Lexical Summary pelagos: Sea, open sea, deep Original Word: πέλαγος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance depth, sea. Of uncertain affinity; deep or open sea, i.e. The main -- depth, sea. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the deep, the deep sea NASB Translation depth (1), sea (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3989: πέλαγοςπέλαγος, πελαγους, τό (by some (e. g. Lob. Pathol. Proleg., p. 805) connected with παξ, i. e. the 'flat' expanse (cf. Latinaequor); but by Curtius, § 367, et al. (cf. Vanicek, p. 515) with πλήσσω, i. e. the 'beating' waves (cf. our 'plash')), from Homer down; a. properly, the sea i. e. the high sea, the deep (where ships sail; accordingly but a part of the sea, θάλασσα, Aristotle, Probl. sect. 23 quaest. 3 (p. 931{b}, 14f) ἐν τῷ λιμενι ὀλίγη ἐστιν ἡ θάλασσα, ἐν δέ τῷ πελάγει βαθεῖα. Hence) τό πέλαγος τῆς θαλάσσης,aequor maris (A. V. the depth of the sea; cf. Trench, § xiii.), Matthew 18:6 (so too Apollonius Rhodius, 2, 608; πέλαγος αἰγαιας ἁλός, Euripides, Tro. 88; Hesychius πέλαγος ... βυθός, πλάτος θαλάσσης. Cf. Winers Grammar, 611 (568); (Trench, as above)). b. universally, the sea: τό πέλαγος τό κατά τήν Κιλικίαν, Acts 27:5 (see examples from Greek authors in Passow, under the word πέλαγος, 1; (Liddell and Scott, under I.)). The term conveys the vast, deep, and often unfathomable expanse of the open sea, distinct from coastal waters. In Scripture it evokes both awe and peril, underscoring human frailty before divine power. Old Testament Background Although πέλαγος itself is rare in the Septuagint, the motif of the sea as a realm of overwhelming force pervades Israel’s history. Yahweh divides the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and sets boundaries for the oceans (Job 38:8-11), establishing His sovereign mastery over that which terrifies humanity. The “depths” are frequently depicted as a place of judgment (Micah 7:19) or unreachable distance (Psalms 36:6). New Testament Occurrences Matthew 18:6 – The Lord warns that for anyone who causes a childlike believer to stumble, it would be preferable “to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” The open sea functions as a picture of irrevocable judgment: once consigned there, no return is possible. Acts 27:5 – Luke describes Paul’s voyage: “After sailing across the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.” Here πέλαγος highlights both the danger facing the apostolic band and the gospel’s advance beyond traditional Jewish confines. Theological Themes 1. Judgment: In Matthew 18:6 the image intensifies Christ’s warning against leading believers astray. The sea’s depths symbolize finality and divine retribution. Historical and Cultural Context First-century Mediterranean societies feared the open sea. Limited navigation, seasonal storms, and inadequate charts made pelagic journeys perilous. A person lost overboard was effectively dead. Jesus’ allusion to such a fate would have carried visceral impact, while Luke’s travel narrative accentuates the courage of early missionaries who trusted God amid these dangers. Ministry Implications • Safeguarding the Vulnerable: Teachers, parents, and leaders must guard against any influence that trips young or new believers. The severe imagery of Matthew 18:6 serves as a sobering accountability. Spiritual Applications • Repentance and Responsibility: Causing another to sin invites divine displeasure deeper than the sea. Believers are called to humble vigilance. Related Concepts θάλασσα—general term for sea; κῦμα—wave; βυθός—depth. Together with πέλαγος these words enrich the biblical portrayal of God’s dominion over watery chaos and His deliverance of His people through it. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 18:6 N-DNSGRK: ἐν τῷ πελάγει τῆς θαλάσσης NAS: and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. KJV: in the depth of the sea. INT: in the depth of the sea Acts 27:5 N-ANS Strong's Greek 3989 |
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