θάλασσα

Thalassa generally refers to the sea, ocean, or large bodies of water like the Sea of Galilee. It can denote the literal geographical feature, as seen in many of the Gospels' accounts of Jesus's ministry by the shore of Lake Galilee. This physical sense of the term is the most common and straightforward. In a broader sense, it can represent humanity's interaction with maritime travel and trade, highlighting the economic and practical implications of the sea in the ancient world.

Beyond its literal meaning, thalassa takes on a more symbolic and theological weight, particularly in the book of Revelation. Here, the sea often represents chaos, instability, and a source of evil or opposition to God. It is from the sea that the beast arises in Revelation, and the sea is depicted as giving up its dead, signifying its role in the final judgment. This figurative use draws upon long-standing ancient Near Eastern motifs concerning the tumultuous and sometimes dangerous nature of vast waters.

The concept of the sea also connects to themes of divine power and creation. While often associated with potential danger, God demonstrates his sovereignty over the sea, as seen in the parting of the Red Sea in the Old Testament (though this specific event uses a different Hebrew term, the concept of God's dominion over powerful waters is shared). In the New Testament, Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee further illustrates this divine authority. Thus, thalassa embodies both the physical reality of the sea and serves as a rich symbol of chaotic forces and divine control within biblical narrative.