Understanding βολίς (bolis) Strong’s G1002: The Divine Missile that Illustrates God’s Fearsome Holiness

Pronunciation Guide: boh-LEES (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1002: Βολίς (bolis) refers to a thrown weapon, specifically a missile, dart, javelin, or arrow. In biblical contexts, it denotes an object hurled with deadly force, emphasizing both the action of throwing and the lethal intent behind it. The word carries connotations of divine judgment and the enforcement of boundaries that should not be transgressed.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root: Derived from βάλλω (ballō, G906) meaning “to throw” or “to cast”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Found in narrative sections describing consequences of violating sacred boundaries
• Appears only once in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:20)
• Used in military contexts in extrabiblical Greek literature

Βολίς Morphology:

• βολίς (nominative singular) – a missile/dart
• βολίδος (genitive singular) – of a missile/dart
• βολίδι (dative singular) – with/by a missile/dart
• βολίδα (accusative singular) – a missile/dart (direct object)
• βολίδες (nominative plural) – missiles/darts
• βολίδων (genitive plural) – of missiles/darts

Origin & History

The term βολίς has its roots in ancient Greek military terminology, derived from the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning “to throw” or “to cast.” This connection emphasizes the action of hurling or throwing with force. In classical Greek literature, the word appears in works like Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War,” where it describes javelins and projectiles used in battle scenarios.

In the Septuagint (LXX), βολίς appears in passages like 2 Samuel 18:14, where it describes the “darts” or “javelins” that Joab thrust into Absalom’s heart. The Septuagint usage generally maintains the military connotation but extends it to include divine judgment contexts. The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his homilies on Exodus, used βολίς metaphorically to describe the “darts” of temptation that believers must guard against, drawing connections to the “fiery darts” mentioned elsewhere in Scripture.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A thrown weapon used in ancient warfare (javelin, dart, arrow)
• A projectile used for hunting or warfare
• A symbol of divine judgment or enforcement of sacred boundaries
• A metaphor for swift and deadly intervention, especially divine

Βολίς Translation Options:

• Dart – emphasizes the smaller, swift nature of the projectile
• Javelin – highlights the military context and human agency in throwing
• Arrow – connects to imagery of divine judgment found elsewhere in Scripture
• Missile – more general term that captures the “thrown” nature of the object
• Stone – specific to the Hebrews 12:20 context, though less precise to the original weapon type

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, βολίς appears only once in Hebrews 12:20, where it forms part of a reference to the Sinai covenant. The author recalls how even animals approaching Mount Sinai were to be killed with a missile or dart, emphasizing the unapproachable holiness of יהוה (Yahweh) under the old covenant. This singular usage carries significant theological weight, as it contrasts the fearsome unapproachability of God at Sinai with the gracious access believers now have through the Messiah Jesus at Mount Zion.

In the Septuagint, the word appears more frequently, particularly in military contexts. The consistent thread through these usages is the emphasis on something thrown with lethal force, often representing judgment or the enforcement of boundaries that should not be crossed.

• “For they could not bear the command that was given, ‘If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned [βολίδι]'” Hebrews 12:20
• “Joab took three darts [βολίδας] in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom” 2 Samuel 18:14 (LXX)
• “The arrows [βολίδες] of young men will be their destruction” Ezekiel 21:21 (LXX)
• “Like a javelin [βολίς] thrust into the side, so is the heart of fools” Proverbs 25:18 (LXX variant)

Cultural Insights

In ancient warfare, projectile weapons like the βολίς represented the first stage of battle engagement, used before close combat with swords. This has profound significance in understanding the Hebrews 12:20 reference. At Mount Sinai, the use of βολίς to enforce the boundary around the mountain meant that transgressors would be killed from a distance—no one would even approach them to carry out the execution. This detail emphasizes the absolute separation between sinful humans and the holy God of Israel under the old covenant.

The throwing of darts or javelins also had ritualistic significance in ancient Near Eastern culture. Before formal battles, champions from opposing armies would often exchange thrown weapons as a ceremonial initiation of conflict. Similarly, in establishing territorial boundaries, ancient peoples would sometimes cast spears to mark the limits of their claimed land. This cultural background enriches our understanding of βολίς as not just a weapon but a symbol of authority, boundary-marking, and the enforcement of sacred space—all themes present in the Sinai narrative referenced in Hebrews.

