### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ábyssos**, represented by `{{G12}}`, is a term used to describe a "depthless" place, specifically an infernal "abyss." It is often translated as the "deep" or "bottomless pit." The word appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, signifying its specific role in describing a supernatural place of confinement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G12}}` is predominantly found in the book of Revelation, where it is depicted as a prison that can be accessed with a key held by an angel ([[Revelation 9:1]], [[Revelation 20:1]]). It is the origin point for antagonistic forces, such as the beast that "ascendeth out of the bottomless pit" to make war ([[Revelation 11:7]], [[Revelation 17:8]]). It also serves as a place of confinement, where an angel casts a figure into the "bottomless pit" and shuts him up [[Revelation 20:3]]. In the Gospels, a legion of demons besought Jesus not to command them to go into the **deep** [[Luke 8:31]]. Paul uses the term rhetorically in Romans, questioning who could **descend** into the **deep** to bring Christ from the dead [[Romans 10:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and nature of the abyss:
* `{{G305}}` **anabaínō** (to go up): This word is used to describe movement out of the abyss. The beast is said to **ascend** from it ([[Revelation 11:7]], [[Revelation 17:8]]), and smoke is seen to **arise** from the pit when it is opened [[Revelation 9:2]].
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): This term describes movement toward or into the abyss. An angel is seen to **come down** from heaven holding the key to the pit [[Revelation 20:1]], and it is used hypothetically when asking who will **descend** into the deep [[Romans 10:7]].
* `{{G5421}}` **phréar** (a pit): This word is often paired with `{{G12}}` to form the full title "bottomless **pit**" [[Revelation 9:1]]. Figuratively, it denotes an abyss used as a prison.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G12}}` is significant, pointing to a realm of judgment and confinement.
* **A Supernatural Prison:** The abyss is consistently portrayed as a holding place for spiritual entities. Demons explicitly fear being sent there [[Luke 8:31]], and it is the location where a figure is bound for a thousand years [[Revelation 20:3]].
* **A Source of Hostile Power:** The opening of the "bottomless pit" unleashes destructive forces. Its opening causes the sun and air to be **darkened** `{{G4654}}` by **smoke** `{{G2586}}` [[Revelation 9:2]]. The angel ruling over it is named **Abaddon** `{{G3}}` and **Apollyon** `{{G623}}`, meaning a destroyer [[Revelation 9:11]].
* **A Realm Before Final Destruction:** The abyss is a temporary state before final judgment. The beast that ascends from the "bottomless pit" is destined to go into **perdition** `{{G684}}`, or ruin [[Revelation 17:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G12}}` **ábyssos** is not merely a generic term for depth but a specific spiritual location central to biblical eschatology. It functions as a prison for supernatural enemies, a source of opposition released during times of judgment, and a temporary realm for beings destined for final destruction. Its meaning is defined by what comes out of it and who is confined within it, establishing it as a crucial element in the narrative of divine authority over all realms.
TRV