Historical source transcription

The Synonymous Words for "Life"

There are three principal words translated "LIFE". Their shades of meaning are to be distinguished as follow:-

1. zoe = life in all its manifestations; from the life of God down to the lowest vegetable. It is life in activity, and thus especially is the opposite of death. It involves resurrection life and eternal life; and hence, as such, is the " gift of God " (Romans 6: 23. 1 John 5: 12 ) For the same reason its verb zao is frequently used of, and put for, resurrection life (Matthew 9: 18. Mark 16: 11. Luke 24: 5, 23. John 11: 25, 26. Acts 1: 3; 9: 41; 25: 19. Romans 6: 10; 14: 9. 2 Corinthians 13: 4. Revelation 1: 18; 2: 8; 13: 14; 20: 4, 5. 2. bios = life, as lived, manner of life; life as led, etc.; zoe being life as one experiences it; bios as others see it. This is used therefore, only of mankind, who not only live but lead lives. Hence the difference between ZO-ology and BIO-graphy. Zoe is life in its principle; bios is life in its manifestations (Luke 8: 14 ). Bios is also put by Figure of Speech, Metonymy (of Adjunct), Appendix 6, for livelihood, or that which supports animal life (Luke 8: 43 ). It occurs eleven times (Mark 12: 44. Luke 8: 14, 43; 15: 12, 30; 21: 4. 1 Timothy 2: 2. 2 Timothy 2: 4. 1 Peter 4: 3. 1 John 2: 16; 3: 17 ). 3. psuche = the breath of animal life; one of the manifestations of zoe, common to all living animals. In one passage (Isaiah 10: 18, the Hebrew nephesh (Appendix 13), Greek psuche ) is applied to vegetable life. It is used of the living individual as such. For its various renderings and usages, see Appendix 110.