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G979 · Greek · New Testament
Βίος
Bios
Noun, masculine
Life, livelihood, manner of living

Definition

The Greek noun bios refers to life as lived — biological life, the course of life, livelihood, means of subsistence, or possessions needed for living. It is distinct from zōē (G2222), which denotes life in its spiritual, eternal dimension. Bios is the life you can see, count, and manage; zōē is the life only God can give.

Usage & Theological Significance

John uses bios pointedly in 1 John: those who have the world's bios and see a brother in need yet close their hearts — how does God's love dwell in them? (1 John 3:17). The parable of the prodigal son uses bios for the inheritance squandered on riotous living (Luke 15:12,30). The widow's bios — all she had to live on — became the most significant offering of all (Mark 12:44). Bios is stewardship territory: how we handle the earthly life entrusted to us reveals what we truly treasure.

Key Bible Verses

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life — is not from the Father but is from the world.
1 John 3:17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
Luke 8:14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life.
Mark 12:44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on (bion).
Luke 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them.

Related Words

External Resources

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