### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βυθίζω (bythízō, `{{G1036}}`) is derived from the noun βυθός (bythos, `{{G1037}}`), meaning "depth" or "bottom." Its core meaning is "to sink," implying a downward movement into a liquid, most commonly water. By extension, and as a natural consequence of sinking without ability to resurface, it comes to mean "to drown." The semantic range thus extends from the initial action of "beginning to sink" to the ultimate, fatal outcome of "drowning," conveying a sense of being overwhelmed and submerged.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βυθίζω (bythízō, `{{G1036}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet powerful contextual application:
1. **Literal Sinking (Luke 5:7):** In the account of the miraculous catch of fish, after Jesus instructs Simon Peter to let down the nets, the disciples catch such an immense quantity of fish that their nets begin to break, and their boats become so full "that they began to sink" (ὥστε βυθίζεσθαι). Here, βυθίζω describes a physical phenomenon: the literal sinking of the boats under the overwhelming weight of the miraculous catch. This usage emphasizes the sheer abundance of God's provision, so great that it pushes the physical limits of the vessels.
2. **Metaphorical Drowning/Plunging (1 Timothy 6:9):** In a stark warning against the dangers of avarice, Paul writes, "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction" (οἵτινες βυθίζουσιν τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν). Here, βυθίζω is used metaphorically. The "foolish and harmful desires" associated with the pursuit of wealth are depicted as the agents that "plunge" or "drown" individuals into a state of spiritual "ruin and destruction" (ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν). This is a powerful image of complete spiritual submersion and demise, akin to being drowned without hope of recovery.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun βυθός (bythos, `{{G1037}}`), meaning "depth" or "abyss," which grounds the verb in the concept of profound downward movement. Other related concepts and near synonyms include:
* `{{G2603}}` (katapontizō): To sink, be submerged, often used in the context of being overwhelmed by water (e.g., Peter beginning to sink in [[Matthew 14:30]]). While similar in meaning, βυθίζω emphasizes the act of being plunged or submerged, sometimes by an external force or internal desire.
* `{{G4010}}` (peripiptō): To fall into, encounter, often implying falling into a dangerous situation (e.g., falling among robbers in [[Luke 10:30]]). This highlights the entry into a perilous state, which βυθίζω describes as a deeper, more engulfing plunge.
* The concepts of spiritual shipwreck or spiritual ruin are closely linked to the metaphorical use of βυθίζω, indicating a complete and devastating loss of faith or moral standing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βυθίζω (bythízō, `{{G1036}}`) is twofold, reflecting its literal and metaphorical uses:
1. **Divine Abundance and Human Vulnerability (Luke 5:7):** In [[Luke 5:7]], the boats "beginning to sink" underscores the overwhelming magnitude of God's miraculous provision. It illustrates that divine blessing can be so immense that it pushes the limits of human capacity and resources. Simultaneously, it subtly highlights human vulnerability even in the face of blessing; without divine intervention, the very abundance could lead to loss.
2. **The Peril of Worldly Desires and Spiritual Ruin (1 Timothy 6:9):** The metaphorical use in [[1 Timothy 6:9]] carries profound theological weight as a stark warning. It portrays the pursuit of wealth and the accompanying "foolish and harmful desires" as a powerful, destructive force that can utterly "plunge" or "drown" individuals into spiritual "ruin and destruction." This image conveys:
* **Insidious Danger:** The desires are not merely temptations but active agents that *submerge* a person.
* **Completeness of Destruction:** The use of "ruin and destruction" (ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν) emphasizes a thorough and potentially irreversible spiritual demise, akin to a complete shipwreck of faith and character.
* **Spiritual Death:** It speaks to a state of being completely overwhelmed by sin, leading away from God and into a condition of spiritual death. This underscores the urgency of spiritual vigilance and the need to prioritize godliness over materialism.
### Summary
The Greek verb βυθίζω (bythízō, `{{G1036}}`) fundamentally means "to sink" or "to drown," derived from the root meaning "depth." Its two occurrences in the New Testament illustrate both literal and profound metaphorical applications. In [[Luke 5:7]], it describes the physical sinking of boats due to an overwhelming, miraculous catch of fish, highlighting divine abundance. More significantly, in [[1 Timothy 6:9]], it serves as a powerful metaphor, depicting the destructive power of worldly desires, particularly the love of money, which "plunge" or "drown" individuals into spiritual ruin and destruction. Theologically, βυθίζω thus conveys the concept of being utterly overwhelmed, whether by divine blessing or by the insidious and ultimately fatal grip of sin and materialism, emphasizing the critical need for spiritual discernment and detachment from worldly snares to avoid complete spiritual shipwreck.
TRV