The Greek word bathýs, represented by G901, is a term for that which is profound or goes down deeply. Its base definition includes both literal and figurative applications, leading to translations such as deep or very early. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, demonstrating a specific but varied usage.
In the biblical narrative, G901 is used in three distinct contexts. Its most literal meaning is found when the Samaritan woman states that "the well is deep" John 4:11, referring to physical depth. The word is also used to describe a profound state of being, as when Eutychus fell into a "deep sleep" while Paul was preaching Acts 20:9. Finally, it is applied to time, where it is translated as "very early in the morning" to describe the women arriving at the sepulchre, signifying a point deep into the morning hours Luke 24:1.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G901 in context:
- G3722 órthros: This word means dawn or early in the morning. It is used alongside G901 in Luke 24:1 to create the emphatic phrase "very early in the morning," combining the idea of dawn with profoundness.
- G5258 hýpnos: Meaning sleep, this word is modified by G901 in Acts 20:9 to describe the "deep sleep" that overcame Eutychus. Its figurative sense can also refer to spiritual torpor, as seen in Romans 13:11.
The significance of G901 lies in its ability to convey a sense of intensity or profundity, whether literally or figuratively.
- Literal Depth: The primary meaning establishes a physical reality, as with the well in John 4:11. This tangible concept of depth grounds the word's other uses.
- Intensity of State: The term extends from a physical measurement to describe the intensity of a human condition. The "deep sleep" in Acts 20:9 is not a measure of distance but of the profound nature of the sleep itself.
- Temporal Depth: Its use in Luke 24:1 to mean "very early" shows how the concept of "deep" can be applied to time, indicating a point far into the early hours of the morning.
In summary, G901 is a focused but flexible word. While it appears only a few times, it effectively communicates the core idea of "profoundness." Whether describing the literal depth of a well, the immersive state of a deep sleep, or the profound earliness of the morning, bathýs adds a layer of intensity and degree to the concepts it modifies in Scripture.
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