Understanding βιόω (bioō) Strong’s G980: Living the Remaining Time According to God’s Will

Pronunciation Guide: bee-OH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G980: Βιόω (bioō) refers to spending one’s life or lifetime in a particular manner. It describes how one conducts or passes their earthly existence, with a specific emphasis on the quality and character of living rather than merely existing. In the New Testament, it carries the theological nuance of living one’s remaining time according to God’s will rather than human desires.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Root word: βίος (bios) – life, livelihood, manner of life
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Narrative and ethical instruction
• Related to: βίωσις (biōsis, G981) – manner of life; βίος (bios, G979) – life, livelihood

Βιόω Morphology:

• βιόω (present active infinitive) – to live, to spend one’s life
• βιῶσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to have lived, to have spent one’s life
• βεβιωκέναι (perfect active infinitive) – to have been living, to have been spending one’s life

Origin & History

The verb βιόω derives from the noun βίος (bios), which in classical Greek literature referred to one’s means of living, livelihood, or course of life. In Herodotus’ “Histories” (5th century BC), the word appears in discussions about how different cultures conduct their lives, highlighting various lifestyles and societal norms. Aristotle uses βιόω in his “Nicomachean Ethics” when discussing different ways of living and which lifestyle leads to true happiness (eudaimonia).

In the Septuagint (LXX), forms of βιόω appear in wisdom literature, particularly in Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, where the focus shifts to living according to divine wisdom rather than worldly pursuits. This theological dimension provides important background for its New Testament usage, where it becomes associated with living according to God’s will rather than human passions. The church father Clement of Alexandria (2nd-3rd century AD) in his “Stromata” frequently uses βιόω when contrasting the Christian way of life with pagan lifestyles.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The physical act of spending one’s lifetime in a particular manner
• Living according to a specific pattern or principle
• Conducting the remainder of one’s life with intention and purpose
• Experiencing life with a particular quality or character
• Living out one’s days according to a higher calling or standard

Βιόω Translation Options:

• “To live out” – Emphasizes the completion or fulfillment of life in a particular way
• “To spend one’s life” – Highlights the intentional investment of one’s time on earth
• “To conduct one’s life” – Focuses on the moral and ethical aspects of how one lives
• “To pass one’s days” – Reflects the temporal nature of earthly existence
• “To live according to” – Stresses alignment with a particular standard or principle

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, βιόω appears only once, in 1 Peter 4:2, where Peter writes about living the remainder of one’s earthly life according to God’s will rather than human desires. This singular usage gives the word significant theological weight in the context of Christian discipleship. Peter presents a stark contrast between the former way of life dominated by sinful desires and the new Christ-centered existence.

Though βιόω itself appears only once, its cognate noun βίος (bios) appears eleven times in the New Testament, providing additional context for understanding how the early church viewed the concept of “living.” These passages consistently present earthly life as temporary and emphasize the importance of how believers conduct themselves during this brief span.

• “…so as to live [βιῶσαι] the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:2

Cultural Insights

In Greco-Roman society during the first century, the concept of βιόω was often connected to philosophical schools that prescribed specific ways of living. Stoics, Epicureans, and other philosophical traditions offered competing visions of the “good life” (εὖ βιόω, eu bioō). When Peter uses βιόω in his epistle, he’s presenting the Christian way of life as a distinct alternative to these philosophical approaches, grounding proper living not in human wisdom but in divine revelation.

The Jewish concept of “halakhah” (הֲלָכָה), which literally means “the way to walk” or “the way to go,” provides important background for understanding Peter’s use of βιόω. Just as halakhah prescribed a comprehensive way of life for Jews based on Torah, Peter is suggesting that followers of the Messiah should live according to a new standard—the will of God as revealed through Jesus. This represents a significant cultural shift, challenging both Jewish legalism and Gentile licentiousness with a Spirit-empowered lifestyle focused on God’s will.

Theological Significance

Peter’s use of βιόω in 1 Peter 4:2 occurs within a broader discussion about suffering and sanctification. By juxtaposing living for “human passions” with living for “the will of God,” he establishes a theological framework for understanding the Christian life as fundamentally reoriented toward God’s purposes. This single occurrence of βιόω encapsulates Peter’s vision of discipleship—a radical break with sinful patterns and wholehearted devotion to God’s will.

