βοηθέω (boētheō)
boētheō
to help
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb boētheō means to come to someone’s aid or to succour them in a time of need. Its root combines a word for “cry” with one for “run,” creating an image of rushing to help when a call goes out. In the New Testament, it appears eight times, often describing urgent intervention by Jesus or others.
This word carries a sense of active rescue rather than passive support. It is used in Mark 9:22 and Matthew 15:25, where desperate parents beg for their children’s healing, and in Acts 16:9, where Paul receives a vision calling him to help others. The term also appears in Revelation 12:16, where the earth helps the woman by opening its mouth to swallow the flood.
In Hebrews 2:18, it describes how Jesus, having suffered, is able to help those who are being tested. This usage highlights his empathy and readiness to assist believers in their struggles. The word underscores a God who does not remain distant but actively intervenes to support and sustain His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word boētheō paints a vivid picture of urgent rescue. It combines the ideas of crying out and running to aid, suggesting that help arrives quickly when needed most. In our own lives, we often face moments where we feel overwhelmed or unable to cope alone. This term reminds us that God is not distant but actively moves toward those in distress.
Consider Hebrews 2:18, which notes that Jesus, having suffered temptation Himself, is able to help those who are tempted. This means He understands our struggles intimately and offers real support rather than just sympathy. When we feel weak, we can trust that His strength is available to us right now.
Even in the desperate pleas of parents in Mark 9:24, where a father cries, "I believe. Help my unbelief!", we see that honest vulnerability meets divine compassion. You do not need to have perfect faith or strong emotions to receive help. Simply reaching out in your need is enough for God to respond with grace and power.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do help4×
- to help.1×
- gave help1×
- do help.1×
- I helped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βοήθησον2×
- βοήθει2×
- ἐβοήθησά1×
- ἐβοήθησεν1×
- βοηθῆσαι.¶1×
- βοηθεῖτε.1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
This verse highlights Jesus' unique ability to help because He has personally experienced suffering and temptation, making His aid both empathetic and effective.
-
Mark 9:24
Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!”
Here the word captures a raw prayer where faith and doubt coexist, showing that God helps even when our belief is fragile and struggling.
-
Acts 16:9
A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.”
Paul's vision uses this term for the Macedonian call, illustrating how God directs believers to actively help others in their spiritual needs.