Brief Overview of Βοή (G995: Boḗ)

1. Overview

The Greek word Βοή (Boḗ, pronounced bo-AY) is a noun that translates to “a shout” or “a cry.” This term, derived from the root verb Boáō (G994), which means “to cry out,” is used to describe a loud vocal expression, often one made in distress, urgency, or for attention. The primary meanings of Boḗ include a loud cry, a shout, or a call, typically made in circumstances requiring immediate attention or help. This word captures the essence of human vocal expression in moments of intense emotion, whether that be fear, joy, or the need for assistance.

2. Detailed Description

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In BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), Boḗ is defined as “a cry, an outcry, a shout,” particularly emphasizing its use in contexts where the cry is loud and intended to draw attention. BDAG notes that the term often appears in situations involving distress or urgency, such as someone calling out for help or alerting others to danger. The lexicon highlights that Boḗ can refer both to the act of crying out and to the sound itself.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a similar definition, underscoring the emotional intensity associated with Boḗ. Thayer’s explains that this noun often denotes a loud cry made in circumstances of distress or when one is seeking immediate attention. The lexicon also notes the word’s usage in both secular and religious contexts, where it can describe anything from a cry for help to a loud exclamation in worship or celebration.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary elaborates on the word by linking it to related terms in both the Old Testament Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament. Vine’s emphasizes that Boḗ is frequently used in the LXX to translate Hebrew terms for cries or calls made in prayer or during moments of distress. The dictionary also points out that in the New Testament, Boḗ often appears in the context of people crying out to Jesus or the apostles, highlighting its use in moments of intense need.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Boḗ under G995, defining it as “a shout, a cry.” Strong’s highlights the word’s occurrence in both the New Testament and the Septuagint, noting that it is often used to describe the vocal expressions of those in distress or those making a public proclamation.

Biblical usage of Boḗ is found in several New Testament passages, such as in James 5:4, where it refers to the cries of the oppressed laborers reaching the ears of the Lord of hosts. This usage emphasizes the word’s association with cries for justice or help in times of need.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

The noun Boḗ is also found in various classical Greek texts, often used to depict a cry or shout made in battle, protest, or religious worship. Here are three examples:

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: In this epic, Boḗ is frequently used to describe the battle cries of warriors, underscoring the intensity and chaos of the battlefield. The word captures the loud, urgent shouts of combatants as they call out to their comrades or gods for support.
2. Aeschylus’ “Persians”: In this tragedy, Boḗ is used to describe the cries of despair from the Persian soldiers as they face defeat. The term conveys the deep distress and sense of impending doom experienced by the characters.
3. Plutarch’s “Lives”: In Plutarch’s biographies, Boḗ appears in contexts where individuals or crowds cry out, either in celebration or protest. The word is used to capture the collective voice of people in moments of strong emotion, whether positive or negative.

4. Summary

Boḗ is a Greek noun that signifies a loud cry or shout, often made in moments of urgency, distress, or public proclamation. Derived from the verb Boáō (G994), this term is frequently used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe vocal expressions that demand immediate attention. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vine’s highlight the word’s association with cries for help, justice, or divine intervention. Classical Greek texts use Boḗ in contexts ranging from battle cries to religious exclamations, illustrating its versatility in conveying intense human emotion. This word powerfully encapsulates the human impulse to cry out in moments of need or triumph, making it a significant term in both biblical and literary contexts.