Lexical Summary chasma: Chasm, gulf, gap Original Word: χάσμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gulf. From a form of an obsolete primary chao (to "gape" or "yawn"); a "chasm" or vacancy (impassable interval) -- gulf. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chaskó (to yawn) Definition a chasm, wide space NASB Translation chasm (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5490: χάσμαχάσμα, χασματος, τό (χαίνω to yawn), a gaping opening, a chasm, gulf: equivalent to a great interval, Luke 16:26. (Hesiod theog. 740; Euripides, Plato, Plutarch, Lucian, Aelian, others.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Imagery The term χάσμα (chasma) evokes the picture of a yawning gulf or fissure that cannot be crossed by human effort. Scripture employs it to portray an absolute separation that only divine decree can establish or remove. Biblical Usage Luke 16:26 contains the sole New Testament occurrence. Within the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Abraham tells the tormented rich man, “And besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who wish to pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross from there to us” (Berean Standard Bible). The permanent gulf underscores the irreversible nature of one’s eternal destiny once earthly life has ended. Theological Themes 1. Irreversible Judgment The fixed chasm renders any change of place impossible after death, confirming the finality of divine judgment (Hebrews 9:27). It dispels notions of post-mortem repentance or meritorious transfer. 2. Moral Accountability The gulf vindicates God’s justice. Earthly disparities find righteous resolution in eternity; the comfort of Lazarus and the anguish of the rich man mirror the ratification of divine equity (Romans 2:6). 3. Separation from God The imagery foreshadows the ultimate exclusion of the unrepentant from God’s presence (Revelation 20:15). The chasm is not merely spatial but relational, highlighting alienation caused by sin (Isaiah 59:2). Historical and Cultural Context First-century Jewish belief commonly placed the righteous and wicked in distinct regions of Hades. The parable draws on this backdrop yet intensifies it with the language of a “fixed” chasm, prohibiting any mediation by saints, angels, or ceremonial rites. The audience would have sensed the terrifying permanence Jesus attributes to the afterlife. Connection to the Gospel While the chasm after death is immovable, during earthly life God has provided a bridge in the atoning work of Jesus Christ (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). The parable therefore magnifies the urgency of accepting that provision now, “today, if you hear His voice” (Hebrews 3:15). Practical Ministry Applications • Evangelism: The concept of an uncrossable gulf compels clear proclamation of the need for repentance and faith before death (2 Corinthians 6:2). Homiletical Insights Preachers may contrast the temporary gates and barriers of this world with the permanent gulf of Luke 16. Illustrations of canyon crossings or collapsed bridges can help listeners feel the weight of eternal separation while spotlighting Christ as the only sure bridge. Summary Strong’s Greek 5490 encapsulates the sobering reality of an eternal divide fixed by God between the redeemed and the unredeemed. It reinforces the urgency of the gospel, assures believers of ultimate justice, and calls every hearer to settle his or her destiny in Christ before the great chasm is fixed forever. Forms and Transliterations χασμα χάσμα χαυώνας χαφουρή chasma chásmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |