from ζάω; life (literally or figuratively):--life(-time). Compare ψυχή.
Transliteration:zōḗ
Pronunciation:dzo-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2222 (zōḗ) fundamentally denotes "life." Derived from the verb ζάω (zaō), "to live," it encompasses a broad semantic range that extends beyond mere biological existence. While it can refer to physical life (e.g., [[Luke 16:25]]), its most profound and frequent usage in the New Testament pertains to spiritual, divine, and eternal life. Unlike ψυχή (psychē) `{{G5590}}`, which often signifies the soul, the natural animating principle of a living being, or individual human life (often in the sense of one's "life" that can be lost or saved), zōḗ typically refers to life in its fullest, most essential, and highest quality. It is the life that God possesses and imparts, characterized by vitality, holiness, and fellowship with Him. This divine life is not merely endless duration but a qualitative state of being in communion with the Creator.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term zōḗ appears over 130 times in the New Testament, with a particularly dense concentration in the Johannine literature (Gospel of John and 1 John) and the Pauline epistles.
In the Gospel of John, zōḗ is a central theological concept, often equated with the person of Jesus Christ Himself. [[John 1:4]] declares, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men," establishing Christ as the very source and embodiment of life. Jesus repeatedly claims to be the "life" ([[John 11:25]], [[John 14:6]]) and the giver of "eternal life" (ζωὴ αἰώνιος). This "eternal life" ([[John 3:16]], [[John 5:24]], [[John 17:3]]) is presented not merely as a future state after death, but as a present reality experienced through faith in Christ. It is a quality of life, characterized by knowing God and Jesus Christ. The abundant life that Jesus offers ([[John 10:10]]) is this rich, full, divine life.
Pauline epistles also extensively use zōḗ to describe the new existence in Christ. Believers are said to walk in "newness of life" ([[Romans 6:4]]) through identification with Christ's death and resurrection. The "Spirit of life" ([[Romans 8:2]]) brings liberation from the law of sin and death. This new life is a supernatural gift, enabling believers to live righteously and in fellowship with God ([[Romans 8:6]], [[Galatians 2:20]]). In [[Philippians 1:21]], Paul famously states, "For to me to live is Christ," underscoring the identity of his existence with the person of Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ζάω (zaō) `{{G2198}}`**: The verb "to live," the root of zōḗ. This verbal form emphasizes the active state of living, breathing, and experiencing existence.
* **ψυχή (psychē) `{{G5590}}`**: As noted, psychē often refers to the natural life, soul, or self. While there can be overlap in some contexts (e.g., saving one's psychē or zōḗ), the New Testament consistently uses zōḗ for the higher, spiritual, and divine quality of life. For instance, one might "lose their psychē" (physical life) to gain zōḗ (eternal life) ([[Matthew 16:25]]).
* **βίος (bios) `{{G979}}`**: Refers to the course or manner of one's life, one's livelihood, or the duration of life. It describes the *way* one lives, rather than the intrinsic nature of life itself.
* **αἰώνιος (aiōnios) `{{G166}}`**: "Eternal." This adjective frequently modifies zōḗ to form ζωὴ αἰώνιος (eternal life), emphasizing the timeless, unending, and divine quality of this life.
* **Concepts**: Resurrection, regeneration, new creation, salvation, divine nature, communion with God, abundant life. These theological concepts are intrinsically linked to the meaning and experience of zōḗ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of zōḗ is immense, serving as a cornerstone of New Testament theology.
1. **God as the Source of Life**: God alone possesses inherent life and is the ultimate source of all life, both physical and spiritual ([[Acts 17:25]]). He is the "living God."
2. **Christ as the Embodiment and Giver of Life**: Jesus Christ is presented as the very embodiment of divine life ([[John 1:4]], [[John 14:6]]). Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, He became the means by which humanity can receive this life ([[John 5:26]]). His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His power over death and His status as the "Life."
3. **The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Life**: The Holy Spirit is the agent who imparts and sustains this new life in believers ([[Romans 8:2]], [[2 Corinthians 3:6]]). It is through the Spirit that believers experience regeneration and ongoing sanctification.
4. **Eternal Life (ζωὴ αἰώνιος)**: This is not merely endless existence but a qualitative, transforming life that begins in the present through faith in Christ and culminates in perfect fellowship with God in eternity. It is a participation in the divine nature ([[2 Peter 1:4]]).
5. **Newness of Life in Christ**: For the believer, zōḗ signifies a radical transformation, a spiritual rebirth that results in a new way of living, empowered by God's Spirit and characterized by righteousness and holiness ([[Romans 6:4]]). It is a life lived in union with Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word G2222 (zōḗ) is far more than a simple term for biological existence; it is a profound theological concept denoting the divine, spiritual, and eternal life that originates from God and is supremely manifested in Jesus Christ. Distinct from ψυχή (psychē) `{{G5590}}`, which often refers to natural life or the soul, zōḗ points to a higher quality of life—a vibrant, holy, and unending communion with God. This life is a gift, freely offered through faith in Christ, imparted by the Holy Spirit, and experienced both as a present reality and a future hope. It signifies the believer's participation in the very life of God, leading to transformation and a new existence in Christ.
TRV