akin to βαθύνω; a hole (in the ground); specially, a cistern:--ditch, pit.
Transliteration:bóthynos
Pronunciation:both'-oo-nos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βόθυνος (`{{G999}}`, *bóthynos*) denotes a "hole in the ground," a "ditch," or a "pit." Its etymological root is closely related to the verb βαθύνω (`{{G901}}`), meaning "to deepen," which inherently connects *bóthynos* to the concept of an excavated or naturally deep depression. While its most basic sense is a simple hole, the term often carries the more specific meaning of a "cistern," a man-made excavation used for collecting and storing water, which was a vital necessity in the arid regions of ancient Palestine. The English translations "ditch" and "pit" effectively capture its semantic range, emphasizing an intentional or accidental depression in the earth, often implying a state of entrapment or danger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βόθυνος (`{{G999}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, twice in a metaphorical sense and once literally, all within the Synoptic Gospels:
* **Literal Use:** In [[Matthew 12:11]], Jesus asks, "What man among you, if he has one sheep and it falls into a pit [βόθυνος] on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out?" Here, *bóthynos* refers to a literal pit, a dangerous trap for livestock. This passage is part of a broader discourse on the Sabbath, where Jesus argues that acts of compassion and necessity are permissible, even on the Sabbath, prioritizing the well-being of a creature over a rigid interpretation of the law. The immediate danger posed by the pit underscores the urgency and righteousness of the rescue.
* **Metaphorical Use:** The other two occurrences employ *bóthynos* metaphorically to describe spiritual ruin. In [[Matthew 15:14]], Jesus warns concerning the Pharisees, "Let them alone; they are blind guides. If a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit [βόθυνος]." A parallel account is found in [[Luke 6:39]]: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit [βόθυνος]?" In these instances, the "pit" signifies spiritual destruction, error, or condemnation. It is the inevitable consequence of following false or incompetent spiritual leadership, highlighting the perilous nature of spiritual blindness and the dire outcome for both the misguided leader and their followers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of βόθυνος (`{{G999}}`) intersects with several other terms and concepts:
* **Etymological Root:** The verb βαθύνω (`{{G901}}`), "to deepen," is the direct linguistic ancestor, reinforcing the idea of a dug-out or deep cavity.
* **Similar Greek Terms:** While *bóthynos* specifically refers to a dug hole or cistern, φρέαρ (`{{G5421}}`), often translated "well" or "pit," can encompass both natural springs and dug wells, sometimes with a broader connotation of depth or even an abyss.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** The Hebrew בּוֹר (`{{H7225}}`), meaning "pit, cistern, dungeon," shares a remarkably similar semantic range with *bóthynos*, frequently referring to water cisterns or even prisons. Another relevant Hebrew term is שַׁחַת (`{{H7845}}`), translated as "pit" or "destruction," often denoting a trap or a grave, aligning with the metaphorical use of *bóthynos* as a place of ruin.
* **Conceptual Themes:** The occurrences of *bóthynos* evoke themes of danger, entrapment, spiritual blindness, false teaching, and the ultimate consequences of misguided actions or beliefs. It serves as a potent image for spiritual peril and destruction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βόθυνος (`{{G999}}`) is primarily derived from its metaphorical application in the teachings of Jesus.
* **Consequences of Spiritual Blindness:** The most profound theological implication is the warning against spiritual blindness and the peril of following blind guides. The "pit" represents not merely a physical fall but a spiritual catastrophe, signifying a state of profound error, separation from truth, and ultimate ruin. This underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment, reliance on true divine revelation, and the severe judgment awaiting those who lead others astray.
* **Christ's Compassion vs. Legalism:** In its literal use in [[Matthew 12:11]], *bóthynos* contributes to Jesus' argument against rigid legalism. The immediate necessity of rescuing a sheep from a pit on the Sabbath highlights the principle that acts of mercy and practical good are always permissible and indeed commanded, even when they seem to violate human-made interpretations of divine law. It emphasizes the priority of love and compassion over strict adherence to external regulations.
* **The Nature of True Discipleship:** The imagery of falling into a pit implicitly calls disciples to self-examination and vigilance. True discipleship requires not only hearing the words of Christ but also understanding and applying them, lest one, too, falls into the pit of error or destruction by following the wrong path or the wrong leader.
### Summary
The Greek noun βόθυνος (`{{G999}}`), meaning "a hole," "ditch," or "pit," and specifically "a cistern," is rooted in the concept of deepening (`{{G901}}`). Its literal use in [[Matthew 12:11]] portrays a physical danger to livestock, serving as a point of theological discourse regarding the Sabbath and the priority of compassion. More significantly, in [[Matthew 15:14]] and [[Luke 6:39]], *bóthynos* is employed metaphorically to represent spiritual ruin or destruction, the inevitable outcome for those who are spiritually blind or who follow misguided leaders. The word thus underscores critical theological themes: the dire consequences of spiritual blindness and false teaching, the importance of discernment, and the supremacy of compassion over legalistic adherence. It stands as a stark warning and a call to vigilance in the pursuit of truth.
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