Abyss, (῎Αβυσσος). The Greek word means literally “without bottom,” but actually deep, profound. It is used in the Sept. for the Heb. tehom’ (תּהוֹם), which we find applied either to the ocean (Genesis 1:2; 7:11) or to the under world (Psalms 71:20; 107:26). In the New Testament it is used as a noun to describe Hades, or the place of the dead generally (Romans 10:7)... In the Revelation the authorized version invariably renders it “bottomless pit;” elsewhere “deep.” SEE PIT.
Most of these uses of the word are explained by reference to some of the cosmological notions which the Hebrews entertained in common with other Eastern nations. It was believed that the abyss, or sea of fathomless waters, encompassed the whole earth. The earth floated on the abyss, of which it covered only a small part. According to the same notion, the earth was founded upon the waters, or, at least, had its foundations in the abyss beneath (Psalms 24:2; 136:6).
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Author: McClintock and Strong Cyclopedia
Keywords: Abyss, Hades, Sheol, depth, bottom, pit
Bible reference(s): 2 Peter 2:4, Ezekiel 28:10, Genesis 1:2, Genesis 7:11, Isaiah 19:5, Jeremiah 1:19, Jeremiah 2:36, Jeremiah 26:14, Luke 8:31, Proverbs 29:16, Proverbs 9:18, Psalms 107:26, Psalms 136:6, Psalms 24:2, Psalms 42:7, Psalms 71:20, Revelation 20:1, Revelation 9:1, Romans 10:7
Source: John McClintock and James Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, [abridged].
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