← G899 G901 →

βαθύνω

bathýnō

G900 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make deep, to deepen (to increase the depth of something, either physically—such as water, soil, or a hollow—or metaphorically, such as thickening or intensifying a quality). The verb typically refers to an action causing a greater depth, though its usage is rare in extant literature. In metaphorical usage, it may indicate making something more profound or significant.

Semantic Range

to deepen, to make (something) deeper, to intensify, to cause to have depth (literal or figurative)

Root / Etymology

From βαθύς (bathys, 'deep'), with the productive verbal suffix -νῶ/-ύνω (-nō/-ynō) forming causative verbs (meaning 'to make, to render'). The root βαθ- conveys the idea of depth. Etymology is secure within Greek; not a borrowing from a Semitic source.

Historical & Contextual Notes

βαθύνω is a late and rare verb in Greek, attested primarily in Hellenistic and post-classical contexts. In Koine Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the verb may occur in physical contexts (such as making a trench deeper or water level), but can also appear metaphorically to describe increased intensity or significance. The word derives logically from the adjective βαθύς ('deep'), with the verbal suffix indicating causative action, and does not appear widely in classical Greek. Some English translations reduce the meaning simply to 'deep,' but the Greek form clearly expresses an action—to deepen or make deep—rather than a static state. Related terms: βαθύς (deep, as an adjective); compare with βαθέως (deeply, adverb) for nuances.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βαθύς; to deepen:--deep.

Root Family

βαθύνω (bathynō) — to make deep, to deepen, to intensify

Root βαθ- to make deep, to deepen

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G900-01 ἐβάθυνεν ebathunen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG deepened he deepened he deepened 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G900-01 Luke 6:48 ἐβάθυνεν ebathunen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG deepened he deepened he deepened
← G899 Greek Lexicon G901 →