The theological significance of βιόω is amplified when viewed in connection with Peter’s teaching on being “born again” (1 Peter 1:3, 23). The new birth initiates a new way of living (βιόω) that reflects God’s character rather than worldly values. This transformation isn’t merely behavioral but ontological—stemming from our new identity in the Messiah. When believers “live” (βιόω) according to God’s will, they manifest the reality of their spiritual rebirth and demonstrate the power of the gospel to transform human existence.

The appearance of βιόω in the context of suffering (1 Peter 4:1-6) also reveals an important theological truth: authentic Christian living often involves enduring hardship while maintaining faithfulness to God. Peter suggests that suffering can actually clarify and strengthen our commitment to living for God’s will rather than human desires, making βιόω not just about moral behavior but about steadfast loyalty to God in the face of opposition.

Personal Application

Understanding βιόω challenges us to evaluate how we’re spending the “remaining time” of our lives. Peter’s exhortation invites us to examine whether our daily choices, priorities, and pursuits align with God’s will or merely satisfy human desires. This single-use verb poses a profound question: What principle is actually governing how I live?

The temporal element of βιόω—”the rest of the time”—reminds us that our earthly existence is limited. We have a finite amount of time to live according to God’s will, making each day a precious opportunity to honor Him with our lives. Rather than being paralyzed by past failures or poor choices, βιόω encourages us to focus on redeeming the time we have left, investing it in alignment with divine purposes. When we consciously choose to live the remainder of our lives for God’s will, we experience the freedom and purpose that comes from participating in His eternal plan rather than being enslaved to temporary passions.

Related Words

• ζάω (zaō, “dzah’-o”) – To be alive, to live in a general sense, referring to physical life and existence. While βιόω focuses on how one spends their life, ζάω emphasizes the fact of being alive. See G2198
• ἀναστρέφω (anastrephō, “an-as-tref’-o”) – To conduct oneself, behave, or live in a certain manner. More focused on behavior and conduct than βιόω, which emphasizes the broader concept of how one spends their lifetime. See G390
• πολιτεύομαι (politeuomai, “pol-it-yoo’-om-ahee”) – To live as a citizen, conduct one’s self according to laws and customs of a state. Relates to βιόω but specifically focuses on living as a member of a community or kingdom. See G4176
• περιπατέω (peripateō, “per-ee-pat-eh’-o”) – To walk, to conduct one’s life. Often used metaphorically for how one lives out their faith in daily practice. More action-oriented than βιόω. See G4043
• ἀναζάω (anazaō, “an-ad-zah’-o”) – To live again, to revive, to return to life. Unlike βιόω, which focuses on how one spends their current life, ἀναζάω emphasizes restoration to life. See G326

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the modern English word “biology” derives from the same Greek root (βίος) as βιόω? While today biology refers to the scientific study of living organisms, its etymological connection to βιόω reminds us that life is not merely a biological phenomenon but encompasses how we conduct ourselves during our time on earth. The biblical perspective on βιόω adds the crucial dimension of purpose and divine intention to our understanding of what it means to truly live.
• Did you know that in ancient Greek medical texts by Hippocrates (5th-4th century BC), forms of βιόω were used to describe not just the length of a patient’s life but the quality of their existence? This holistic view of living—encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions—parallels Peter’s comprehensive understanding of the Christian life as completely reoriented around God’s will rather than merely focused on specific behaviors.
• Did you know that in Jewish tradition, particularly in rabbinic literature, there’s a concept called “kiddush haChaim” (קידוש החיים) or “sanctification of life,” which emphasizes living in a way that honors God in every aspect of existence? This concept beautifully complements Peter’s use of βιόω, suggesting that genuine living involves sanctifying each moment according to divine purposes rather than worldly desires.

Remember This

Βιόω calls us to a revolutionary reordering of our existence—no longer living for fleeting human passions but investing every remaining moment in alignment with the eternal will of God.