Introduction
Understanding Greek words like ζωή (zōē) is crucial in Biblical studies, as it provides insight into the deeper meanings behind key concepts. The word ζωή is particularly significant because it denotes “life” in various forms, encompassing physical, spiritual, and eternal life. In the New Testament, ζωή is often used to describe the abundant and eternal life that Jesus Christ offers to believers. This term is not just central to Christian theology but also resonates within ancient Greek philosophy, making it an essential word for understanding both New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζωή (zōē), pronounced [zoh-AY].
- Etymology: Derived from the root ζάω (zaō), which means “to live” or “to be alive.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; it follows the first declension pattern.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Life: General sense of life, existence, or living.
- Spiritual Life: Refers to the new life given to a person upon spiritual rebirth or regeneration.
- Eternal Life: A concept of everlasting life, especially in a relationship with God, central to Christian doctrine.
Similar Words: βίος (bios), pronounced [BEE-os], is another Greek word for “life,” but it generally refers to the physical, biological aspects of life or livelihood. While ζωή (zōē) focuses more on spiritual and eternal life, βίος emphasizes the duration or means of living, such as one’s daily life or manner of living.
Further Insights: ζωή is a noun that follows the first declension pattern, typical for feminine nouns in ancient Greek. It is primarily used in its nominative and genitive forms in the New Testament. Below is the full declension of ζωή:
| Case / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ζωή | ζωαί |
| Genitive | ζωῆς | ζωῶν |
| Dative | ζωῇ | ζωαῖς |
| Accusative | ζωήν | ζωάς |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ζωή is defined as “life” in its fullest sense—referring both to natural life and the supernatural life given by God through Christ. It emphasizes that ζωή often conveys spiritual and eternal life in New Testament contexts, as opposed to mere biological existence.
Thayers: Describes ζωή as the “absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical,” originating from God and given to believers. It often implies a blessed life that goes beyond the grave, one that is connected with righteousness.
Vines: Notes that ζωή speaks to “life as God has it,” contrasting it with βίος, which deals with the natural and temporal aspects of life. ζωή is seen in eternal and qualitative terms, especially in passages discussing salvation and eternal life.
LSJ: Primarily presents ζωή as “life,” with applications ranging from biological life in animals and humans to metaphorical or ethical life. It provides examples from classical literature where ζωή is used to denote vitality, consciousness, or the state of living.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Explains ζωή as life in all its forms but particularly eternal life offered by Christ, distinguishing it from mere survival or existence. It is the life that embodies God’s presence and favor.
Related Scripture References
- John 10:10: “I came that they may have life [ζωήν], and have it abundantly.”
- John 14:6: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life [ζωή]; no one comes to the Father except through Me.'”
- Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life [ζωή] in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- 1 John 5:12: “He who has the Son has the life [ζωή]; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “The good for man is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue; this is the perfect life [ζωή].” |
| Plato | Phaedo | “The true philosophers practice dying, and the life [ζωή] is their preparation for death.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “He lost his life [ζωήν] in the battle, falling among the brave warriors.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 2:7 | “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life [ζωήν].” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 8:35 | “For whoever finds me finds life [ζωήν] and receives favor from the LORD.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 16:11 | “You will make known to me the path of life [ζωῆς]; In Your presence is fullness of joy.” |
Summary of ζωή (G2222: zōē)
The Greek word ζωή (zōē) is a fundamental term in both the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. It signifies more than mere biological life; it encompasses spiritual vitality and eternal life that comes from a relationship with God through Christ. ζωή is frequently contrasted with βίος to highlight the qualitative, eternal aspect of life that is offered to believers. In classical literature and the Septuagint, ζωή is also used to describe a state of blessedness, aligning closely with its use in Christian theological contexts. Thus, understanding ζωή enriches our comprehension of what it means to possess true, abundant life according to Biblical teachings.
Did You Know?
- In Christian theology, ζωή is often used to distinguish between earthly life and the eternal life that believers are promised through faith in Christ.
- The word ζωή is frequently paired with the adjective “eternal” (αἰώνιος) in the New Testament, highlighting its everlasting nature.
- The term ζωή also appears in ancient Greek philosophy, where it is used to describe the ideal life that aligns with virtue and wisdom, showing its broad application across various contexts.
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