βιωτικός (biōtikos)
biōtikos
of this life
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective biōtikos describes matters pertaining to ordinary human existence or the practical affairs of this life. It carries a neutral sense, referring simply to the realities of daily living rather than spiritual or eternal concerns. The term appears rarely in the New Testament, occurring only three times, with two instances found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians and one in Luke’s gospel.
In 1 Corinthians 6:3-4, Paul uses the word to argue that believers are capable of judging "worldly" matters. He suggests that if Christians can settle disputes within the church, they are certainly qualified to handle secular legal issues. Here, biōtikos distinguishes civil concerns from spiritual ones, implying that earthly affairs require practical wisdom rather than mystical insight.
The word derives from bios, meaning life or livelihood. Its usage highlights a distinction between the temporary nature of daily routines and the enduring weight of spiritual truth. Translators often render it as "worldly" or "secular," capturing its focus on the tangible, present-moment aspects of human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word biōtikos reminds us that daily responsibilities are real and worthy of attention. Jesus warns in Luke 21:34 about the "cares of this life" weighing down our hearts. These worries can steal our focus from God if we let them consume us entirely.
Paul also uses this term in 1 Corinthians 6 to discuss settling disputes. He points out that believers should be wise enough to handle practical matters between themselves. This shows that ordinary life is not separate from faith; it is where faith is lived out.
We are invited to bring our daily tasks and concerns to God. Instead of letting them burden us, we can trust Him with the practical details. He cares about both your spiritual walk and your everyday needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of life —1×
- [the] things of this life?1×
- Things of this life1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βιωτικά;1×
- βιωτικὰ1×
- βιωτικαῖς,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:34
“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
This verse highlights how worldly anxieties can distract believers from spiritual readiness.
-
I Corinthians 6:3
Don’t you know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?
Paul contrasts eternal responsibilities with practical disputes to show believers' capability in secular matters.
-
I Corinthians 6:4
If then you have to judge things pertaining to this life, do you set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly?
The word here emphasizes that handling everyday conflicts is a normal part of community life.