Lexical Summary bathunó: To deepen, to make deep Original Word: βαθύνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance deep. From bathus; to deepen -- deep. see GREEK bathus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bathus Definition to deepen NASB Translation deep (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 900: βαθύνωβαθύνω: (impf ἐβαθυνον); (βαθύς); to make deep: Luke 6:48, where ἔσκαψε καί ἐβάθυνε is not used for βαθέως ἔσκαψε, but ἐβάθυνε expresses the continuation of the work (he dug and deepened i. e. went deep); cf. Winers Grammar, § 54, 5. (In Greek writings from Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic Background and Setting The verb occurs once in the Greek New Testament, in Luke 6:48, describing the action of a builder who “dug down deep” before laying a foundation. First-century listeners in Galilee and Judea were familiar with the need to pierce the layer of shifting sand that lay over bedrock in the dry season. The term therefore evokes strenuous, deliberate labor and foresight. Scriptural Usage Luke 6:48 records Jesus’ words: “He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house, but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Only Luke preserves this particular expression, sharpening the contrast between two types of hearers: those who merely listen and those who obey (Luke 6:46-49). The solitary usage intensifies its force; the action is exceptional, purposeful, and illustrates wholehearted commitment. Metaphorical and Theological Significance 1. Depth of Obedience. The digging represents the inward work of repentance and submission that precedes visible stability (Psalm 51:6; Romans 6:17). Old Testament Foreshadowing The call to “dig” beneath outward forms echoes Old Covenant admonitions: Both texts anticipate the Messiah’s teaching that genuine security stems from covenant faith expressed in obedient action. Historical Interpretation Early church fathers such as Cyprian and Augustine cited Luke 6:48 when exhorting catechumens to rigorous moral formation before baptism. Medieval preachers applied the image to monastic discipline, while Reformers highlighted sola fide as the foundation, yet affirmed that saving faith produces the “digging” of repentance and holiness (James 2:17). Practical Ministry Application • Discipleship. Pastors invite believers to labor in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship—means by which they “dig” until they meet Christ the Rock. Comparative Cultural Context Galilean wadis remain arid much of the year but become torrents during seasonal rains. Builders who failed to dig risked catastrophic loss. Jesus employs a common occupational reality to teach an eternal principle: long-term security demands front-loaded effort and discernment. Summary The single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s Greek 900 crystallizes a key discipleship motif: authentic followers of Jesus Christ exert themselves to reach the immovable foundation—His person and word—so that when inevitable trials come, their lives, families, and ministries stand firm. Forms and Transliterations βαθύνατε εβαθύνατε εβάθυνε εβαθυνεν ἐβάθυνεν εβαθύνθησαν ebathunen ebathynen ebáthynenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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