βορρᾶς (borras)
borras
the north
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun borrās simply means "the north," referring either to the direction itself or to the north wind. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each instance carries significant geographical weight. Luke 13:29 uses the term to describe a future gathering where people will arrive from the north and south, emphasizing the vastness of the crowd coming to worship.
Revelation 21:13 employs the word to map the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem, listing the north as one of the four cardinal points. This usage connects the physical direction with the completeness of God’s city, suggesting that believers from every corner of the earth will be included. The term derives from Boreas, the Greek personification of the north wind, which likely influenced its use in the Septuagint for the Hebrew word tzaphon.
Though brief, these references highlight how directional language grounds spiritual truths in physical reality. By naming the north alongside other directions, the text affirms that divine promises extend to all peoples, regardless of their origin. The simplicity of the word underscores the universal scope of salvation history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word βορρᾶς points to the north, a direction that in biblical times often carried complex associations. While some ancient cultures viewed the north as mysterious or even ominous, Scripture consistently uses it to show that God’s reach is not limited by geography. When Jesus speaks of people coming from the north and south, He is painting a picture of a kingdom that welcomes everyone, regardless of where they started their journey.
This simple directional term reminds us that salvation is universal. It is not reserved for a specific region or group but is open to all who respond in faith. The inclusion of the north alongside other directions emphasizes the completeness of God’s invitation. We do not need to worry about being on the wrong side of the map; His grace extends to every corner of the earth.
For your daily walk, this truth offers comfort and hope. No matter how far you feel from God or how distant your origins may seem, His kingdom is large enough to hold you. The promise is clear: there is a place for everyone at the table. This assurance invites us to live with confidence, knowing that our identity is found in being welcomed by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- north1×
- [the] north1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βορρᾶ2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 13:29
They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in God’s Kingdom.
This verse uses the word to emphasize the vast, inclusive nature of the Kingdom, showing that people from every direction will be gathered together.
-
Revelation of John 21:13
On the east were three gates, and on the north three gates, and on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.
Here the term helps map the New Jerusalem, indicating that the north is one of the four foundational points of God's eternal dwelling place.