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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Fathom</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/fathom.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_corinthians/13-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/fathom.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Fathom</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/f/father-son_relationship.htm" title="Father-Son Relationship">◄</a> Fathom <a href="/topical/naves/f/fathom--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" title="Fathom: General Scriptures Concerning">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>A fathom is a unit of measurement traditionally used to measure the depth of water. In biblical times, the fathom was understood as the length of a man's outstretched arms, approximately six feet. While the term "fathom" itself does not appear frequently in the Bible, the concept of measuring depth is present in various passages, particularly in the context of seafaring and maritime activities.<br><br><b>Biblical Context</b><br><br>The Bible often uses imagery related to the sea and water, which would have been familiar to the people of the ancient Near East, including the Israelites. The sea is depicted as a place of mystery and danger, as well as a source of sustenance and trade. Understanding the depth of water would have been crucial for navigation and fishing, activities that are mentioned in several biblical narratives.<br><br><b>Relevant Passages</b><br><br>While the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically use the term "fathom," the concept of measuring depth is implied in passages that describe maritime activities. For example, in <a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a>, the Apostle Paul is aboard a ship that encounters a storm. The crew takes soundings to measure the depth of the water to avoid running aground:<br><br>· <a href="/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28</a> : "They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep."<br><br>This passage illustrates the practical use of measuring water depth to ensure the safety of the ship and its passengers. The act of taking soundings reflects the ancient practice of using a weighted line to determine the depth of the sea, a method that would have been familiar to sailors of the time.<br><br><b>Symbolic Use</b><br><br>In addition to its practical application, the concept of depth in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. Depth can represent the vastness and incomprehensibility of God's creation, as well as the profound nature of His wisdom and knowledge. For instance, the psalmist speaks of the depths of the sea as a metaphor for the greatness of God's works:<br><br>· <a href="/psalms/107-23.htm">Psalm 107:23-24</a> : "Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep."<br><br>Here, the "deep" signifies not only the physical depth of the sea but also the spiritual depth of God's power and majesty.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Significance</b><br><br>In the ancient world, the ability to measure and understand the sea was crucial for trade and exploration. The Israelites, though not primarily a seafaring people, would have been aware of the importance of maritime activities through their interactions with neighboring cultures such as the Phoenicians, who were renowned for their seafaring skills.<br><br>The use of the fathom as a unit of measurement reflects the practical needs of ancient societies to navigate and utilize the sea effectively. It also underscores the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the natural world, including the vast and often unpredictable waters.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the term "fathom" itself is not prevalent in the biblical text, the concept of measuring depth is integral to understanding the maritime context of certain passages. The use of depth as both a practical and symbolic element in the Bible highlights the multifaceted nature of God's creation and His dominion over all things, both seen and unseen.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>(Old A.S. faethm, "bosom, " or the outstretched arms), a span of six feet (<a href="/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28</a>). Gr. orguia (from orego, "I stretch"), the distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched out. <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration.<p>3. (<I>v. t.</I>) To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span.<p>4. (<I>n.</I>) The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">FATHOM</span><p>fath'-um (orguia): The literal meaning is the length of the outstretched arms, and it was regarded as equal to 4 cubits, or about 6 feet. (<a href="/acts/27-28.htm">Acts 27:28</a>).<br><br>See <a href="../w/weights.htm">WEIGHTS AND MEASURES</a>.<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/3712.htm"><span class="l">3712. orguia -- a <b>fathom</b> (the length of the outstretched arms)</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a <b>fathom</b> (the length of the outstretched arms). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine<br> Transliteration: orguia Phonetic Spelling: (org-wee-ah') Short Definition: a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3712.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/white/steps_to_christ/chapter_12_what_to_do.htm"><span class="l">What to do with Doubt</span></a> <br><b>...</b> mysteries of His providence. In the natural world we are constantly surrounded<br> with mysteries that we cannot <b>fathom</b>. The very humblest <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 12 what to do.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kuyper/the_work_of_the_holy_spirit/xviii_love_in_the_triune.htm"><span class="l">Love in the Triune Being of God.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> " And this is a mystery that men and angels fail to <b>fathom</b>. <b>...</b> We can not describe or<br> analyze it; we can not <b>fathom</b> or penetrate its hidden essence. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xviii love in the triune.htm</font><p><a href="/library/watson/a_body_of_divinity/3_the_eternity_of_god.htm"><span class="l">The Eternity of God</span></a> <br><b>...</b> who can <b>fathom</b> it? Mariners have their plummets to measure the depths of the sea;<br> but what line or plummet shall we use to <b>fathom</b> the depth of eternity? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_ephesians_peter/salvation_grace_faith.htm"><span class="l">Salvation: Grace: Faith</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I have said that we should try to make an effort to <b>fathom</b> the depth of meaning<br> in this and other familiar commonplace terms of Scripture. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/salvation grace faith.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wesley/sermons_on_several_occasions/sermon_129_the_cause_and.htm"><span class="l">The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes</span></a> <br><b>...</b> into the sea; and, in two minutes time, shook down and destroyed nine-tenths of<br> the town of Port Royal; the houses sunk outright thirty or forty <b>fathom</b> deep! <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 129 the cause and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gaebelein/the_work_of_christ/i_his_past_work.htm"><span class="l">His Past Work.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The incarnation is a deep mystery, the depths of which human reason can never<br> <b>fathom</b>. We must approach it in the spirit of deep reverence. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm</font><p><a href="/library/boudreaux/the_happiness_of_heaven/chapter_ii_the_beatific_vision.htm"><span class="l">The Beatific vision. (Continued. )</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We shall, therefore, endeavor to <b>fathom</b> the meaning of St. <b>...