from βιόω; living (properly, the act, by implication, the mode):--manner of life.
Transliteration:bíōsis
Pronunciation:bee'-o-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
*Bíōsis* (G981) is a Greek noun derived from the verb *bióō* (βιόω), meaning "to live" or "to pass one's life." Its core meaning encompasses "the act of living" or "life" itself, but with a specific emphasis on the *manner*, *mode*, or *way* in which one lives. It speaks to the practical, observable conduct and ethical choices that characterize an individual's existence, rather than merely the state of being alive. Unlike *zoē* (`{{G2222}}`), which often refers to life as a principle or divine life, or *psychē* (`{{G5590}}`), which denotes the soul or animate life, *bíōsis* centers on the qualitative aspect of one's life, the "how" of living.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *bíōsis* (G981) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 26:4]]**: "My manner of life [βίωσίς μου], then, from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, all the Jews know."
In this sole occurrence, Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa. He appeals to the common knowledge of his Jewish compatriots concerning his past. The phrase "my manner of life" refers to his observable conduct and ethical practices as a Pharisee from his youth. This context highlights that *bíōsis* denotes a public, well-known, and consistent pattern of behavior. Paul is asserting that his pre-conversion life was one of strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition, a fact that could be verified by those present. This single usage underscores the word's focus on the practical outworking of one's life, encompassing habits, moral choices, and adherence to a particular way of living.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Verb:** *bióō* (βιόω): The root verb from which *bíōsis* is derived, meaning "to live" or "to pass one's life." This connection emphasizes the active process of living that *bíōsis* describes.
* **Noun:** *zoē* (ζωή) `{{G2222}}`: "Life" in a broader sense, often referring to life as a principle, divine life, or eternal life. While related to living, *zoē* lacks the specific emphasis on the *manner* of life found in *bíōsis*.
* **Noun:** *psychē* (ψυχή) `{{G5590}}`: "Soul," "life" in the sense of animate existence, the seat of emotions, will, and intellect. Distinct from *bíōsis*, which focuses on conduct.
* **Noun:** *anastrophē* (ἀναστροφή) `{{G394}}`: "Conduct," "behavior," "manner of life." This word is more frequent in the New Testament and often overlaps significantly with *bíōsis*, emphasizing daily deportment and moral choices (e.g., [[1 Timothy 4:12]], [[Hebrews 13:5]], [[1 Peter 1:15]]). While *bíōsis* can denote the *act* or *mode* of living, *anastrophē* often points to the *course* or *pattern* of one's life.
* **Verb:** *peripateō* (περιπατέω) `{{G4043}}`: Literally "to walk," but frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to mean "to live" or "to conduct oneself" (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:1]], [[Colossians 1:10]]). This verb captures the active, ongoing nature of one's manner of life, similar to the implications of *bíōsis*.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular appearance, *bíōsis* (G981) in [[Acts 26:4]] carries significant theological weight. It highlights the biblical emphasis on the importance of observable conduct and ethical living as a public testimony. Paul's appeal to his "manner of life" demonstrates that one's outward behavior is not incidental but a crucial witness. His pre-conversion life as a Pharisee, characterized by strict adherence to the Law, established a credible foundation for his radical conversion and subsequent life in Christ.
The concept embedded in *bíōsis* resonates with the broader New Testament call to discipleship, which demands a transformation of conduct following conversion (e.g., [[Romans 12:2]], [[Ephesians 4:22-24]]). While salvation is by grace through faith, the authentic outworking of that faith is a renewed "manner of life" that reflects the character of Christ. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith is evidenced by works ([[James 2:17]]), not as a means of earning salvation, but as an inevitable and necessary manifestation of a transformed heart and a life lived in accordance with divine will.
### Summary
*Bíōsis* (G981) refers to the "manner of life" or "conduct," emphasizing the observable actions and ethical choices that define an individual's existence. Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 26:4]] is found in Paul's defense, where he references his well-known, pre-conversion life as a Pharisee, highlighting the integrity and strictness of his former conduct. While distinct from words for biological or spiritual life (*zoē* `{{G2222}}`, *psychē* `{{G5590}}`), *bíōsis* aligns with concepts such as *anastrophē* `{{G394}}` ("conduct") and *peripateō* `{{G4043}}` ("to walk/live"), underscoring the New Testament's consistent emphasis on the practical, ethical outworking of one's faith. The word, though rare, serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of a credible and consistent "manner of life" as a public testimony, both before and after conversion, reflecting the transformative power of God.
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