of uncertain derivation; a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e. a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison):--well, pit.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phréar**, represented by `{{G5421}}`, refers to a **hole in the ground**, such as a cistern or a well. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. While its base definition is simple, its application ranges from a literal pit or well for water to a figurative abyss that serves as a prison.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G5421}}` is used to describe features of the physical world. In the Gospel of John, it refers to the historical **well** that Jacob gave to his descendants, which the woman at the well noted was **deep** [[John 4:11-12]]. In Luke, it describes a common agricultural hazard, a **pit** into which an ox might fall, prompting an immediate rescue even on the Sabbath [[Luke 14:5]]. In its figurative context, the word takes on a more ominous meaning in the book of Revelation, where it is used repeatedly to describe the "bottomless **pit**," a place of confinement from which smoke like a great furnace arises to darken the sun and air [[Revelation 9:1-2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning of `{{G5421}}` in its various contexts:
* `{{G12}}` **ábyssos** (deep, (bottomless) pit): This word is used alongside `{{G5421}}` to specify the nature of the pit in Revelation as a depthless, infernal **abyss** [[Revelation 9:1]].
* `{{G901}}` **bathýs** (deep): This adjective is used to describe the physical characteristic of Jacob's well, emphasizing its depth and the challenge of drawing water from it [[John 4:11]].
* `{{G1016}}` **boûs** (ox): This word appears in the example of an animal that has fallen into a pit `{{G5421}}`, grounding the term in an everyday, practical scenario [[Luke 14:5]].
* `{{G2575}}` **káminos** (furnace): The smoke that billows from the pit `{{G5421}}` in Revelation is compared to the smoke of a great **furnace**, linking the abyss to imagery of intense heat and judgment [[Revelation 9:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5421}}` is defined by its dual usage, representing both provision and confinement.
* **A Source of Life:** As a **well**, it is a symbol of heritage and divine provision. Jacob's well provided life-sustaining water for generations, including his children and his cattle [[John 4:12]].
* **A Place of Danger and Labor:** As a **pit**, it represents a mundane danger that requires immediate action and work to overcome, as seen when an ox falls into it [[Luke 14:5]].
* **An Apocalyptic Prison:** In its most significant figurative use, the **pit** is a supernatural prison for demonic entities. Access to this abyss is controlled by a key, and when opened, it unleashes forces that bring about darkness and torment upon the earth [[Revelation 9:1-2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5421}}` is a versatile word whose meaning is transformed by its context. It can be the life-giving **well** of a patriarch or a simple **pit** in a field. However, it is also employed in apocalyptic scripture to depict the terrifying **abyss**, a prison for evil spirits. This progression from the literal to the figurative demonstrates how a common word for a hole in the ground can carry immense theological weight, representing concepts from physical sustenance to eschatological judgment.
TRV