</b> Endeavor to <b>fathom</b> the<br> bliss of the saints when they see themselves like God in so eminent a degree. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter ii the beatific vision.htm</font><p><a href="/library/moody/the_way_to_god_and_how_to_find_it/chapter_i_love_that_passeth.htm"><span class="l">"Love that Passeth Knowledge. "</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Who can <b>fathom</b> the depth of those words: "God so loved the world?" We can<br> never scale the heights of His love or <b>fathom</b> its depths. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter i love that passeth.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_28_1882/love_and_ia_mystery.htm"><span class="l">"Love and I" --A Mystery</span></a> <br><b>...</b> navigation of this sea. It is not a creek or bay, but the main ocean itself.<br> We cannot hope to <b>fathom</b> its depths. This is true of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 28 1882/love and ia mystery.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_24_1878/the_shortest_of_the_seven.htm"><span class="l">The Shortest of the Seven Cries</span></a> <br><b>...</b> meaning in each utterance which no man shall be able fully to bring forth, and when<br> combined they make up a vast deep of thought, which no human line can <b>fathom</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 24 1878/the shortest of the seven.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/f/fathom.htm"><span class="l"><b>Fathom</b> (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>FATHOM</b>. <b>...</b> (Acts 27:28). See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Fathom</b> (5 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fathom.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fathers'.htm"><span class="l">Fathers'</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fathers'.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fathomed.htm"><span class="l">Fathomed (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of <b>Fathom</b>. Multi-Version Concordance<br> Fathomed (2 Occurrences). Job 5:9 who does great things <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fathomed.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/depths.htm"><span class="l">Depths (56 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Job 11:7 "Can you <b>fathom</b> the mystery of<br> God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty? (See NAS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/depths.htm - 22k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mysteries.htm"><span class="l">Mysteries (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> and of want. (WEY). Job 11:7 "Can you <b>fathom</b> the mystery of God? Or can<br> you probe the limits of the Almighty? (See NIV). Job 12:22 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mysteries.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/plumb.htm"><span class="l">Plumb (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> sound with a plumb or plummet, as the depth of water; hence, to examine by test;<br> to ascertain the depth, quality, dimension, etc.; to sound; to <b>fathom</b>; to test <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/plumb.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/probe.htm"><span class="l">Probe (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> after my sin? (See NIV). Job 11:7 "Can you <b>fathom</b> the mystery of God? Or can<br> you probe the limits of the Almighty? (WEB NIV). Psalms 17 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/probe.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sound.htm"><span class="l">Sound (1245 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Sound. 13. (vt) To measure the depth of; to <b>fathom</b>; especially, to ascertain<br> the depth of by means of a line and plummet. 14. (vt <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sound.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/span.htm"><span class="l">Span (14 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (v.) imp. & pp of Spin. 2. (n.) The space from the thumb to the end of the<br> little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a <b>fathom</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/span.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/snow.htm"><span class="l">Snow (25 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> elements of Nature is often brought out in the Old Testament: "For he saith to the<br> snow, Fall thou on the earth" (Job 37:6); but man cannot <b>fathom</b> the works of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/snow.htm - 21k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-make-mistakes.html">Does God make mistakes? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Uzzah.html">Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/biblical-weights-and-measures.html">What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/fathom.htm">Fathom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Fathom (5 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2</a></span><br />If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/11-7.htm">Job 11:7</a></span><br />"Can you <span class="boldtext">fathom</span> the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty? <br /><span class="source">(WEB NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/145-3.htm">Psalms 145:3</a></span><br />Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his power may never be searched out.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:11</a></span><br />He has made everything right in its time; but he has made their hearts without knowledge, so that man is unable to see the works of God, from the first to the last.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/40-28.htm">Isaiah 40:28</a></span><br />Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? The God of the age -- Jehovah, Preparer of the ends of the earth, Is not wearied nor fatigued, There is no searching of His understanding.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/fathom.htm">Fathom</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/f/fathom--general_scriptures_concerning.htm">Fathom: General Scriptures Concerning</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fathers'.htm">Fathers'</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fathomed.htm">Fathomed (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/depths.htm">Depths (56 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mysteries.htm">Mysteries (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/plumb.htm">Plumb (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/probe.htm">Probe (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sound.htm">Sound (1245 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/span.htm">Span (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/snow.htm">Snow (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/weights.htm">Weights (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/measures.htm">Measures (50 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cloud.htm">Cloud (119 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/limits.htm">Limits (69 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/almighty.htm">Almighty (242 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/limit.htm">Limit (115 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mystery.htm">Mystery (31 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/f/father-son_relationship.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Father-Son Relationship"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Father-Son Relationship" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/f/fathom--general_scriptures_concerning.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Fathom: General Scriptures Concerning"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Fathom: General Scriptures Concerning" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>