UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: depth, deep

Semantic entry: 81.8

Semantic domains: Spacial Dimensions

Subdomains: High, Low, Deep

Definition: the distance beneath a surface

Notes: In some languages it may be best to say ‘because there was not much soil’ RV MAT 13:5 · LV MAT 13:5 · Read together MAT 13:5.

Sense 2: deep place, deep water

Semantic entry: 81.9

Semantic domains: Spacial Dimensions

Subdomains: High, Low, Deep

Definition: a place that is deep

Sense 3: extremely, exceedingly great, very very

Semantic entry: 78.22

Semantic domains: Degree

Subdomains: Much, Little [Positive-Negative Degree]

Definition: an extreme point on a scale of extent

Sense 4: the world below

Semantic entry: 1.18

Semantic domains: Geographical Objects and Features

Subdomains: Regions Below the Surface of the Earth

Definition: a place or region which is low

Notes: As in the case of ὕψωμα[a] (1.13: ὑψηλός / 1.13: ὕψιστος / 1.13: ὕψος / 1.13: ὕψωμα), βάθος may be interpreted as a supernatural force ([e]).|The phrase κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς ‘the lower parts of the earth’ may likewise refer to ‘the world below’ as in εἰς τὰ κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς ‘down into the lower parts of the earth’ RV ROM 8:39 · LV ROM 8:39 · Read together ROM 8:39 (see 83.54: κατώτερος). Some scholars, however, understand this expression as being a reference to the earth which is low in contrast with heaven. On the basis of such an interpretation one may render RV ROM 8:39 · LV ROM 8:39 · Read together ROM 8:39 as ‘he came down to the earth itself.’

Sense 5: powers of the world below

Semantic entry: 12.47

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Powers

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of βάθος[a] ‘depth,’ 81.8: βάθος) supernatural powers in the region below the earth

Notes: See 12.46: ὕψωμα for an illustrative passage in RV ROM 8:38–39 · LV ROM 8:38–39 · Read together ROM 8:38–39. For another interpretation of βάθος in RV ROM 8:39 · LV ROM 8:39 · Read together ROM 8:39, see βάθος [source selector 000003][d] 1.18: βάθος.|As in the case of ὕψωμα [source selector 000001][b] (12.46: ὕψωμα), βάθος[e] has been interpreted by some as indicating merely the distance which a person might be separated from God, but most scholars assume that the reference here is to ‘the powers of the world below.’

Sense 6: deep secrets, secrets difficult to find out about

Semantic entry: 28.76

Semantic domains: Know

Subdomains: Not Able To Be Known, Secret

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of βάθος[a] ‘depth,’ 81.8: βάθος) the content of knowledge which is very difficult to know

Notes: Only rarely can one use a literal rendering of τὰ βαθέα or τὰ βάθη in referring to secrets. In some instances it may be possible to use an expression such as ‘far away’ or ‘distant,’ and in other cases one can use expressions meaning ‘hard’ or ‘difficult.’ More often than not, however, the closest equivalent of τὰ βαθέα and τὰ βάθη in this type of context is either an expression of degree using a term such as ‘very’ (for example, ‘that which is very secret’) or an expression implying ‘that which is hidden’ or ‘that which is difficult to discover.’

Collocations: τὰ βάθη