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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for uncovering the rich meanings behind the texts of the New Testament. The Greek word ζάω (zaō), translated as “to live,” holds significant weight in both theological and cultural contexts. This verb is foundational in expressing life, existence, and vitality in ancient Greek literature and the New Testament. It is particularly significant because it often carries a deeper spiritual meaning, referring not just to physical life but also to eternal and spiritual life in Christ.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζάω (zaō) [ZAH-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from the root ζῶ, which is related to life or living.
- Part of Speech: Verb; it follows the -ω verb conjugation pattern and is used primarily in the present tense.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To live: Refers to the state of being alive physically.
- To be alive: Used in contexts indicating existence or continuation of life.
- To live spiritually: Refers to the idea of living in a spiritual or metaphorical sense, often associated with living a life in Christ or with spiritual vitality.
Similar Words: ζωή (zōē) [zo-EH], which also means “life” but is often used as a noun. While zaō refers to the act of living (a verb), zōē represents the concept or state of life (a noun). Another similar word is βιόω (bioō) [bee-OH], which also means “to live” but is more focused on the biological aspect of living or one’s manner of life.
Further Insights: ζάω is a verb that is mostly used in the present tense in biblical Greek, emphasizing ongoing or continuous action. Its morphological structure follows the standard pattern for -ω verbs in Koine Greek, which is important for students learning biblical Greek. Below is the conjugation chart for ζάω in the present tense:
| Tense | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | ζῶ (zō) | ζῶμεν (zōmen) |
| 2nd Person | ζῇς (zēs) | ζῆτε (zēte) |
| 3rd Person | ζῇ (zē) | ζῶσι(ν) (zōsi(n)) |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ζάω primarily as “to live,” but extends its definition to spiritual or eternal life, particularly in the Johannine literature where it is associated with life in Christ.
- Thayer’s: Explains ζάω as “to live, to breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead),” and extends to metaphorical use as “to enjoy real life, to have true life, worthy of the name.”
- Vine’s: Focuses on ζάω in its New Testament context, noting its usage to denote both physical life and the quality of life that comes from spiritual regeneration through Christ.
- LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides the classical usage of ζάω as “to live, to pass one’s life,” with references to both secular Greek literature and Hellenistic Jewish works.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ζάω as Strong’s G2198, highlighting its use in various contexts, from literal life to metaphorical meanings related to spiritual life.
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Related Scripture References
- John 11:25 – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live [ζάω] even if he dies.'”
- Romans 1:17 – “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live [ζάω] by faith.'”
- Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live [ζάω], but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live [ζάω] in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Phaedo | “For if the soul is immortal, then it requires our care, not only for the time we call ‘living’ [ζάω].” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “To live [ζάω] well is not merely to live, but to live in accordance with virtue.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “For as long as I live [ζάω] and my knees are strong, I will stand by you.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 3:22 | “And now, lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live [ζάω] forever.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 118:17 | “I shall not die, but live [ζάω], and declare the works of the LORD.” |
| Septuagint | Deuteronomy 8:3 | “Man does not live [ζάω] by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” |
Summary of ζάω (G2198: zaō)
The Greek verb ζάω (Strong’s G2198) is a foundational word in both secular and biblical Greek literature, carrying meanings that range from physical life to profound spiritual existence. In the New Testament, it often reflects the Christian understanding of life in Christ—eternal, abundant, and spiritually vibrant. The verb ζάω is central to many New Testament passages that speak of the believer’s life in Christ, underscoring its theological importance.
Did You Know?
Did you know that in the New Testament, ζάω is often used in combination with other Greek words to form compound expressions that highlight different dimensions of life? For instance, ζωὴ αἰώνιος (zōē aiōnios) means “eternal life,” emphasizing the quality and duration of the life believers have in Christ. This expression is pivotal in the Gospel of John and underscores the promise of eternal fellowship with God!
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