Theological Significance

The appearance of βολίς in Hebrews 12:20 serves a powerful theological purpose in the author’s argument. By recalling the deadly enforcement of boundaries at Mount Sinai, the author creates a stark contrast with the accessibility of Mount Zion under the new covenant in the Messiah. This comparison highlights the transformative work of Jesus, who makes it possible for believers to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

The βολίς imagery reminds us of God’s absolute holiness—a holiness so pure and intense that it is dangerous to sinful creatures. This sobering reality helps us better appreciate the magnitude of what the Messiah accomplished through His sacrificial death. The same God who once commanded that mountain-touching animals be struck down with darts now invites believers into intimate relationship through the mediating work of His Son. The βολίς no longer flies toward us because Jesus absorbed the judgment we deserved, allowing us to approach God without fear of destruction.

This transition from deadly boundary enforcement to gracious invitation reveals both God’s unchanging holiness and His merciful provision for reconciliation. The βολίς that once kept sinners away has been replaced by the extending arms of the crucified and risen Messiah who draws us near. This extraordinary contrast should produce profound gratitude in believers for the privilege of unhindered access to the Holy One of Israel.

Personal Application

When we contemplate the βολίς that once enforced the boundary around Mount Sinai, we should be moved to awe at the privilege we now enjoy as believers in the Messiah. The same God who once commanded that boundary-crossers be struck down now invites us into His very presence through the blood of Jesus. This remarkable transition should inspire both reverence and gratitude in our approach to God. We must never take for granted the access we have to the throne of grace, recognizing the tremendous cost that was paid to remove the βολίς that once kept humanity at a distance.

In our daily lives, this understanding should transform how we enter God’s presence in prayer and worship. Rather than approaching casually or thoughtlessly, we ought to come with hearts full of wonder that we—sinful humans—can commune directly with the Holy One without fear of the βολίς of judgment. This privileged access should motivate us to draw near regularly, confidently, yet reverently, appreciating that our relationship with God cost the very life of His Son.

Related Words

• δόρυ (dory, pronounced DOH-ree) – specifically refers to a spear or lance with emphasis on the wooden shaft portion; used in military contexts where the weapon is thrust rather than thrown. While βολίς emphasizes the throwing action, δόρυ highlights the piercing function. See G1386
• ῥομφαία (rhomphaia, pronounced hrom-FAH-yah) – a large, broad sword associated with judgment and execution; carries apocalyptic connotations in Revelation. Unlike βολίς which is thrown, ῥομφαία is wielded directly. See G4501
• μάχαιρα (machaira, pronounced MAH-khai-rah) – a shorter sword or dagger used in close combat; metaphorically represents division or spiritual warfare. Contrasts with βολίς in being a close-combat weapon rather than a projectile. See G3162
• βέλος (belos, pronounced BEH-los) – a general term for missiles including arrows; especially associated with the “fiery darts” of evil. Similar to βολίς but more commonly used in metaphorical contexts. See G956
• λίθος (lithos, pronounced LEE-thos) – stone; in context of stoning execution. Connected to βολίς in Hebrews 12:20 where the enforcement weapon is specified as a stoning. See G3037

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the word βολίς gives us the modern English term “ballistics”—the science of projectiles in motion? This connection illustrates how the ancient concept of thrown weapons has evolved into a sophisticated field of study in physics and forensics. Just as the biblical βολίς carried implications of precision and purpose in its trajectory, modern ballistics studies the exact path and impact of projectiles, reminding us that nothing in God’s kingdom—whether judgment or mercy—is random or accidental.
• Did you know that in ancient Greek athletic competitions, javelin throwing (using weapons similar to βολίς) was one of the five events in the pentathlon? The competitors weren’t judged merely on distance but on accuracy and style as well. This cultural background adds depth to our understanding of divine judgment as represented by βολίς—it is not merely powerful but precisely targeted and perfectly executed according to God’s righteous standards.
• Did you know that the single New Testament appearance of βολίς in Hebrews 12:20 actually refers to an intensification of the original Exodus account? In Exodus 19:13, the text simply states that boundary-violators would be stoned or shot with arrows, but doesn’t use the specific term βολίς. The Hebrews author’s choice of this specific military term emphasizes the lethal seriousness of violating divine boundaries and heightens the contrast with the gracious access now available through the Messiah Jesus.

Remember This

Βολίς reminds us that the same God whose holiness once demanded deadly separation now invites us near through the Messiah’s sacrifice, transforming what was a boundary of fear into a threshold of grace.