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G980 · Greek · New Testament
βιόω
Bioō
Verb
To live

Definition

Bioō (βιόω) means to live — specifically to spend one's life, to pass one's time on earth. It is related to bios (life as lived experience). The word appears once in the New Testament, in 1 Peter 4:2, where believers are exhorted to spend the rest of their earthly lives living for the will of God rather than for human desires.

Usage & Theological Significance

Bioō in 1 Peter 4:2 frames the whole Christian life as a deliberate choice of how to spend the days God has given. Peter's context is striking: Christians share in the sufferings of Christ (4:1) so that they might live the rest of their earthly time not for human passions but for God's will. The word implies intentionality — life is not simply lived, it is spent. Like a finite currency, each day is expended on something. Paul echoes this: "Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:15–16).

Key Bible Verses

1 Peter 4:2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Romans 14:8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

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