"the sea, Mt. 23:15, Mk. 9:42; a sea, Acts 7:36; an inland sea, lake, Mt. 8:24"
Definition and meaning
the sea, Mt. 23:15, Mk. 9:42; a sea, Acts 7:36; an inland sea, lake, Mt. 8:24
In the original Greek the word is written: θάλασσα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of thalassa (G2281) across the King James Bible.
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
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Common questions
Strong's G2281 (thalassa) is a Greek word that means: the sea, Mt. 23:15, Mk. 9:42; a sea, Acts 7:36; an inland sea, lake, Mt. 8:24 It appears 83 times in the King James Bible.
The word thalassa (G2281) appears 83 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2281 is thalassa, a Greek word defined as: the sea, Mt. 23:15, Mk. 9:42; a sea, Acts 7:36; an inland sea, lake, Mt. 8:24. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
thalassa is a Greek word found in the New Testament.