from a derivative of βιόω; relating to the present existence:--of (pertaining to, things that pertain to) this life.
Transliteration:biōtikós
Pronunciation:bee-o-tee-kos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective βιωτικός (biōtikós), Strong's number `{{G982}}`, is derived from βιόω (bioō), meaning "to live" or "to pass one's life." Its core meaning is "pertaining to life," specifically referring to the present, earthly existence. It encompasses the affairs, concerns, necessities, and practicalities of human life in the temporal realm. The term often carries a nuance that distinguishes these earthly matters from spiritual or eternal realities, sometimes implying a potential for distraction or entanglement. It points to the mundane, day-to-day aspects of living, rather than life in its spiritual or eternal sense (ζωή `{{G2222}}`).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
βιωτικός appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering crucial contextual insight:
* **[[Luke 21:34]]:** "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life (βιωτικαῖς μερίμναις), and that Day come on you unexpectedly." Here, "cares of this life" (βιωτικαῖς μερίμναις) are presented as a spiritual danger alongside carousing and drunkenness. They are anxieties or preoccupations with earthly matters that can dull spiritual vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return. The context is eschatological warning, urging disciples to remain sober and watchful.
* **[[1 Corinthians 6:3-4]]:** "Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things pertaining to this life (βιωτικά)? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life (βιωτικά), do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?" In this passage, βιωτικά refers to mundane legal disputes or practical matters among believers. Paul argues that if believers are destined to judge spiritual matters and even angels, they are certainly competent to resolve their own earthly disputes without resorting to pagan courts. The emphasis is on the church's internal wisdom and capacity to manage its own temporal affairs.
* **[[2 Timothy 2:4]]:** "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life (πραγματείαις βιωτικαῖς), that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." Here, "affairs of this life" (πραγματείαις βιωτικαῖς) are depicted as hindrances for a soldier. The analogy is applied to the Christian minister or disciple, who must avoid becoming entangled in worldly concerns or pursuits that would divert them from their primary duty to serve Christ effectively and please Him. It underscores the need for single-minded devotion.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **βιόω (bioō):** The verbal root of βιωτικός, meaning "to live" or "to pass one's life." It denotes the act or manner of living.
* **βίος (bios) `{{G979}}`:** The noun from which βιωτικός is more directly derived, meaning "life" in terms of its course, manner, or means of subsistence (e.g., "livelihood," "riches"). This is distinct from ζωή (zōē), which often signifies life as a principle, vitality, or eternal life. βιωτικός pertains to the concerns of βίος.
* **μέριμνα (merimna) `{{G3309}}`:** "Care," "anxiety," "worry." As seen in [[Luke 21:34]], βιωτικαῖς μερίμναις directly links βιωτικός to the concept of earthly anxieties that can weigh down the heart.
* **πράγμα (pragma) `{{G4230}}`:** "Matter," "affair," "thing." In [[2 Timothy 2:4]], πραγματείαις βιωτικαῖς refers to the practical "affairs" or "business" of this life.
* **κοσμικός (kosmikos) `{{G2886}}`:** "Worldly," "pertaining to the world." While βιωτικός focuses on the practicalities of *this life*, κοσμικός refers to things of *this world system*, often with a negative connotation of being transient, ungodly, or opposed to God. There is an overlap in the sense of earthly concerns, but βιωτικός is more specific to the *practicalities* of human existence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βιωτικός centers on the tension between temporal earthly existence and eternal spiritual priorities.
* **Warning Against Distraction:** The term serves as a consistent warning against allowing the legitimate, or even necessary, "cares" and "affairs" of this life to become so consuming that they hinder spiritual growth, vigilance, and devotion to Christ. It highlights the subtle danger of worldliness, not necessarily in overt sin, but in misplaced priorities.
* **Call to Spiritual Vigilance:** In the context of eschatological readiness ([[Luke 21:34]]), βιωτικός underscores the need for believers to remain spiritually alert, not weighed down by anxieties about daily living, which can impede their readiness for Christ's return.
* **Christian Wisdom in Worldly Affairs:** Paul's use of βιωτικά in [[1 Corinthians 6]] demonstrates that "things pertaining to this life" are not to be entirely avoided or dismissed. Rather, they are matters that the Christian community, empowered by the Spirit, should be able to handle with wisdom, integrity, and a higher standard than the world, reflecting the wisdom of Christ.
* **Single-minded Devotion:** The military analogy in [[2 Timothy 2:4]] emphasizes the call to single-minded devotion for those engaged in Christian service. It implies that certain earthly entanglements, even if not inherently sinful, can compromise one's effectiveness and ability to please the "Commander" (Christ).
### Summary
The Greek term βιωτικός (biōtikós), Strong's number `{{G982}}`, refers to "pertaining to this life" or "worldly affairs." Derived from βιόω and βίος, it denotes the practical, mundane concerns and activities of present earthly existence. Its New Testament occurrences in [[Luke 21:34]], [[1 Corinthians 6:3-4]], and [[2 Timothy 2:4]] consistently highlight the potential for these temporal matters to either distract believers from their spiritual calling and ultimate hope, or to be handled wisely within the Christian community. The word serves as a crucial reminder for believers to maintain proper priorities, avoiding entanglement in worldly cares that could hinder their service to Christ and their readiness for His return, while also acknowledging the necessity and the call for spiritual wisdom in managing the affairs of daily life.
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