Brief Overview of Βοῦς (G1016: Bous)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word βοῦς (transliterated as Bous) is a noun that refers to an “ox” or “cow.” It is a generic term for cattle, used in both masculine and feminine forms, depending on the gender of the animal in question. The word bous comes from a straightforward and ancient Indo-European root, with no complex etymology or compounds attached. Its primary meaning is simply “ox” or “cow,” and it is used in various contexts throughout Greek literature and the New Testament to denote these domesticated animals that were integral to agricultural societies.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In the major Greek lexicons, bous consistently means “ox” or “cow.” BDAG highlights that the word can refer to both a single animal and cattle collectively. Thayer’s lexicon further elaborates that bous is often used to describe animals used for labor, particularly in plowing fields or as sacrificial animals in religious rites. The word is significant in the cultural and economic life of ancient societies, where oxen were vital for both farming and religious practices.

In the New Testament, bous appears in passages that emphasize the economic and religious roles of these animals. For example, in Luke 14:19, the word is used in a parable where a man excuses himself from a banquet because he has just bought five pairs of oxen (bous) and needs to try them out, illustrating the importance of these animals in daily life. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 9:9, Paul quotes the Old Testament law, “You shall not muzzle an ox (bous) while it is treading out the grain,” to argue for the right of workers to benefit from their labor.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, bous is commonly used to describe cattle, especially in the context of agriculture and religious sacrifices. For instance, in Homer’s Iliad, oxen are often mentioned as part of the wealth of warriors or as offerings to the gods. These animals were considered valuable assets, essential for plowing fields and producing food.

Another example of bous in classical literature can be found in the works of Hesiod, particularly in Works and Days, where oxen are described as indispensable for a farmer’s livelihood, underlining the central role they played in sustaining agricultural practices.

Additionally, in Herodotus’ Histories, bous is mentioned in the context of sacrificial rituals, where oxen were often offered to the gods to secure favor or divine intervention. This use of bous underscores its dual role as both an economic resource and a religious symbol in ancient Greek society.

Summary:
The Greek word βοῦς (Bous) is a simple yet significant term in both classical and biblical contexts, denoting “ox” or “cow.” It reflects the importance of cattle in ancient economies, agriculture, and religious practices. Lexical sources like BDAG and Thayer’s confirm the consistent meaning of bous as referring to domesticated cattle, with biblical examples highlighting their role in daily life and religious law. Classical Greek literature similarly portrays bous as a key element of both economic sustenance and sacrificial rites, with references in the works of Homer, Hesiod, and Herodotus. Overall, bous serves as a reminder of the vital role these animals played in ancient societies, both practically and symbolically.