### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bíos**, represented by `{{G979}}`, refers to **life**, specifically the present state of existence or, by implication, the means of livelihood. It appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses**. The term encompasses both the material substance that sustains one's life, such as goods or living, and the manner or condition of that life itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G979}}` frequently denotes a person's material resources or livelihood. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father divides his **living** between his sons [[Luke 15:12]], and the younger son is later accused of having "devoured thy **living** with harlots" [[Luke 15:30]]. The term also describes the complete material offering of the poor widow, who cast in "all her **living**" [[Mark 12:44]], and the desperation of the woman with an issue of blood, who "had spent all her **living** upon physicians" [[Luke 8:43]]. The word also defines the nature of one's existence, as when believers are instructed to pray for rulers in order to lead a "quiet and peaceable **life**" [[1 Timothy 2:2]]. In a negative context, it is associated with worldly hindrances, such as the "pride of **life**" [[1 John 2:16]] and the "cares and riches and pleasures of this **life**" which choke out spiritual fruit [[Luke 8:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{G979}}`:
* `{{G1236}}` **diágō** (to pass time or life): This verb describes the act of living one's life and is used in conjunction with `bíos` when describing the desire to "**lead** a quiet and peaceable **life**" [[1 Timothy 2:2]].
* `{{G3308}}` **mérimna** (solicitude): This word signifies the anxieties or distractions of life. It is listed as one of the things that can choke spiritual fruitfulness, described as the "**cares**...of this life" [[Luke 8:14]].
* `{{G4149}}` **ploûtos** (wealth...money, possessions, or...abundance, richness): This term for **riches** is often linked to the potential dangers of worldly life and is one of the thorns that chokes the word in the parable of the sower [[Luke 8:14]].
* `{{G4230}}` **pragmateía** (a transaction, i.e. negotiation): This term refers to the everyday business of life, from which a soldier of Christ must not be entangled, described as "the **affairs** of this life" [[2 Timothy 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological context of `{{G979}}` often establishes a contrast between the temporal world and the kingdom of God.
* **Means of Livelihood as a Test of Devotion:** `Bíos` as one's material "living" serves as a measure of commitment. The widow gives her entire **living** to God [[Mark 12:44]], while the prodigal son squanders his on worldly pursuits [[Luke 15:30]]. The failure of the woman with the issue of blood to find a cure after spending all her **living** on physicians highlights the limits of worldly resources [[Luke 8:43]].
* **Worldly Affairs as Spiritual Hindrances:** The term defines the sphere of worldly concerns that can distract a believer. A soldier of Christ is not to entangle himself "with the affairs of this **life**" [[2 Timothy 2:4]]. These cares, riches, and pleasures are portrayed as **thorns** `{{G173}}` that choke the word, preventing it from bearing fruit [[Luke 8:14]].
* **The Source of Worldly Pride:** `Bíos` is used to frame a specific type of worldly arrogance. "The pride of **life**" is presented as originating from the **world** `{{G2889}}`, in direct opposition to the Father [[1 John 2:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G979}}` **bíos** is a significant term that refers both to one's material sustenance and the course of one's earthly existence. It is used to describe tangible assets and livelihood, as seen in accounts of people giving or squandering their "living." Theologically, it frequently serves to contrast the temporary, distracting "affairs of this life" with the pursuit of a godly life. Whether as material possessions or as the "pride of life", `bíos` often represents that which belongs to the world and stands in opposition to a life fully devoted to the Father.
TRV