from βοάω; a halloo, i.e. call (for aid, etc.):--cry.
Transliteration:boḗ
Pronunciation:bo-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βοή (boḗ, `{{G995}}`) is derived from the verb βοάω (boaō, `{{G994}}`), meaning "to cry aloud" or "to shout." As a noun, βοή denotes a "cry" or "shout," specifically a loud vocalization that carries a sense of urgency, distress, or a call for attention or aid. It is not merely speech but a powerful, often spontaneous, emission of sound. The base definition highlights its nature as a "halloo" or a "call," implying a sound intended to be heard over a distance or amidst noise, often in a context of need or strong emotion. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently pointing to a significant vocal outcry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βοή (boḗ, `{{G995}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance providing distinct yet complementary insights into its usage:
1. **[[Acts 23:9]]**: "Then there arose a great cry, and the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and contended, saying, 'We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.'"
In this context, βοή refers to the loud clamor and tumultuous shouting that erupted during Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin. It signifies the vocal outburst of disagreement and contention among the Jewish leaders, reflecting the intense division and argument that characterized the assembly. Here, the "great cry" is a human sound, indicative of public dispute and disunity, a cacophony of voices raised in opposition.
2. **[[James 5:4]]**: "Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of them who have reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth."
This passage presents a powerful metaphorical use of βοή. The "cry" here is not an audible sound made by the withheld wages themselves, but rather the injustice inherent in their fraudulent retention. This "cry" is personified, ascending to God. It is the silent, yet profoundly impactful, lament of the oppressed and exploited. The verse emphasizes that such acts of injustice do not go unnoticed; the "cries" (plural, βοαί) of the reapers, representing their suffering and oppression, have penetrated the divine ear. This usage underscores God's attentiveness to the plight of the vulnerable and His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb from which βοή (boḗ, `{{G995}}`) is derived: βοάω (boaō, `{{G994}}`), "to cry aloud, shout." This verbal root emphasizes the act of producing such a loud sound.
Other Greek words often translated as "cry" or "shout" include:
* **κράζω (krazō, `{{G2896}}`)**: A verb often implying a strong, often animal-like, cry of distress, fear, or excitement. Its noun form, κραυγή (kraugē, `{{G2906}}`), is similar to βοή in denoting a clamor or outcry, often with a connotation of wailing or uproar. While βοή emphasizes the sound itself as a call, κραυγή might more strongly imply the emotional content of the cry.
* **φωνή (phōnē, `{{G5456}}`)**: This is a broader term for "voice" or "sound," but it can certainly refer to a loud sound or cry, as in the "voice of one crying in the wilderness" ([[Matthew 3:3]]). While βοή specifically denotes a *cry* or *shout*, φωνή can encompass any vocal sound.
Conceptually, βοή connects to themes of:
* **Justice and Injustice**: Particularly evident in [[James 5:4]], where the cry of the oppressed demands divine intervention. This resonates with Old Testament prophetic calls against social injustice (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:7]], [[Micah 3:1-3]]).
* **Divine Hearing and Response**: The idea that God hears the cries of His people, a recurring motif throughout Scripture (e.g., [[Exodus 2:23-24]], [[Psalm 34:17]]).
* **Human Conflict and Disorder**: As seen in [[Acts 23:9]], a "cry" can signify human discord and the breakdown of orderly discourse.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βοή (boḗ, `{{G995}}`) is profound, especially through its dual application. In [[Acts 23:9]], it highlights the reality of human division and the cacophony that can arise from deep-seated disagreements, even within a religious context. It serves as a reminder of the human tendency towards clamor and contention when confronted with challenging truths or perceived threats.
However, it is in [[James 5:4]] that βοή carries its most potent theological weight. The "cry" of the withheld wages and the reapers is not merely a human complaint but a divinely heard appeal. This passage powerfully articulates God's character as a righteous judge who is intimately aware of and responsive to the suffering of the exploited. It underscores the biblical principle that injustice against the vulnerable is a direct affront to God, and that the "cry" of such injustice ascends to His throne, demanding His intervention. This concept aligns with the consistent biblical portrayal of God as the defender of the poor, the widow, and the orphan (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:18]], [[Psalm 68:5]]). The "cry" here becomes a theological mechanism through which God's justice is invoked and ultimately enacted. It is a testament to the fact that even the silent anguish of the oppressed does not escape the notice of the "Lord of Sabaoth," the Lord of Hosts, a title emphasizing His sovereign power and readiness to act.
### Summary
βοή (boḗ, `{{G995}}`) is a Greek noun signifying a loud "cry" or "shout," derived from the verb βοάω (boaō, `{{G994}}`). Its two occurrences in the New Testament offer distinct yet complementary insights. In [[Acts 23:9]], it describes the tumultuous human clamor and dispute within the Sanhedrin, reflecting discord. More profoundly, in [[James 5:4]], βοή is used metaphorically to describe the "cry" of injustice arising from withheld wages, which ascends to and is heard by the "Lord of Sabaoth." This latter usage powerfully emphasizes God's divine attentiveness to the plight of the oppressed and His unwavering commitment to justice. Thus, βοή represents a significant vocalization, whether of human contention or, more critically, of a divinely heard appeal for righteousness.
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