βαθύς (bathus)
bathus
deep
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective bathus means "deep," describing physical depth as well as metaphorical profundity. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, giving each instance significant weight. John uses it to describe the water in Jacob’s well (John 4:11), grounding the conversation in a tangible, physical reality that Jesus then elevates to spiritual significance.
Its usage extends beyond literal depth. Luke employs it to mark time, describing the women visiting the tomb "very early" at dawn (Luke 24:1), suggesting the darkness of night was still profound. Acts records Paul’s companion Eutychus falling into a deep sleep (Acts 20:9), implying a heavy, unbreakable slumber. Revelation uses it metaphorically in the phrase "deep things of Satan" (Revelation 2:24), pointing to obscure or hidden spiritual forces.
The word’s range spans from the physical well to the timing of dawn and the state of sleep. Translators typically render it as "deep," "early," or "heavy" depending on context. Its rarity in the New Testament ensures that when it appears, it draws attention to the specific quality being described—whether it is the depth of water, the lateness of hour, or the intensity of sleep.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word bathus simply means "deep," yet its rare appearance in the New Testament gives it a quiet power. In John 4:11, Jesus uses it to describe Jacob’s well. The woman points out that the water is far below, highlighting the physical limits of her world. Jesus then pivots from this tangible depth to offer living water, showing that He meets us where we are—whether in dry wells or deep spiritual need.
This word also captures moments of transition and vulnerability. In Luke 24:1, it describes the "early dawn" when the women arrived at the tomb. The darkness was still deep, but hope was breaking through. Similarly, Acts 20:9 mentions Eutychus falling into a "deep sleep," a moment of human frailty interrupted by divine intervention. These instances remind us that God is present in the depths of our uncertainty and exhaustion.
When we encounter difficulty or confusion, this word invites trust. It suggests that even when things feel hidden or overwhelming, like the "deep things" mentioned in Revelation 2:24, God’s grace is sufficient. We do not need to fully understand every mystery; we only need to rely on the One who holds all depths.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- very early1×
- deeps1×
- deep;1×
- deep1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βαθύ·1×
- βαθέως1×
- βαθέα1×
- βαθεῖ,1×
Key Verses
-
John 4:11
The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. So where do you get that living water?
This verse grounds Jesus’ offer of living water in a physical reality, showing He engages with our tangible limitations.
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Luke 24:1
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
Here the word marks the transition from night to day, emphasizing the hope that breaks through even when darkness feels profound.
-
Acts 20:9
A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.
The description of Eutychus’s heavy sleep highlights human vulnerability and the suddenness of God’s restorative power.