In biblical literature, the term "deep" often refers to the profound and mysterious aspects of creation, the natural world, and the spiritual realm. The concept of the "deep" is frequently associated with the primordial waters, chaos, and the unfathomable depths of God's wisdom and knowledge.

Creation and the Primordial Waters

The Bible begins with a depiction of the "deep" in the creation narrative. 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 waters." Here, the "deep" represents the chaotic and unformed state of the earth before God's creative order was established. The Spirit of God hovering over the waters signifies divine authority and the initiation of creation, bringing order out of chaos.

The Flood and Divine Judgment

The "deep" is also associated with the waters of 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 bursting forth of the "great deep" signifies the unleashing of divine judgment upon a sinful world, demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use the elements of the natural world to fulfill His purposes.

The Depths of the Sea

In various passages, the "deep" is used to describe the depths of the sea, often symbolizing danger, mystery, and the unknown. Psalm 107:23-24 speaks of those who "go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters. They see the works of the LORD and His wonders in the deep." The sea's depths are portrayed as a place where God's mighty works and wonders are evident, highlighting His power and majesty.

Spiritual and Theological Significance

The "deep" also carries spiritual and theological significance, representing the depths of God's wisdom and knowledge. Romans 11:33 exclaims, "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" Here, the "depth" signifies the inexhaustible and incomprehensible nature of God's attributes, inviting believers to marvel at His divine wisdom and sovereignty.

The Abyss and Eschatological Themes

In eschatological contexts, the "deep" is sometimes associated with the abyss or the realm of the dead. Revelation 9:1-2 describes a vision where a star falls from heaven to earth, and "the key to the pit of the abyss" is given, releasing smoke and locusts upon the earth. This imagery conveys themes of judgment and the release of demonic forces, emphasizing the spiritual battle between good and evil in the end times.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the concept of the "deep" serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing the chaotic waters of creation, the depths of the sea, the profound wisdom of God, and the eschatological abyss. It underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the mysterious nature of God's creation and purposes.

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... Who made the heaven and the far-stretching earth,. The Deep's blue billow,
and the might of winds. But of us mortals, many erring far. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

Deep's (1 Occurrence)
...Deep's (1 Occurrence). Genesis 8:2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows were
also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained. (WEB). ...
/d/deep's.htm - 6k

Deeps (13 Occurrences)
... waters. (KJV WBS). Job 12:22 He uncovereth deep things out of darkness,
and bringeth out to light the shadow of death. (See RSV). ...
/d/deeps.htm - 9k

Windows (27 Occurrences)
... the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day
of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst ...
/w/windows.htm - 15k

Fountains (29 Occurrences)
... the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day
of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst ...
/f/fountains.htm - 15k

Floodgates (6 Occurrences)
... the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day
of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst ...
/f/floodgates.htm - 8k

Restrained (51 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 8:2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows
were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained. ...
/r/restrained.htm - 22k

Deep-seated (2 Occurrences)
Deep-seated. Deep's, Deep-seated. Deer . Multi-Version Concordance
Deep-seated (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 4:18 with ...
/d/deep-seated.htm - 7k

Sky's (2 Occurrences)
... the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day
of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst ...
/s/sky's.htm - 6k

Stopped (134 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Genesis 8:2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows were also stopped,
and the rain from the sky was restrained. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NIV). ...
/s/stopped.htm - 35k

Rain (118 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 8:2 The deep's fountains and
the sky's windows were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained. ...
/r/rain.htm - 43k

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