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The concept of Pit in Christianity

In Gnosticism, the term "Pit" symbolizes a grave or a dire situation, representing a place of despair or suffering. This concept is often used to illustrate a state from which an individual has been rescued or saved. The idea emphasizes themes of salvation and the transition from darkness to light, highlighting the transformative power of overcoming one's dire circumstances. By symbolizing both struggle and relief, "Pit" serves as a poignant metaphor within Gnostic teachings.1
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Synonyms: Hole, Cavity, Indent, Depression, Hollow, Chasm, Crevice, Abyss, Shaft, Trench

In Dutch: Pit; In Finnish: Pit; In Malay: Pit; In Swedish: Grop; In German: Grube; In Spanish: Fosa; In French: Fosse

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Pit'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Empty of water, rejecting the good man’s varied knowledge, springing from his love of instruction.[1] (2) This is a place, described in English, that answers to the place of lost spirits, where the rich man was in torments.[2] (3) The Lord brought out the soul from the powers below and saved them from those that go down into this location.[3] (4) The metaphorical trap or challenge that the wicked one falls into, signifying the inevitable defeat of evil.[4]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) A metaphor used by Jesus in discussing the care one should take on the sabbath, concerning a sheep.[5]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Pits, potentially containing a net, were dug and concealed to trap larger animals, highlighting a specific method employed in hunting to capture prey.[6]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This is a metaphor for destruction, and it is where the people will end up, and it is described as having a gaping mouth.[7]

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) The place where Joseph was imprisoned, symbolizing hardship where God remained with him.[8] (2) A metaphorical or literal place of confinement or suffering where Gregory reflected on profound questions.[9]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Pit'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) Symbolizes a grave or a dire situation from which the speaker was saved.[10]