Understanding βάσις (basis) Strong’s G939: The Foundational Support That Reveals God’s Stabilizing Power

Pronunciation Guide: BAH-sis (βά-σις)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G939: Βάσις (basis) refers to a step, foot, or base upon which something stands or walks. In its New Testament usage, it specifically denotes the foundation or support structure that enables a person to stand firmly. It represents the physical base that provides stability, particularly referring to the feet and ankles as the support system for the human body.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Feminine noun
• Root: From βαίνω (bainō) meaning “to walk, go”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: In narrative sections, particularly in contexts of healing and miraculous restoration
• Cognate with βῆμα (bēma, “step, platform”) and βάθρον (bathron, “base, foundation”)

Βάσις Morphology:

• βάσις (nominative singular) – base, foot
• βάσεως (genitive singular) – of the base/foot
• βάσει (dative singular) – to/with the base/foot
• βάσιν (accusative singular) – the base/foot (direct object)
• βάσεις (nominative/accusative plural) – bases/feet

Origin & History

The term βάσις has a rich history in classical Greek literature, originating from the verb βαίνω (bainō), which means “to walk” or “to go.” In its earliest usage, it referred to the act of stepping or the foundation upon which one steps. Aristotle employed this term in his “Physics” when discussing the foundations of natural philosophy, using βάσις to describe the base or foundation upon which arguments are built.

In the Septuagint (LXX), βάσις appears in descriptions of the Temple furnishings, particularly in Exodus and 1 Kings, referring to the bases or pedestals of sacred objects. For example, in Exodus 38:27 (LXX), it describes the bases for the pillars of the Tabernacle. The early Church Father Clement of Alexandria, in his work “Stromata,” expanded the concept metaphorically to describe faith as the βάσις (foundation) of knowledge about divine matters, showing how the term transitioned from purely physical to spiritual applications.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The physical foundation or base that provides support for standing
• The anatomical structure (feet and ankles) that enables mobility
• A starting point or foundation for progression or development
• A pedestal or stand upon which something rests

Βάσις Translation Options:

• Foundation – Emphasizes the supporting structure, particularly appropriate when referring to architectural elements or metaphorical foundations
• Base – Highlights the lowest supporting part of a structure, suitable for contexts involving physical support systems
• Foot or Ankle – In medical or anatomical contexts, particularly in Acts 3:7, where it specifically refers to the part of the body that was healed
• Step – When emphasizing the action of movement rather than just the supporting structure
• Support – Captures the functional aspect of providing stability

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, βάσις appears only once, in Acts 3:7, where it describes the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Luke, with his medical background, uses precise terminology to describe how “immediately the man’s feet and ankles [βάσεις] were strengthened.” This singular usage highlights the term’s significance in describing divine restoration—God’s power to restore the very foundation upon which a person stands.

In the Septuagint, βάσις appears more frequently, particularly in Exodus and 1 Kings, referring to the bases of the sacred vessels in the Tabernacle and Temple. These usages connect the physical concept of foundation with the sacred architecture of Yahweh’s dwelling place, suggesting stability and permanence in the divine-human relationship.

• “Then seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and at once his feet and ankles [βάσεις] were strengthened.” Acts 3:7
• “The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the bases [βάσεις] of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil.” Exodus 38:27 (LXX)
• “He also made the ten bases [βάσεις] of bronze; the length of each base was four cubits.” 1 Kings 7:27 (LXX)
• “He set the bases [βάσεις] in two rows, six on one side and six on the other.” 1 Kings 7:38 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, physical disability was often viewed not merely as a medical condition but as a divine punishment or sign of moral failing. Those with mobility impairments like the lame man in Acts 3 were typically relegated to begging, as most occupations required physical capability. The Temple’s Beautiful Gate where this man sat daily was a location where almsgiving was considered particularly meritorious, as it was a place where devout Jews would pass on their way to worship.

When Peter and John healed the man’s βάσεις (feet and ankles), they were not only addressing his physical limitation but also restoring his place in society. The Jewish concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom)—complete wholeness and peace—is reflected in this healing. The restoration of his βάσις allowed him not only to walk but to enter the Temple proper, symbolizing his full restoration to community and worship. This healing therefore carries profound significance within Jewish understanding of restoration and divine favor.

