βοάω (boaō)
boaō
to cry out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb boaō describes raising one’s voice in a loud, emotional cry. It is not a quiet whisper or a casual call; it conveys strong feeling, whether that emotion is joy, fear, or distress. This word appears twelve times in the New Testament, with significant occurrences in Luke and Mark, often capturing moments of intense human experience.
Its usage ranges from prophetic declaration to desperate pleading. For example, John the Baptist uses it when announcing Jesus’ arrival (Matthew 3:3), while a demon-possessed man cries out for mercy in Luke 8:28. In Acts, believers cry out in joy as spirits are cast out (Acts 8:7). The sources note that it can also mean calling on someone for help, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow who cries out to the judge (Luke 18:7).
Unlike krizō, which suggests a harsh or animal-like cry, boaō implies a human voice expressing deep internal states. Translators typically render it as "cry out" or "shout," preserving the sense of urgency and volume that characterizes its biblical usage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming, this word reminds us that God hears the loudest parts of our pain and joy alike. It is not reserved for polished prayers but captures raw, urgent cries from the heart. Whether you are facing fear or celebrating healing, your voice matters to Him.
In moments like Jesus’ cry on the cross or the blind man’s plea for mercy, we see that God meets us in our desperation. He does not turn away from loud emotions but draws near to those who call out with trust. This promise offers comfort: you are never too broken or too loud for His attention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of one crying3×
- crying out2×
- crying2×
- he called out1×
- do call aloud1×
- crying [that]1×
- cried out1×
- cried1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βοῶντος4×
- ἐβόησεν3×
- βοῶντες2×
- βόησον1×
- βοῶντα1×
- βοώντων1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 15:34
At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Jesus uses this word in his final moments, showing that even anguish is a valid form of prayer heard by the Father.
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Luke 18:7
Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
This verse assures believers that persistent crying out to God for justice is seen and will be answered in time.
-
Luke 18:38
He cried out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!”
The blind man’s urgent shout demonstrates that faith can break through physical barriers when one calls on Jesus directly.
-
Acts 8:7
For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
This occurrence highlights how the gospel brings joy so powerful it results in a loud, public cry of release and healing.