### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thálassa**, represented by `{{G2281}}`, is the primary term for the **sea**. It appears 92 times across 83 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its importance as both a physical location and a powerful symbol. It refers to large bodies of water, such as the Sea of Galilee, and the open sea in general.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2281}}` is used in several significant contexts. It serves as a major setting for the ministry of Jesus, who walks by the **sea** of Galilee to call his first disciples [[Matthew 4:18]], teaches multitudes from a ship in the **sea** [[Mark 4:1]], and walks on its surface during a storm [[Matthew 14:25]]. The **sea** is often portrayed as a place of chaos and peril, where a "great tempest" can arise [[Matthew 8:24]] and where the disciples toiled against contrary winds [[Mark 6:48]]. It is also the stage for demonstrations of divine power, as when Jesus rebukes the wind and the **sea**, resulting in a "great calm" [[Matthew 8:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a richer context for the sea and its environment:
* `{{G417}}` **ánemos** (wind): This force often acts upon the sea, creating turmoil. Jesus demonstrates his authority by rebuking the **winds** and the sea [[Mark 4:39]].
* `{{G2949}}` **kŷma** (wave): These are a direct feature of a troubled sea. During a storm, the disciples' ship was "tossed with **waves**" [[Matthew 14:24]].
* `{{G1055}}` **galḗnē** (calm): The direct opposite of a storm on the sea. After Jesus rebuked the wind and water, "there was a great **calm**" [[Matthew 8:26]].
* `{{G231}}` **halieús** (fisher): A person whose work is tied to the sea. Simon and Andrew were **fishers** casting nets into the sea when Jesus called them [[Mark 1:16]].
* `{{G285}}` **ámmos** (sand): This term often describes the boundary of the sea and is used metaphorically for a great multitude, such as the "sand of the sea" [[Romans 9:27]].
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (vessel): A ship or boat, the primary means of traversing the sea in the narratives, such as the **ship** the disciples used to cross the sea toward Capernaum [[John 6:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2281}}` is significant, representing forces that are subject to divine authority.
* **A Realm Under Divine Command:** The sea's power is consistently shown to be subordinate to God's will. God is worshiped as the one who "made heaven, and earth, and the **sea**" ([[Acts 4:24]], [[Revelation 14:7]]). Jesus's ability to calm the storm causes his disciples to marvel, asking, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the **sea** obey him!" [[Mark 4:41]].
* **A Symbol of Chaos and Judgment:** In apocalyptic visions, the **sea** is a source of opposition, from which a beast rises [[Revelation 13:1]]. It is also an object of divine judgment, turning to blood [[Revelation 16:3]] and eventually giving up its dead [[Revelation 20:13]].
* **A Picture of Instability:** The uncertain nature of the sea is used as a metaphor for a lack of faith. A person who wavers is compared to "a wave of the **sea** driven with the wind and tossed" [[James 1:6]].
* **An Element to be Abolished:** In the final vision of the new creation, the chaotic and separating nature of the sea is removed. John sees a new heaven and a new earth, "and there was no more **sea**" [[Revelation 21:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2281}}` is far more than a simple geographical term. It functions as a crucial backdrop for Jesus's ministry, a powerful symbol of the chaos and peril of the natural world, and a demonstration of God's ultimate sovereignty. From the shores of Galilee to the apocalyptic "sea of glass" [[Revelation 4:6]], **thálassa** illustrates the biblical theme of divine power over the forces of creation.
TRV