Theological Significance

The healing of the lame man’s βάσεις in Acts 3:7 reveals profound theological truths about the Messiah’s redemptive work. Just as the man’s physical foundation was restored, enabling him to stand, walk, and leap in praise, so too does Yahweh restore our spiritual foundation through the Messiah Jesus. This miracle, performed “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (Acts 3:6), demonstrates how the power of the risen Messiah continues to operate through His disciples.

The concept of βάσις connects beautifully with the larger biblical theme of Yahweh as our rock and foundation. Psalm 40:2 declares, “He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” In the miracle at the Beautiful Gate, we see this psalm literally fulfilled—the man’s βάσις is made firm, and his response is to enter the Temple “walking, leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8). This restoration illustrates how God’s healing touches not just our brokenness but establishes us on a new foundation of praise and testimony.

The timing of this miracle—occurring during the hour of prayer—further emphasizes that true worship involves the whole person. When Yahweh restores our βάσις, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, the natural response is holistic worship that engages our entire being. The healed man’s exuberant response reflects Isaiah’s prophecy that “the lame will leap like a deer” (Isaiah 35:6) when Yahweh’s salvation comes.

Personal Application

When we examine the concept of βάσις in our lives, we must ask: What is the foundation upon which I stand? Many of us build our lives on unstable bases—career success, financial security, human relationships, or personal accomplishments. Like the lame man before his encounter with Peter and John, we may find ourselves positioned at the gate but unable to enter into the fullness of what God has for us.

The healing of the βάσεις invites us to allow the Messiah to touch the very foundation of our existence. Where are you experiencing weakness in your spiritual “ankles and feet”? Perhaps you struggle to stand firm in your faith during trials, or you find it difficult to walk in obedience to God’s commands. Through prayer and community, we can experience the same divine strengthening that transformed the lame man’s life. Remember that this healing came not through Peter and John’s own power but through the name of Jesus—the same name we invoke today. As your spiritual βάσις is strengthened, you too can move from sitting at the gate to leaping in the Temple, from spectating to participating fully in God’s redemptive story.

Related Words

• στερεόω (stereoō) – to make firm, strengthen (steh-reh-OH-oh) – Used in Acts 3:7 alongside βάσις to describe the strengthening of the lame man’s feet and ankles. This word emphasizes the process of making something solid and firm, while βάσις focuses on the structural support itself. See G4732
• θεμέλιος (themelios) – foundation, base (theh-MEH-lee-os) – Refers to the foundational elements of a building or metaphorically to the basics of doctrine or character. Unlike βάσις, it typically denotes a more permanent structural foundation rather than a functional support. See G2310
• ποῦς (pous) – foot (poos) – The common word for foot in the New Testament. While βάσις includes the concept of foot and ankle together as a supporting structure, ποῦς refers more specifically to the anatomical foot itself. See G4228
• ἕδρα (hedra) – seat, base (HEH-dra) – Refers to a seat or sitting place. While βάσις emphasizes the support for standing and walking, ἕδρα denotes a place of rest or position. See G1476
• βῆμα (bēma) – step, platform, tribunal (BAY-ma) – From the same root as βάσις, this term refers to a raised platform or tribunal. While βάσις focuses on the supporting structure, βῆμα emphasizes the elevated position or step itself. See G968

Did you Know?

• The word βάσις has evolved in modern Greek to refer to a military base, showing how the concept of a supporting foundation has been extended to strategic infrastructure that supports military operations. This evolution reflects the enduring power of the word to convey foundational support.
• In the field of mathematics, the term “basis” (derived from Greek βάσις) refers to a set of linearly independent vectors that span a vector space—essentially the foundational elements from which all other vectors can be constructed. This scientific usage beautifully parallels the biblical concept of βάσις as the essential support structure that enables movement and stability.
• Luke, the author of Acts, is traditionally understood to have been a physician, which may explain his precise medical terminology in describing the healing of the lame man’s βάσεις (feet and ankles). His careful choice of this term shows attention to anatomical detail, distinguishing between the various parts of the lower limb and highlighting the comprehensive nature of the healing.

Remember This

Βάσις reminds us that God cares about our foundations—He not only saves our souls but strengthens the very structures upon which we stand, enabling us to walk, leap, and praise Him with newfound stability and purpose.