πέλαγος
the sea, the deep
Definition
Πέλαγος refers to the open sea, the deep, or the high seas, distinct from coastal waters. In the New Testament, it consistently denotes the deep, open waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In Matthew 18:6, it is used metaphorically in a hyperbole about being drowned in the 'depth of the sea' as a severe consequence for causing a believer to sin. In Acts 27:5, it describes the literal open sea sailed by Paul's ship between Cyprus and Cilicia, emphasizing the navigational context of the voyage.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the New Testament, appearing in both a Gospel and a historical narrative. In Matthew 18:6, it is employed in a vivid, proverbial saying of Jesus about judgment. In Acts 27:5, it is used in a straightforward, geographical sense within Luke's detailed account of Paul's sea voyage to Rome. Both uses imply a sense of vast, deep, and potentially dangerous waters.
Etymology
Derived from the ancient Greek πέλαγος, meaning 'sea' or 'high sea.' It is a primary noun with cognates in other Indo-European languages. The word inherently carries the notion of expanse and depth, contrasting with terms for shore or harbor.
Semantic Range
While primarily a geographical term, its metaphorical use in Matthew 18:6 connects it to the serious theological theme of causing others to stumble in faith. The imagery of being cast into the 'depth of the sea' underscores the severity of divine judgment for harming the 'little ones' who believe in Christ, enriching our understanding of Jesus' warnings about spiritual responsibility.
For people in the ancient Mediterranean world, the 'pelagos' represented a vast, mysterious, and often treacherous expanse. Travel by open sea was dangerous and symbolized the unknown, which contrasts with modern, controlled maritime travel. This context makes the metaphorical use in Matthew 18:6 particularly forceful.
θάλασσα (thalassa, G2281) — the more common general term for 'sea' or 'lake'; ἄβυσσος (abyssos, G12) — denotes the 'abyss' or bottomless deep, often with a supernatural connotation.
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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