Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek "ἄβυσσος" is conceptually related to the Hebrew term "תְּהוֹם" (tehom, Strong's H8415), which refers to the deep or the primeval ocean, often associated with chaos and the waters of creation. Another related term is "שְׁאוֹל" (Sheol, Strong's H7585), the Hebrew concept of the underworld or the abode of the dead. These terms collectively contribute to the biblical understanding of the abyss as a place of depth, chaos, and divine judgment.

Usage: The word "ἄβυσσος" appears in the New Testament primarily in apocalyptic and eschatological contexts. It is used to describe a place of imprisonment for demonic forces and is often associated with chaos and the deep.

Context: The term "ἄβυσσος" is used in the New Testament to convey the concept of a deep, unfathomable chasm or pit. It is notably featured in the Book of Revelation, where it is depicted as a place of confinement for demonic entities. In Revelation 9:1-2 (BSB), the abyss is opened, releasing smoke and locusts upon the earth: "Then the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth, and it was given the key to the pit of the abyss. The star opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit."

The abyss is also mentioned in Luke 8:31 (BSB), where demons beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss: "And the demons kept begging Jesus not to order them to go into the abyss." This indicates the abyss as a place of torment and imprisonment for evil spirits, highlighting its role as a realm of divine judgment and restraint.

In Romans 10:7 (BSB), the abyss is metaphorically used to describe the realm of the dead: "or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." Here, it signifies the depth of the grave or the realm of the dead, emphasizing the power of Christ's resurrection.

The concept of the abyss in biblical literature often parallels ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, where the abyss represents chaos and the primordial waters. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a symbol of God's sovereignty over chaos and evil, demonstrating His ultimate authority to confine and control malevolent forces.