θάλασσα (thalassa)
thalassa
sea
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 82 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word thalassa refers to the sea as a distinct body of water, often serving as a boundary or contrast to dry land. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from the mundane to the cosmic. Jesus frequently teaches by the shore, where the sea provides a backdrop for miracles and parables, such as when He calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:39) or walks upon its surface (Matthew 14:25). These narratives highlight the sea’s power and unpredictability, making it a fitting setting for demonstrating divine authority over nature.
While thalassa generally denotes "the sea," it is not limited to the Mediterranean. The sources indicate it can refer to the Red Sea, as in Acts 7:36, or even large inland lakes like the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1). This flexibility mirrors its Old Testament background, where it translates the Hebrew yam, which similarly covers oceans, seas, and great lakes. Unlike pelagos, which emphasizes the vast open expanse, thalassa often carries a sense of the sea as a place or region, sometimes symbolizing chaos or the nations in prophetic literature.
Its usage extends beyond geography into symbolic territory. In Revelation, the sea plays a central role in apocalyptic visions, such as the "sea of glass" before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6) or the beast rising from it (Revelation 13:1). Here, thalassa represents the chaotic forces of the world that are ultimately subdued by God. The word’s versatility allows it to function both as a literal location for historical events and as a rich metaphor for the unknown depths of creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thalassa appears throughout the New Testament to describe the vast bodies of water surrounding Israel. It is not merely a geographical label but a setting where ordinary life meets divine intervention. Jesus often taught by the shore, using the familiar sounds and sights of the sea to explain spiritual truths to crowds gathered on the land.
For believers today, this word reminds us that God’s authority extends over all creation. Whether in the calm waters of Galilee or the stormy depths, the same Lord who walked on the surface remains present. We do not need to fear the unknown or the chaotic forces of life, because He holds power over every wave and wind.
Scripture uses this imagery to show that no situation is beyond His reach. When we face uncertainty, we can look to the one who commands the sea with a word. This assurance brings peace to our hearts, knowing that the Creator of the deep is also our protector.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 82 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sea42×
- sea,14×
- sea.11×
- Sea7×
- sea;5×
- of [the] sea4×
- a sea2×
- [the] sea2×
- the sea1×
- sea,’1×
- [the] sea,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θάλασσαν24×
- θαλάσσης23×
- θάλασσαν,9×
- θάλασσα6×
- θάλασσαν.5×
- θαλάσσῃ,5×
- θαλάσσῃ4×
- θάλασσαν·3×
- θαλάσσης,3×
- θάλασσαν.¶2×
- θαλάσσῃ·2×
- θαλάσσῃ.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:26
He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Jesus rebukes the sea directly, showing His authority over nature silences the storm just as He silences fear.
-
Mark 4:39
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
The command 'Peace! Be still!' demonstrates that the chaotic waters obey His voice instantly.
-
Matthew 14:25
In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
Walking on the sea defies natural laws, revealing Jesus' divine nature to the terrified disciples.
-
Matthew 13:47
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
The parable of the dragnet uses the sea as a gathering place for all kinds of fish, illustrating the inclusive reach of the Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does thalassa mean in the New Testament?
How is thalassa different from pelagos?
Why does Jesus use the sea in His teachings?
Every Occurrence (82 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 15 verses
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
Matthew 4:18Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 8:24Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Matthew 8:26He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there…
Matthew 8:27The men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Matthew 8:32He said to them, “Go!” They came out and went into the herd of pigs; and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the…
Matthew 13:1On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the seaside.
Matthew 13:47“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
Matthew 14:25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.
Matthew 15:29Jesus departed from there and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up on the mountain and sat there.
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge…
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 23:15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he…