λίμνη
a lake
Definition
In the New Testament, λίμνη consistently refers to a body of standing water, specifically a lake. It most famously denotes the Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:1-2, 8:22-23), a freshwater lake central to Jesus' ministry. In the Book of Revelation, however, the word takes on a profound symbolic meaning, describing the 'lake of fire' (Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14-15), which represents the final place of eternal punishment for the devil, the beast, the false prophet, and the unrighteous dead.
Biblical Usage
The word is used 10 times in the New Testament. In the Gospels (Luke 5:1, 2, 8:22, 23, 33), it refers literally to the Sea of Galilee, the setting for miracles like the calling of the disciples and the calming of the storm. In Revelation (19:20, 20:10, 14, 15), its usage is entirely apocalyptic and metaphorical, describing the final destination of evil.
Etymology
Derived from the ancient Greek noun λίμνη (limnē), meaning a pool of standing water, marsh, or lake. It is a primary word in Greek for such bodies of water and does not have a more complex derivation from other roots.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant due to its dual usage. Literally, it grounds Jesus' ministry in a specific geographical location (the Sea of Galilee). Symbolically in Revelation, the 'lake of fire' is a key component of biblical eschatology, representing God's final and eternal judgment on evil and the ultimate separation from His presence. Understanding this shift from a physical to a theological concept enriches the reading of these passages.
For first-century readers in Judea and Galilee, a 'λίμνη' like the Sea of Galilee was a familiar feature of daily life, vital for fishing and transport. This makes the Gospel accounts relatable. The symbolic use in Revelation would have drawn on Jewish apocalyptic literature, where such imagery conveyed concepts of ultimate divine judgment and purification.
θάλασσα (thalassa, G2281) — Typically means 'sea' or a large body of salt water, though it is also used for the Sea of Galilee (e.g., Matthew 4:18). λίμνη is more specific to a lake.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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