### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **báthos**, represented by `{{G899}}`, refers to **profundity** and can signify extent or a mystery. It is translated as "depth," "deepness," or "deep things." It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses**, illustrating concepts from the literal to the profoundly spiritual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G899}}` is used to describe physical space. In the parable of the sower, seed falling on stony places springs up quickly because it has no **deepness** of earth [[Matthew 13:5]] or **depth** of earth [[Mark 4:5]]. Jesus also instructs Simon to launch out into the **deep** to let down the nets for a catch [[Luke 5:4]]. Figuratively, the term expresses extremes of human experience, such as the "deep **poverty**" of the Corinthians [[2 Corinthians 8:2]]. It is also used to describe the profound mysteries of God and the deceptions of evil, as seen in "the **deep things** of God" [[1 Corinthians 2:10]] and "the **depths** of Satan" [[Revelation 2:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G899}}` is used:
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (soil, earth): This word provides the literal foundation for `{{G899}}` in the parable of the sower, where the seed failed due to having no **depth** of **earth** [[Mark 4:5]].
* `{{G2045}}` **ereunáō** (to seek, to investigate): This word is linked to the spiritual understanding of depth. The Spirit **searches** all things, even the "deep things of God" [[1 Corinthians 2:10]], indicating that these mysteries can be investigated through divine help.
* `{{G5313}}` **hýpsōma** (height): This term is often used as a direct contrast to depth. It emphasizes the vastness of God's love, stating that neither **height** nor **depth** can separate believers from Him [[Romans 8:39]].
* `{{G419}}` **anexereúnētos** (unsearchable): This describes the incomprehensible nature of God's wisdom. In the same passage that praises the **depth** of God's riches, it states His judgments are **unsearchable** [[Romans 11:33]], highlighting a divine profundity beyond human investigation.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G899}}` is significant, illustrating concepts of divine immensity and spiritual reality.
* **Divine Incomprehensibility:** The word is used to express awe at the vastness of God's attributes. Paul exclaims, "O the **depth** of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" [[Romans 11:33]], framing God's nature as profoundly deep.
* **Spirit-Revealed Mystery:** While God's wisdom is deep, it is not entirely unknowable. The "deep things of God" are revealed by His Spirit `{{G4151}}`, who **searches** `{{G2045}}` them out, making spiritual understanding possible [[1 Corinthians 2:10]].
* **Boundless Love and Security:** In Romans, **depth** is used alongside **height** `{{G5313}}` to define the extremities of creation, declaring that nothing within these bounds can separate believers from God's love [[Romans 8:39]].
* **The Depths of Evil:** The term is not reserved for the divine. Believers are warned against knowing "the **depths** of Satan" [[Revelation 2:24]], contrasting God's profound truths with the enemy's profound deceptions.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G899}}` is a powerful word that conveys more than just physical measurement. It is used to explore the extremes of existence, from the literal depth of the sea to the figurative **depth** of poverty. Theologically, it captures the immense and often mysterious nature of God's wisdom, the boundless scope of His love, and the profound opposition of evil. It illustrates how scripture uses physical dimensions to help us comprehend spiritual realities.
TRV