Brief Overview of Βοηθέω (G997: Boēthéō)

1. Overview

The Greek verb Βοηθέω (Boēthéō, pronounced bo-ay-THEH-oh) translates to “to help,” “to aid,” or “to assist.” This term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: boḗ (a shout, especially a cry for help) and théō (to run). The combination implies running to the aid of someone who is in distress or in need of assistance. The primary meanings of Boēthéō include offering help, providing assistance, or coming to the rescue of someone who is facing difficulty, danger, or need.

2. Detailed Description

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BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich) defines Boēthéō as “to help, to aid, to come to the aid of someone.” The lexicon emphasizes that the verb is often used in contexts where urgent or immediate assistance is required, whether the help is physical, emotional, or spiritual. BDAG also highlights that this verb frequently appears in prayers or pleas for divine intervention, where the person praying asks God to come to their aid.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly describes Boēthéō as “to help, to succor, to bring aid.” Thayer’s notes that the term is used in both secular and religious contexts, often indicating the act of providing assistance in a time of need. The lexicon also emphasizes that Boēthéō is closely related to the noun Boḗtheia (G996), which means “help” or “assistance.”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary expands on this by linking Boēthéō to the broader concept of divine assistance. Vine’s emphasizes that this verb is often used in contexts where God’s intervention is sought, especially in the New Testament. The dictionary notes that Boēthéō can also refer to human help, but it frequently carries the connotation of supernatural aid.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Boēthéō under G997, defining it as “to help, to come to the aid of.” Strong’s highlights that the verb is used in various New Testament passages to describe the act of providing assistance, whether by God or by people. The concordance also notes that Boēthéō is often used in prayers or pleas for help, indicating its association with seeking and providing assistance in times of distress.

Biblical usage of Boēthéō can be found in several New Testament passages, such as in Matthew 15:25, where a Canaanite woman cries out to Jesus, “Lord, help me!” (Kýrie, boēthéō moi!). This passage highlights the urgency and desperation often associated with this verb. Another example is in Hebrews 2:18, which says, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help (boēthēsai) those who are being tempted,” showing the connection between suffering, empathy, and the act of helping.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

The verb Boēthéō is also found in various classical Greek texts, often used to describe the act of providing assistance in times of war, crisis, or need. Here are three examples:

1. Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War”: In this historical account, Boēthéō is used to describe the assistance provided by allies during military conflicts. The term often implies urgent aid sent to help a besieged city or to reinforce a struggling army.
2. Xenophon’s “Anabasis”: In this work, Boēthéō appears in the context of military expeditions, where soldiers come to the aid of their comrades. The verb is used to describe the act of running to help those who are in danger or facing overwhelming odds.
3. Homer’s “Iliad”: In this epic, Boēthéō is used to depict the gods and heroes rushing to the aid of their allies in battle. The term conveys the idea of divine or heroic intervention in moments of critical need.

4. Summary

Boēthéō is a Greek verb that signifies the act of helping, aiding, or coming to the rescue of someone in need. Derived from the combination of boḗ (a cry for help) and théō (to run), this verb captures the urgency and immediacy of providing assistance. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vine’s emphasize the word’s frequent use in both secular and religious contexts, highlighting its association with seeking and providing help in times of distress. Classical Greek literature uses Boēthéō to describe various forms of aid, from military assistance to divine intervention. In the New Testament, the verb often appears in prayers or pleas for help, underscoring the deep connection between the act of helping and the experience of suffering or need.