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.
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.
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.
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.
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