βοηθός (boēthos)
boēthos
a helper
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun boēthos refers to a helper or one who comes to aid, derived from roots meaning "cry" and "to run." This etymology paints a vivid picture of someone rushing toward the sound of distress to provide assistance. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Hebrews 13:6, where believers quote Psalm 118:6 to express confidence in divine support.
The word carries a sense of urgent intervention rather than passive presence. It describes an active role in helping or supporting others, often in times of need. The single occurrence in Scripture emphasizes reliance on God as the ultimate source of strength and protection for those facing uncertainty or opposition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word boēthos paints a vivid picture of someone rushing toward the sound of distress to provide assistance. It is not a distant observer but an active participant who intervenes urgently when help is needed most. In Hebrews 13:6, believers use this term to express deep confidence in divine support, quoting Psalm 118:6 to declare that the Lord is their helper.
This understanding invites you to rest in a God who does not merely watch from afar but comes running to your aid. When uncertainty or opposition arises, you can face it with good courage, knowing that your strength comes from this reliable source. The promise is clear: because He is your helper, fear loses its power over you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- helper,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βοηθός,1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 13:6
So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
This verse applies the concept of urgent divine aid to the believer's daily courage against human threats.