Brief Overview of Βοσόρ (G1007: Bosor)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word “Βοσόρ” (transliterated as Bosor) is a proper noun that appears in the New Testament. This word is used to refer to a specific individual, known as Balaam, in the context of 2 Peter 2:15. In this passage, the name “Bosor” is given as the father of Balaam, though it seems to be a variant of the more common Old Testament name “Beor,” known from the Hebrew Scriptures. The Greek transliteration “Bosor” is therefore understood to be a Hellenized form of this Hebrew name, which can be transliterated in different ways.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s exhaustive concordance generally agree on the identification of “Bosor” as an alternate form of the name “Beor,” the father of the prophet Balaam mentioned in the Old Testament (Numbers 22:5). BDAG notes that “Bosor” appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 2:15, where it serves as part of a reference to Balaam, a figure known for leading Israel into sin. Thayer’s lexicon further points out that this usage of “Bosor” in the New Testament may reflect a textual variant or a translation choice influenced by linguistic shifts in the Jewish diaspora.

The name “Bosor” is not widely attested outside of this New Testament occurrence, which suggests that it might have been an intentional alteration by the author of 2 Peter, perhaps to emphasize a particular theological point or to draw attention to the character of Balaam in a unique way.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, there is no substantial record of the use of the name “Bosor.” The absence of this name in broader Greek writings underscores its specific use in the Judeo-Christian tradition, particularly within the context of Biblical literature. The lack of references to “Bosor” in ancient Greek texts indicates that its significance is primarily theological and tied to the narrative of Balaam in the Bible, rather than being a common or widely recognized name in the broader Greek world.

Summary:
The Greek word “Βοσόρ” (Bosor) is a proper noun that appears in the New Testament, specifically in 2 Peter 2:15, where it is used as the name of Balaam’s father. This name is understood to be a variant of the Old Testament name “Beor.” Lexical sources such as BDAG and Thayer’s lexicon note the uniqueness of this name in the New Testament, highlighting its use as a Hellenized form of the Hebrew name. Unlike more common names, “Bosor” does not have a significant presence in classical Greek literature, which further underscores its specific Biblical significance. The use of “Bosor” in 2 Peter serves to connect the New Testament reader with the Old Testament narrative of Balaam, a prophet whose actions led Israel into sin, and whose story serves as a warning against false prophets and teachers.