Lexical Summary biótikos: Pertaining to life, worldly, temporal Original Word: βιωτικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pertaining to daily life. From a derivative of bioo; relating to the present existence -- of (pertaining to, things that pertain to) this life. see GREEK bioo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 982 biōtikós – what belongs to regular, physical life (things pertaining to physical life). See 979 (bios). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bios Definition pertaining to life NASB Translation life (1), matters of this life (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 982: βιωτικόςβιωτικός, βιωτικη, βιωτικον, pertaining to life and the affairs of this life: Luke 21:34; 1 Corinthians 6:3f. (The word, not used in Attic, first occurs in Aristotle, h. a. 9, 17, 2 (p. 616{b}, 27); χρειαι βιωτικαι is often used, as Polybius 4, 73, 8; Philo, vit. Moys. iii. § 18 at the end; Diodorus 2, 29; Artemidorus Daldianus, oneir. 1, 31. Cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 354f.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 982 appears sparingly yet pointedly, dealing with “this-life” concerns that stand in contrast to eternal realities. Scripture employs the term to expose potential spiritual hazards, highlight the church’s competence to address temporal disputes, and urge believers to keep earthly affairs in their proper, subordinate place. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • Luke 21:34 warns disciples against being weighed down “by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life.” The phrase signals distractions that dull vigilance for the Lord’s return. Temporal versus Eternal The term always sits in deliberate tension with eschatological hope. Luke places the “worries of life” beside the sudden appearance of the Son of Man; Paul frames “matters of this life” against future cosmic judgment. Both passages remind readers that temporal affairs, however pressing, must never eclipse ultimate realities (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-4). Implications for Church Governance Paul’s Corinthian argument assumes the church possesses Spirit-given wisdom to arbitrate ordinary conflicts. Granting secular magistrates authority over believers’ livelihoods signals spiritual immaturity. By juxtaposing “angels” and “matters of this life,” Paul reinforces congregational accountability, stewardship, and witness before the watching world. Pastoral Warnings against Anxiety Luke’s Gospel elevates vigilance and self-control. Earthly cares can anesthetize hearts just as surely as dissipation or intoxication. The believer’s safeguard is disciplined alertness fed by prayer (Luke 21:36) and confidence in the Father’s providence (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7). Historical Background In first-century urban centers such as Corinth, Roman civil courts were notorious for partiality toward status and wealth. Christians drawn from varying social strata could easily import that litigious culture. Likewise, Palestinian peasants under Roman taxation felt the daily strain of subsistence—worries Jesus addresses directly. Against both backdrops, Scripture elevates a countercultural ethic: heavenly citizenship relativizes earthly pressures. Theological Significance 1. Stewardship: Earthly resources and disputes are real but temporary trusts. Practical Ministry Applications • Discipleship curricula should train believers in biblical conflict resolution, reducing dependence on secular litigation. Related Biblical Themes “Cares of the world” (Mark 4:19), “anxiety” (Matthew 6:25-34), and “earthly things” (Philippians 3:18-19) all mirror the danger of allowing temporal demands to rival devotion to Christ. Conclusion Though Strong’s 982 surfaces only three times, its strategic placement underscores a perennial challenge: navigating necessary earthly responsibilities without surrendering eternal focus. The faithful response is sober vigilance, Spirit-led discernment, and confident hope in the Lord who reigns over both present livelihood and future glory. Forms and Transliterations βιωτικα βιωτικά βιωτικὰ βιωτικαις βιωτικαίς βιωτικαῖς biotika biotiká biotikà biōtika biōtiká biōtikà biotikais biotikaîs biōtikais biōtikaîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 21:34 Adj-DFPGRK: καὶ μερίμναις βιωτικαῖς καὶ ἐπιστῇ NAS: and the worries of life, and that day KJV: and cares of this life, and [so] that INT: and cares of life and should come 1 Corinthians 6:3 Adj-ANP 1 Corinthians 6:4 Adj-ANP Strong's Greek 982 |
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