Brief overview of βάσις (G939: básis)

1. Overview

βάσις (básis), transliterated as “BAH-sis,” is a Greek noun that primarily means “a stepping” or “a step.” The word is derived from the root verb βαίνω (bainō), which means “to walk” or “to go.” In its most basic sense, básis refers to the act of stepping or a place where one steps, such as a base or foundation. The term is used both literally and metaphorically in ancient Greek texts, where it can denote anything from a physical step to a foundational principle or starting point.

2. Lexical Details

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) defines básis as “a step” or “a base,” emphasizing its use in both literal and figurative contexts. BDAG points out that the word can refer to the physical act of stepping or the base upon which something stands, highlighting its foundational connotations. The lexicon also notes that básis can be used in metaphorical senses to indicate the beginning of something or the fundamental basis upon which other things are built.

Thayer’s Lexicon aligns with BDAG’s definition, further expanding on the word’s usage in various contexts. Thayer’s explains that básis can refer to a stepping-stone, a pedestal, or the foundation of a building, emphasizing its role as something that supports or upholds. In metaphorical usage, básis can denote the starting point or the essential principle underlying an argument or system.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary similarly defines básis as “a step” or “foundation,” noting that the term is foundational in both physical and abstract senses. Vine’s highlights the importance of básis in understanding the concept of a firm foundation, whether in a literal, structural sense or in the context of ideas and principles.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) provides additional context for the classical usage of básis, noting that it was commonly used in Greek literature to describe a base, foundation, or a point of departure. LSJ also emphasizes that básis was used to refer to the initial step in a process, whether that process was physical, such as in walking, or abstract, such as in reasoning or planning.

Biblical references:

• Acts 21:35: “And when he came to the stairs (βάσις), so it was that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob.”
• Hebrews 2:11: While not using the exact term básis, the concept of a foundational step or principle is closely related to the understanding of sanctification and shared origin in this verse.

These verses illustrate the use of básis in a physical sense, as in the steps of a staircase, and metaphorically, as a foundational principle.

3. Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, básis was frequently used to describe both literal steps and metaphorical foundations. The term appears in various contexts, emphasizing its versatility in ancient Greek thought.

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• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses básis to describe the physical steps leading up to a temple or significant structure, emphasizing the importance of each step in the journey or ritual.
• Plato, Republic: Plato uses básis metaphorically to describe the foundational principles of a just society, illustrating how basic steps or principles form the bedrock of philosophical systems.
• Aristophanes, Clouds: In this comedic play, Aristophanes employs básis to describe the first steps in a plan, often with a humorous twist, showing how even the most serious foundations can be viewed through a comedic lens.

These examples from classical literature illustrate the term’s broad application, from describing physical steps to foundational principles in philosophy and society.

4. Summary

The noun básis (G939) is a Greek term that primarily means “a step” or “a foundation,” derived from the verb bainō, meaning “to walk” or “to go.” Lexical sources such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vine’s highlight the word’s dual role in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Básis can refer to a physical step, a base or pedestal, or the foundational principle upon which other things are built. In classical Greek literature, the term was used to describe everything from the physical steps of a structure to the initial steps in a philosophical argument or societal plan. The term básis remains significant in understanding both the physical and abstract foundations that support various concepts and structures in ancient Greek thought and biblical contexts.