### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βουνός (bounós), transliterated as *bounós*, refers to a "hill" or "hillock." Its base definition suggests it is "probably of foreign origin," yet its meaning in biblical Greek is consistently that of a relatively low elevation of land, distinct from but often paired with a larger "mountain" (ὄρος - `{{G3735}}`). It denotes a natural rise in the earth's surface, smaller than a peak or range, implying a lesser prominence. The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, focusing purely on this geographical feature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βουνός appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 3:5]]**: "Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth." This verse is part of John the Baptist's proclamation, quoting from the Septuagint version of [[Isaiah 40:4]]. Here, βουνός is used in parallel with "mountain" (ὄρος - `{{G3735}}`) and contrasted with "valley" (φάραγξ - `{{G5325}}`). The imagery is one of geographical transformation, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the leveling of inequalities in preparation for the coming of the Lord. The "hills" represent impediments, perhaps human pride or societal barriers, that must be humbled to make a clear path for God's saving work.
* **[[Luke 23:30]]**: "Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!'" This dire utterance occurs during Jesus' journey to the cross, as he addresses the weeping women of Jerusalem. Again, βουνός is paired with "mountains" (ὄρος - `{{G3735}}`). In this context, the hills are not obstacles to be leveled but desired places of refuge or concealment from an impending, overwhelming judgment. The plea to be covered by hills signifies a profound despair, preferring annihilation to facing the full wrath of God. The imagery evokes a sense of terror and the ultimate futility of human attempts to escape divine justice.
In both occurrences, βουνός functions as a natural geographical feature, consistently paired with "mountain," and used metaphorically to convey profound spiritual and eschatological truths.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is ὄρος (oros - `{{G3735}}`), "mountain," with which βουνός is consistently paired in Luke. This pairing establishes a semantic field of elevated landforms, with βουνός representing the lesser elevation. Its antonym in the context of [[Luke 3:5]] is φάραγξ (pharagx - `{{G5325}}`), "valley" or "ravine."
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalents often translated as "hill" include `{{H1389}}` *giv'ah* and `{{H2022}}` *gib'ah*, which similarly denote a smaller elevation than a full mountain (`{{H2042}}` *har*). The Septuagint translation of [[Isaiah 40:4]] directly uses βουνός for the Hebrew *giv'ah*, confirming this semantic correspondence.
The concept of "hills" in the Bible often carries symbolic weight, representing:
* **Obstacles:** As seen in [[Luke 3:5]], impediments to the divine plan or human progress.
* **Places of worship/idolatry:** Though not explicit for βουνός in the NT, hills were often sites for both legitimate worship and idolatrous practices in the OT (e.g., "high places").
* **Refuge/Concealment:** As in [[Luke 23:30]], a place to hide from impending danger or judgment.
* **Stability/Permanence:** Though βουνός is portrayed as being made low, hills generally signify fixed, enduring features of the landscape.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βουνός, though limited to two occurrences, is profound in the Lukan narrative:
1. **Preparation for the Messiah's Advent:** In [[Luke 3:5]], the leveling of "every mountain and hill" is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and societal transformation required for the reception of God's kingdom. It speaks to the removal of pride, self-exaltation, and any human-made barriers that hinder the straight path of the Lord. The message of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, demands humility and repentance, making the "crooked straight" and the "rough ways smooth." The "hills" here symbolize the lesser, yet still significant, forms of human resistance or societal imperfections that stand against God's perfect plan.
2. **Divine Judgment and Despair:** The imagery in [[Luke 23:30]] is stark and eschatological. The desire for "mountains" and "hills" to "fall on us" or "cover us" is a cry of ultimate despair in the face of overwhelming divine wrath. It points to a time when the terror of God's judgment will be so great that even the most formidable natural features will be sought as a means of escape, even if that escape means annihilation. This verse serves as a solemn warning, highlighting the dire consequences of rejecting God's grace and facing His unmediated justice. The "hills" here are not merely geographical features but symbols of a desperate, futile search for shelter from an inescapable divine reckoning.
Thus, βουνός contributes to a theological landscape where natural features are imbued with spiritual meaning, serving as powerful metaphors for human conditions, divine action, and ultimate destinies.
### Summary
The Greek word βουνός (bounós) denotes a "hill" or "hillock," a natural elevation smaller than a mountain. Its limited New Testament usage, exclusively in Luke, consistently pairs it with "mountains" (ὄρος - `{{G3735}}`) and uses it in highly symbolic contexts. In [[Luke 3:5]], the "hill" represents an obstacle to be leveled, symbolizing the humility and removal of barriers necessary for the coming of the Lord and the establishment of His kingdom. Conversely, in [[Luke 23:30]], the "hill" becomes a desperate, futile plea for concealment from impending divine judgment, illustrating profound despair in the face of God's wrath. Therefore, βουνός, though a simple geographical term, plays a crucial role in conveying significant theological truths about preparation for God's way and the inescapable reality of divine judgment.
TRV