### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word βοηθός (G998), transliterated as *boēthós*, is a noun derived from two root elements: βοή (*boē*), meaning "a cry" or "a shout" (often for help), and a form related to θέω (*theō*), meaning "to run." Synthesizing these roots, the core meaning of βοηθός is "one who runs to a cry" or "one who comes quickly in response to a shout for help." This etymology inherently implies an active, timely, and often urgent intervention. The base definition provided, "a succorer" or "helper," accurately captures this dynamic. The semantic range thus encompasses not merely passive support but rather active, decisive, and crucial assistance, particularly in situations of distress, need, or danger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word βοηθός (G998) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[Hebrews 13:6]]**: "So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper [βοηθός]; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'"
**Contextual Analysis:** This verse is found within the concluding practical exhortations of the Epistle to the Hebrews. The author has just encouraged believers to be content with what they have and to live free from the love of money, assuring them of God's unceasing presence ("I will never leave you nor forsake you," [[Hebrews 13:5]]). The declaration in [[Hebrews 13:6]] is a direct quotation from [[Psalm 118:6]] (LXX), a psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance from enemies.
**Analysis of βοηθός in [[Hebrews 13:6]]**: Here, βοηθός is explicitly applied to God. It underscores His character as one who actively intervenes on behalf of His people. The phrase "I will not fear; what can man do to me?" directly flows from the confidence derived from having such a divine helper. This is not merely a statement of general assistance but of specific, powerful, and reliable succor in the face of human opposition or any source of fear. It assures the reader that God's help is sufficient and unwavering, enabling believers to face adversity with courage and trust. The context suggests that even in times of persecution or hardship, the believer's ultimate security rests in God as their personal βοηθός.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "help" is central to biblical theology, and βοηθός (G998) is closely related to several other Greek terms:
* **Verbal Form:** The most direct relation is to the verb βοηθέω (`{{G997}}`, *boētheō*), meaning "to help, to come to the aid of, to succor." This verb appears more frequently in the New Testament, such as when Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" ([[Acts 16:9]]), or when the apostle states that Christ "is able to help [βοηθῆσαι] those who are tempted" ([[Hebrews 2:18]]).
* **Noun Form:** The abstract noun βοήθεια (`{{G996}}`, *boētheia*), meaning "help, aid, succor," also appears, for instance, when sailors "used cables to undergird the ship" in a storm, referred to as "helps" or "reinforcements" ([[Acts 27:17]]), or in the call to approach the "throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help [βοήθειαν] us in our time of need" ([[Hebrews 4:16]]).
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* παράκλητος (`{{G3875}}`, *paraklētos*): Often translated as "Advocate," "Helper," or "Comforter," this term emphasizes one called alongside to assist, advise, or console, particularly in a legal or supportive capacity. While βοηθός stresses active intervention in immediate need, παράκλητος can have a broader scope of supportive presence.
* συνεργός (`{{G4900}}`, *synergos*): "Fellow worker, co-worker." This term highlights partnership in shared labor or ministry.
* ἀντιλήμπτωρ (`{{G484}}`, *antilēmptōr*): "Helper, protector." This word often implies taking hold of someone to lift them up or support them, similar to βοηθός in its active succoring.
* **Old Testament Equivalents:** In the Septuagint (LXX), βοηθός frequently translates the Hebrew עֵזֶר (`{{H5828}}`, *'ezer*), meaning "help" or "helper." This is a crucial term in the Old Testament, used notably of God as Israel's unfailing helper (e.g., [[Psalm 33:20]], [[Psalm 70:5]], [[Psalm 115:9-11]]) and also of Eve as Adam's "helper corresponding to him" ([[Genesis 2:18]]). The concept of God as a βοηθός is thus deeply rooted in the theological tradition of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The singular application of βοηθός (G998) to God in [[Hebrews 13:6]] carries profound theological weight:
* **God as the Ultimate Succorer:** It unequivocally affirms God's nature as one who actively and reliably comes to the aid of His people. He is not a distant, disengaged deity but one who "runs to the cry" of His children, providing timely and effective assistance in their moments of need.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Presence:** The declaration "The Lord is my helper" speaks directly to God's covenant faithfulness. It assures believers of His unwavering presence and His commitment to intervene on their behalf. This truth forms the bedrock of Christian confidence and freedom from fear, as articulated in the verse.
* **Basis for Unwavering Confidence:** For the believer, the understanding that God is their βοηθός provides a secure foundation for trust, regardless of external circumstances—be it persecution, financial hardship, or social pressure. The help God provides is not only available but also sufficient to overcome any human opposition or fear.
* **Distinction from Human Help:** While humans can offer help, God's help is unique in its power, reliability, and omnipresence, making Him the supreme and unfailing βοηθός. His aid transcends human limitations.
* **Christ's Role in Help:** Although the noun βοηθός is not directly applied to Christ, the related verb βοηθέω (`{{G997}}`) is explicitly used of Him in [[Hebrews 2:18]], stating that "He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help [βοηθῆσαι] those who are tempted." This links the concept of divine help directly to Christ's empathetic and redemptive work, demonstrating His capacity to succor His people from His own experience of human vulnerability.
### Summary
The Greek word βοηθός (G998), signifying "one who runs to a cry" or a "succorer," denotes an active and timely helper, particularly in situations of distress. Despite its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 13:6]], its application there is immensely significant: "The Lord is my helper [βοηθός]; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" This declaration, echoing Old Testament affirmations of God as Israel's helper (עֵזֶר `{{H5828}}`), profoundly reveals God's character as an active, faithful, and reliable intervener for His people. The theological weight of βοηθός lies in its assurance of God's unwavering presence and His sufficient aid, providing the believer with an unshakable foundation for confidence and freedom from fear in the face of any adversity. The related verb βοηθέω (`{{G997}}`) further extends this divine capacity for help to Christ Himself, who is able to succor those who are tempted.
TRV