Topical Encyclopedia
The term "deeps" in the Bible often refers to the vast, mysterious, and sometimes chaotic waters that are depicted as part of God's creation. It is a term that evokes the grandeur and power of the natural world, as well as the sovereignty of God over all creation. The concept of the "deeps" is found throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both physical and metaphorical depths.
Creation and the Primordial WatersIn the account of creation, the "deeps" are mentioned in the context of the primordial waters.
Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Here, the "deep" is depicted as the chaotic waters that existed before God brought order through creation. The Spirit of God hovering over the waters signifies His control and authority over the deeps, bringing life and structure to what was once formless.
The FloodThe deeps are also associated with the great flood in the time of Noah.
Genesis 7:11 describes the event: "In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened." The "great deep" here refers to the subterranean waters that contributed to the deluge, emphasizing the overwhelming power of God's judgment upon a sinful world.
God's Sovereignty and PowerThroughout the Psalms and other poetic books, the deeps are often used to illustrate God's sovereignty and power.
Psalm 33:7 declares, "He piles up the waters of the sea; He puts the depths into storehouses." This imagery portrays God as the master of the deeps, able to control and contain the vast waters as He wills. Similarly,
Psalm 107:23-24 speaks of those who "go down to the sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. They see the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep." Here, the deeps are a place where God's mighty works are evident, revealing His majesty to those who venture upon them.
Metaphorical UseThe deeps are also used metaphorically to describe profound spiritual or emotional experiences. In
Psalm 42:7 , the psalmist writes, "Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me." This verse captures the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's distress, likening it to being engulfed by the tumultuous waters of the deeps. Yet, even in such depths, there is an acknowledgment of God's presence and sovereignty.
Prophetic ImageryIn prophetic literature, the deeps often symbolize chaos and judgment.
Isaiah 51:10 recalls God's deliverance of Israel, "Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea for the redeemed to cross over?" This reference to the parting of the Red Sea highlights God's power to subdue the deeps and deliver His people, reinforcing His role as the divine Redeemer.
ConclusionThe concept of the deeps in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to bring order out of chaos. Whether referring to the physical waters of creation, the flood, or metaphorical depths of human experience, the deeps underscore the majesty and authority of the Creator over all things.
Strong's Hebrew
8415. tehom -- deep, sea, abyss... Word Origin from an unused word Definition deep, sea, abyss NASB Word Usage deep
(22),
deeps (8), depths (4), ocean depths (1), springs (1).
...Library
Jesus Went into theDeeps.
... Deep-Sea Fishing: The Ambition of Service. (Luke v:1-11.) Jesus Went into
theDeeps.... It is this: Jesus went down into thedeeps for us....
Ambition in Service.
... over-fished. Out in thedeeps are fish that have never had smell or sight of
bait or net. Here... good bite. There aredeeps all around. One...
Song of Moses and Miriam
... captains are sunk in the Red Sea. Thedeeps cover them: They went down into
the depths like a stone. WOMEN. Sing ye to the LORD, for...
Salvation of the Lord
... Jonah, when he was delivered from his great danger, when, by the command of God
the fish had obediently left its greatdeeps and delivered its cargo upon dry...
Psalm 107:5. Fourth Part. CM The Mariner's Psalm.
... CM The Mariner's psalm. 1 Thy works of glory, mighty Lord, Thy wonders in thedeeps,
The sons of courage shall record Who trade in floating ships....
Psalm 107 Part 4 the Mariner's Psalm.
... Thy works of glory, mighty Lord,. Thy wonders in thedeeps,. The sons of courage
shall record.... [Again they climb the wat'ry hills,. And plunge indeeps again;...
Psalm CVI.
... "So He led them through thedeeps, as through a wilderness." He calleth
a multitude of waters thedeeps. For some wishing to give...
Hans Denck and the Inward Word
... teaching of the living Voice of God in the soul, his testimony to the reality of
the inner heavenly Word, which God Himself speaks in thedeeps of man's heart...
The Best Strengthening Medicine
... Possibly he found us plunged in the greatdeeps of an evil habit.... It is hard for
those to rise to the surface who have been plunged in thedeeps....
On the Firmament.
... "Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons and alldeeps." [1517] Thus the singer
of the Psalms does not reject thedeeps which our inventors of allegories...
Thesaurus
Deeps (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Deeps (13 Occurrences). Exodus 15:5 The
deeps cover them.
... The
deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV).
...Floods (37 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Exodus 15:5 Thedeeps cover them.... The floods stood upright as a heap. The
deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV)....
Deep (237 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 15:5 Thedeeps cover
them.... Thedeeps were congealed in the heart of the sea....
Nether-most (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nether-most (1 Occurrence). Psalms 88:6 Thou hast laid
me in the lowest pit, In dark places, in thedeeps. (See JPS)....
Lays (30 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 33:7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap.
He lays up thedeeps in storehouses. (WEB NAS). Psalms...
Gathers (27 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 33:7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap.
He lays up thedeeps in storehouses. (WEB NAS NIV). Psalms...
Waterspout
... dragons," the English Revised Version margin, "sea-monsters" or "water-spouts."
"Praise Yahweh from the earth, Ye sea-monsters, and alldeeps." See DRAGON; SEA...
Threwest (1 Occurrence)
... thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the
sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into thedeeps, as a...
Deep's (1 Occurrence)
Depths (56 Occurrences)
... pit. (WEY). Exodus 15:5 Thedeeps cover them. They went down into the depths
like a stone. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
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