Lexical Summary Bosor: Bosor Original Word: Βοσόρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bosor. Of Hebrew origin (b'owr); Bosor (i.e. Beor), a Moabite -- Bosor. see HEBREW b'owr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Beor Definition variant reading for NG0961b, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1007: ΒοσόρΒοσόρ, ὁ (בְּעור a torch, a lamp; the Sept. Βεωρ, Numbers 22:5; Numbers 31:8; Deuteronomy 23:4; by change of 'ayin ע into sigma ς', Βοσόρ), Bosor, the father of Balaam: 2 Peter 2:15 (WH text Βεωρ). Topical Lexicon Canonical Occurrence2 Peter 2:15 contains the name that Strong’s Greek 1007 represents: “They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness” (Berean Standard Bible). The original text reads Βοσόρ, rendered “Beor” in most English versions. This single appearance anchors the New Testament’s direct linkage between ancient apostasy and the dangers that confront the church. Old Testament Background The name points back to Beor, father of Balaam, the enigmatic seer hired by Balak to curse Israel (Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:4; Numbers 24:3). Although Beor himself is a shadowy figure, his son’s exploits dominate four chapters of Numbers and reverberate throughout Scripture: • Numbers 22–24 – Balaam is restrained from cursing Israel and compelled to bless the nation instead. Beor/Bosor therefore serves as a genealogical marker that immediately recalls one of the Old Testament’s most dramatic confrontations between prophetic gifting and covetous ambition. Textual and Translational Considerations The spelling Βοσόρ may reflect an Aramaic pronunciation or a deliberate wordplay. Some early Jewish sources associate the consonants of “Bosor” with the Hebrew root bsr (“flesh”), hinting that Peter’s form could emphasize Balaam’s carnal motives. Whatever the exact linguistic path, the variation does not obscure identity; it sharpens the moral lesson by drawing attention to the figure’s notoriety. Thematic Significance: Greed and False Prophecy Peter cites Balaam to brand the false teachers of his day as spiritual heirs of a prophet who: 1. Knew God’s words yet bartered them for gain (“loved the wages of wickedness,” 2 Peter 2:15). By anchoring his warning in Balaam’s story, Peter portrays covetous ministry as both ancient and deadly. That theme echoes in Jude 11 (“the error of Balaam for profit”) and Revelation 2:14, where Pergamum’s compromise mirrors Israel’s seduction at Peor. Historical Impact on Jewish and Christian Thought Intertestamental literature turns Balaam into a paradigm of corrupted prophecy, and early Christian writers followed suit. Second-century apologists such as Justin Martyr cited Balaam to argue for God’s sovereignty over reluctant vessels, while patristic sermons used him to warn against mercenary clergy. The lone New Testament use of Βοσόρ thus provided a lexical bridge connecting apostolic teaching to an established interpretive tradition. Applications for Ministry • Integrity of Calling – Spiritual gifts do not immunize leaders from moral collapse; vigilance is required (1 Corinthians 10:12). Christological and Eschatological Connections Jesus Christ, the true Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22), embodies faithfulness opposite Balaam’s duplicity. At Christ’s return, judgment falls on all who persist in Balaam-like corruption (2 Peter 2:17; Revelation 19:20). Thus Strong’s 1007, though minor in frequency, marks a crucial warning signpost on Scripture’s unified highway: steadfast obedience secures blessing, while mercenary faith invites ruin. Related Concepts and References Way of Balaam – 2 Peter 2:15 Error of Balaam – Jude 11 Doctrine of Balaam – Revelation 2:14 Beor (Hebrew Strong’s 1160) – Numbers 22:5; Numbers 24:3 Divine Rebuke through Creation – Numbers 22:28; Luke 19:40 Forms and Transliterations Βεωρ Βεὼρ Βοσόρ βόστρυχοι βόστρυχοί βοστρύχους Bosor BosórLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Peter 2:15 NGRK: Βαλαὰμ τοῦ Βοσόρ ὃς μισθὸν KJV: of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who INT: of Balaam [son] of Beor who [the] reward |
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