βυθίζω
buthizō
to sink
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word βυθίζω (buthizō) means "to sink." It is only used twice in the Bible, suggesting that it is a word with a specific or specialized meaning, likely used in situations where the concept of sinking is significant. Given its definition and scarce occurrences, it's likely that βυθίζω is used in the context of marine or aquatic environments, where objects or vessels are literally sinking underwater. This could range from ships to objects being cast into the depths. The word does not imply any specific emotional or moral connotations. Understanding βυθίζω as a technical term related to aquatic environments can help us appreciate how the author of the Bible chose language that is direct and descriptive, conveying a specific image in the reader's mind. The use of βυθίζω highlights the precision and accuracy of the Bible's narrative, leaving room for the reader to draw their own inferences and interpretations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
They beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. They came, and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.
1 Timothy 6:9But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.