Βοσόρ, Βεώρ (Bosor, Beōr)
Bosor, Beōr
Beor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Βοσὶρ (Bosor) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in 2 Peter 2:15. It is a transliteration of the Hebrew Beor, identifying Balaam’s father. The sources note that this form reflects a variant reading found in some manuscripts, distinct from the more common Βεώρ (Beōr) used elsewhere for the same individual.
Etymologically, the name is associated with meanings like "burning" or "torch," though its precise significance remains tied to its Old Testament context. Peter uses this brief reference to remind readers that Balaam, known for his prophetic gifts, was ultimately guided by greed. The mention of his father serves only to anchor the historical identity of a figure condemned for leading God’s people into sin.
This single occurrence highlights how New Testament writers often assume their audience knows the Old Testament background. By naming Balaam as "the son of Bosor," Peter connects the warning against false teachers directly to a well-known biblical example of corruption. The name itself carries no additional theological weight in this context; it functions simply as an identifier for a cautionary figure.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bosor appears only once in the New Testament, serving as a brief historical marker for Balaam’s father. In 2 Peter 2:15, Peter mentions this lineage to identify a figure known for his prophetic gifts yet ultimately driven by greed. This single reference reminds us that spiritual insight does not guarantee moral integrity.
For your faith journey, this detail highlights the danger of allowing love for money to distort your path. Peter uses Balaam as a warning against false teachers who lead others astray. It invites you to examine your own motives, ensuring that your service to God remains pure and free from hidden agendas.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [son] of Bosor,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βοσόρ,1×
Key Verses
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II Peter 2:15
Forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of wrongdoing;
This verse identifies Balaam as the son of Beor to anchor the warning about false teachers in a known historical example of corruption.