### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Βοσόρ (Bosór), Strong's number `{{G1007}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun בְּעוֹר (Bəʿôr), Strong's number `{{H1160}}`. As a proper name, its semantic range is singularly fixed: it refers exclusively to the individual named Beor. There are no other attested meanings, metaphorical uses, or shades of semantic nuance associated with this term beyond its function as an identifier for a specific person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Βοσόρ (Bosór) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of 2 Peter:
* [[2 Peter 2:15]]: "They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved gain from wrongdoing."
In this sole occurrence, Βοσόρ serves to identify the father of Balaam, the notorious prophet from the Old Testament narratives. The context of [[2 Peter 2:15]] is a stern warning against false teachers who, like Balaam, are motivated by avarice and lead others into spiritual error. By referencing "Balaam the son of Bosor," Peter immediately evokes the well-known Old Testament account (primarily [[Numbers 22-24]] and [[Numbers 31]]), where Balaam, despite being a prophet, was enticed by Balak's offer of reward to curse Israel, ultimately leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality through his counsel ([[Numbers 31:16]], [[Revelation 2:14]]). The name "Bosor" thus acts as a direct genealogical link, grounding the New Testament's admonition in a specific historical and theological precedent from Israel's past.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew original, בְּעוֹר (Bəʿôr), `{{H1160}}`, which is consistently translated as "Beor" in English Old Testament versions.
The most significant related individual is Balaam (בִּלְעָם, Bilʿām, `{{H1109}}`), whose actions and character are central to understanding the significance of his father's name in the New Testament.
Concepts inextricably linked to the figure of Balaam, and by extension, the mention of "Bosor," include:
* False prophecy and teaching
* Greed (μισθὸν ἀδικίας, "gain from wrongdoing")
* Apostasy and spiritual deviation
* Leading others astray (σκανδαλίζω, "to cause to stumble")
* The "doctrine of Balaam" ([[Revelation 2:14]])
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Βοσόρ (Bosór) is not found in any intrinsic meaning of the name itself, but rather entirely in its function as the paternal identifier for Balaam. By naming Balaam as "the son of Bosor," the author of 2 Peter immediately brings to mind the full scope of Balaam's infamy. Balaam serves as a powerful negative archetype in biblical theology, embodying several critical dangers:
1. **The Corruption of Prophetic Gift:** Balaam possessed genuine prophetic ability, yet he was willing to compromise it for financial gain, demonstrating that even spiritual gifts can be perverted by sin.
2. **Greed as a Motivator for Apostasy:** The phrase "who loved gain from wrongdoing" ([[2 Peter 2:15]]) highlights avarice as a root cause of spiritual deviation and false teaching. This warns against those who exploit religious influence for personal profit.
3. **The Danger of Enticement:** Balaam's counsel led Israel into sexual immorality and idolatry ([[Numbers 31:16]], [[Revelation 2:14]]), making him a symbol of those who subtly or overtly lead God's people into sin.
4. **A Byword for Unrighteousness:** In the New Testament, Balaam is consistently invoked as a warning against those who forsake righteousness for illicit gain ([[2 Peter 2:15]]), those who run greedily in error ([[Jude 1:11]]), and those who teach compromise with pagan practices ([[Revelation 2:14]]).
Thus, the mention of "Bosor" in [[2 Peter 2:15]] serves as a concise theological shorthand, immediately evoking a profound cautionary tale about spiritual corruption, the perversion of divine truth, and the destructive power of covetousness within the community of faith.
### Summary
Βοσόρ (Bosór), `{{G1007}}`, is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Beor, the father of Balaam. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Peter 2:15]] serves to identify Balaam as "the son of Bosor," thereby directly linking the New Testament's warning against false teachers to the notorious Old Testament figure. The significance of Βοσόρ is entirely derived from its association with Balaam, who is presented as a negative archetype of spiritual corruption, greed, and leading God's people astray. The name, though simple in its direct meaning, acts as a powerful theological pointer to a critical biblical narrative illustrating the dangers of perverting divine truth for personal gain.
TRV