assure believers that evil is not an endless, unstoppable force but a defeated enemy held in check by divine power.
For your faith, this word offers comfort rather than dread. It confirms that the struggles against spiritual opposition are already decided in Christ’s victory. You can rest in the knowledge that the One who holds the keys to the abyss also holds your future securely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- abyss3×
- abyss;2×
- Abyss2×
- abyss?’1×
- abyss,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀβύσσου3×
- ἄβυσσον2×
- ἀβύσσου·2×
- ἄβυσσον;1×
- ἀβύσσου,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:31
They begged him that he would not command them to go into the abyss.
This verse shows the demons’ fear of the abyss, confirming it as a place of divine confinement they cannot escape.
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Revelation of John 20:1
I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
The angel holding the key demonstrates that access to this place is strictly controlled by God’s authority.
-
Revelation of John 20:3
and 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.
Satan being sealed in the abyss illustrates the temporary but complete restraint of evil until God’s final purposes are fulfilled.