### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **límnē**, represented by `{{G3041}}`, refers to a **lake**, whether a large or small pond. It appears 10 times in 10 unique verses in the Bible, with its meaning shifting dramatically between the Gospels and the book of Revelation. The word is used to describe both a literal, physical body of water and a symbolic place of ultimate judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G3041}}` has two distinct contexts. In the Gospel of Luke, it refers to a physical body of water, the setting for significant events in Jesus' ministry. Jesus is described standing by the **lake** of Gennesaret [[Luke 5:1]] and later crossing the **lake** in a ship with his disciples [[Luke 8:22]]. This same **lake** is where a storm arises [[Luke 8:23]] and where a herd of swine perishes [[Luke 8:33]]. In Revelation, the term takes on a symbolic, eschatological meaning, consistently referring to the **lake** of fire, the place of final punishment for the beast, the false prophet, and the devil ([[Revelation 19:20]], [[Revelation 20:10]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **límnē** is used:
* `{{G1082}}` **Gennēsarét** (Gennesaret (i.e. Kinnereth), a lake and plain in Palestine): This proper name is used to identify the specific physical **lake** where Jesus ministered [[Luke 5:1]].
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (a sailer, i.e. vessel): A **ship** is the means of traversing the **lake** in several accounts, such as when Jesus and his disciples launched forth to cross it [[Luke 8:22]].
* `{{G2978}}` **laîlaps** (a whirlwind (squall)): This word describes the **storm** of wind that came down upon the **lake**, endangering the disciples [[Luke 8:23]].
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** ("fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)): **Fire** is the defining characteristic of the symbolic **lake** in Revelation, where death and hell are ultimately cast [[Revelation 20:14]].
* `{{G2303}}` **theîon** (sulphur): **Brimstone** is consistently paired with fire to describe the nature of this **lake** of judgment [[Revelation 19:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3041}}` is concentrated in its appearances in Revelation, where it signifies a place of eternal consequence.
* **Final Judgment:** The **lake** of fire is depicted as the ultimate destination for cosmic evil. The devil `{{G1228}}`, the beast `{{G2342}}`, and the false prophet `{{G5578}}` are all cast into it ([[Revelation 20:10]], [[Revelation 19:20]]).
* **The Second Death:** The text explicitly defines the **lake** of fire as "the second **death**" `{{G2288}}`, the final state for those whose names are not found in the book of life ([[Revelation 21:8]], [[Revelation 20:15]]).
* **Containment of Evil:** By having death `{{G2288}}` and hell `{{G86}}` themselves cast **into** `{{G1519}}` the **lake** of fire, it represents the final and complete end of their power and existence [[Revelation 20:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3041}}` transitions from a simple geographical feature to a powerful symbol of divine judgment. While it first appears as the literal **lake** of Gennesaret, the backdrop for Jesus' earthly ministry, its primary theological contribution is its depiction as the **lake** of fire in Revelation. This illustrates how a common word can be imbued with profound eschatological meaning, representing the final and irreversible consequence for evil.
TRV