βάλλω (ballō)
ballō
to throw: throw
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 106 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ballō primarily means to throw or cast, but its application in Scripture is remarkably broad. It describes physical actions ranging from casting fishing nets into the sea (Matthew 4:18) and throwing sickle blades for harvest (Revelation 14:19), to pouring water during foot washing (John 13:5). The word covers a spectrum of motion, including laying something down, sending an object away, or even letting fluids pour out.
A key nuance is that ballō does not always imply violent force. While it can describe casting a sword into fire (Matthew 10:34), it also appears in gentle contexts, such as putting new wine into fresh wineskins (Matthew 9:17) or the storm rushing upon a ship (Acts 27:14). This flexibility allows it to convey both decisive action and simple placement.
The word often carries metaphorical weight, describing how things are handled by fate or divine will. Jesus uses it when speaking of being cast out for his name’s sake (Matthew 5:11) or when noting that branches are thrown into the fire to be burned (John 15:6). Its frequent use in Matthew and Revelation highlights its role in depicting both earthly ministry and cosmic judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ballō reminds us that our actions, whether small or significant, carry weight. In everyday life, we might throw a fishing net to provide for a family or cast new wine into fresh skins to preserve it. These images show that the word covers both practical work and careful preparation. It is not always about force; often, it is about placement and purpose.
Jesus uses this simple verb to teach deep truths about faith and judgment. He speaks of casting a net to gather fish, illustrating how God’s Kingdom gathers people from all walks of life. He also warns that what we value most—like pearls or good fruit—must be protected from being wasted. This word invites us to consider where we are placing our energy and trust.
When we face difficult choices, ballō offers a quiet encouragement. It suggests that even when things are cast away or thrown into fire, there is a divine order at work. We can trust that God uses these moments for correction and growth. Let this word remind you that your efforts to do good are seen and valued by the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 106 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they cast6×
- casting6×
- cast5×
- to be cast4×
- he cast4×
- do cast [it]4×
- to cast3×
- is thrown.3×
- do cast3×
- will cast2×
- were cast2×
- to put2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔβαλεν18×
- ἐβλήθη9×
- βάλε9×
- ἔβαλον7×
- βαλεῖν7×
- βάλλει6×
- βληθῆναι4×
- βάλω3×
- βάλλουσιν3×
- βάλλεται.3×
- βαλοῦσιν3×
- ἐβλήθησαν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:18
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
This verse establishes the word's connection to ordinary work, showing Jesus calling fishermen who are actively casting their nets.
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Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Here the word describes the fate of useless salt, emphasizing that what loses its purpose is cast out for a specific reason.
-
Matthew 13:47
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
The parable of the dragnet uses this verb to illustrate how the Kingdom gathers people, highlighting God's inclusive reach.
-
Matthew 21:21
Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it would be done.
Jesus mentions casting a mountain into the sea to demonstrate the power that comes from genuine faith without doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ballō mean in the Bible?
How is ballō different from other words for throw?
Why does Jesus use this word in parables?
Every Occurrence (106 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 29 verses
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 4:6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…
Matthew 4:18Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 5:13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…
Matthew 5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the…
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 6:30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much…
Matthew 7:6“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…
Matthew 7:19Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 8:6saying, “Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.”
Matthew 8:14When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever.
Matthew 9:2Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 9:17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 10:34“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 13:42and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:47“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some fish of every kind,
Matthew 13:48which, when it was filled, fishermen drew up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good into containers, but the…
Matthew 13:50and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Matthew 15:26But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into…
Matthew 18:9If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one…
Matthew 18:30He would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay back that which was due.
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 25:27You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own…
Matthew 26:12For in pouring this ointment on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.
Matthew 27:6The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…
Matthew 27:35When they had crucified him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots,