βίοςbíos
life, i.e. (literally) the present state of existence; by implication, the means of livelihood
Greek (New Testament) · G979
Meanings
1. period or course of life, life: Luke 8:14, 1 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:4, 1 John 2:16.
2. living, livelihood, means (in Proverbs 31:14 for לֶחֶם; see DCG, ii, 39a): Mark 12:44, Luke 8:43, Luke 15:12, Luke 15:30, Luke 21:4, 1 John 3:17.
Synonyms
ζωή, is life intensive, "vita quâ vivimus, " the vital principle; βίος, life extensive, "vita quam vivimus, " (1) the period of life, (2) the means by which it is sustained. Hence, in classical Greek, ζ., being confined to the physical life common to men and animals, is the inferior word (cf. zoology, biography). In NT, ζωή is elevated into the ethical and spiritual sphere (cf. Tr., Syn., § xxvii).
Same root
Where it appears
Appears 10 times in the Bible.
- Mark 12:44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
- Luke 8:14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
- Luke 8:43 A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure.
- Luke 15:12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons.
- Luke 15:30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’
- Luke 21:4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.