βολή (bolē)
bolē
throwing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun bolē literally means a throw or casting, derived from the verb for throwing. In biblical usage, it appears only once, in Luke 22:41, where it describes a specific physical distance. The text notes that Jesus moved away from his disciples "as far as a stone’s throw," using this term to quantify the space between them.
This phrase serves as a practical measure of separation without being overly precise. It suggests a distance close enough for hearing but far enough to allow for solitude and focused prayer. The image evokes someone tossing a stone, where the landing spot marks the boundary of that personal space.
By choosing this concrete expression, the narrative highlights Jesus’ deliberate withdrawal from his friends. He steps back just enough to be alone with God, creating a moment of quiet intimacy amidst the tension of the coming night. The term anchors the spiritual event in a tangible, everyday action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bolē appears only once in Scripture, found in Luke 22:41. It describes the distance Jesus moved away from his disciples to pray before his arrest. Literally meaning a throw, it refers to the range of a stone’s flight. This simple phrase captures a moment of deliberate separation.
Jesus chose this specific space to be alone with God. He stepped back far enough to find solitude, yet close enough that he remained connected to his friends. In our own lives, we often need similar boundaries. Creating physical or emotional distance can help us focus on prayer and listen more clearly to God’s voice.
This verse reminds us that withdrawal is not rejection. Sometimes stepping away allows for deeper intimacy with the Father. It invites you to find your own quiet place, where you can kneel and pray without distraction. May you find peace in these moments of holy solitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- throw,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βολήν,1×
Key Verses
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Luke 22:41
He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed,
This verse uses bolē to define the precise physical distance Jesus created between himself and the disciples to engage in focused prayer.