BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Zoe (ζωή) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
ζωή (zoe) is the Greek word for 'life,' used both for physical existence and, especially in John's writings, for the divine, eternal life that comes through Jesus Christ.
Meaning of the word
ζωή is the standard Greek noun for 'life,' covering both literal physical life and figurative or spiritual life. In the provided lexicon entry it is defined simply as 'life (literally or figuratively),' and the New Testament uses show both senses.
In its literal sense ζωή refers to ordinary human existence, as in Matthew 7:14 where the narrow way 'leadeth unto life' in contrast to the broad way that leads to destruction. It names the ongoing activity of a living being.
In its figurative or theological sense, especially in John's Gospel and Epistles, ζωή denotes a quality of life that belongs to God and is imparted to believers. John 1:4 declares that 'in him was life,' and John 14:6 identifies Jesus himself as 'the life.' Eternal life (ζωὴ αἰώνιος) is presented as knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3) and as the present possession of those who believe (John 3:36).
Usage in Scripture
Across the New Testament, ζωή functions as a central theological theme. Romans 2:7 speaks of those who 'seek for...eternal life,' and Romans 5:10, 17 contrast the reign of death with being 'saved by his [Christ's] life' and 'reigning in life.' These passages frame salvation in terms of transferred life: from death under Adam to life under Christ.
In Acts 2:28 the word appears in a Psalm quotation, 'thou madest known unto me the ways of life,' using ζωή in the sense of God's covenantal favor and the path of blessing. John 3:14-16 brings these threads together: the lifted-up Son gives 'eternal life' to believers, so that the term ζωή becomes virtually synonymous with participation in the Son.
The word in detail
- G2222 ζωή (zoe) is the standard Greek noun for 'life,' used in the New Testament for both natural human existence and, especially in Johannine literature, for the divine, eternal life that is mediated through Jesus Christ and imparted to believers.
Example verses
- John 1:4 Life (ζωή) is located 'in him' (the Word); this verse grounds ζωή theologically in the pre-existent Christ rather than in created human existence.
- John 3:16 ζωή appears as 'eternal life' (ζωὴ αἰώνιος), the gift given to believers through the Son, defining the term by its divine, eschatological character.
- John 14:6 Jesus identifies himself as 'the life' (ἡ ζωή), making ζωή a christological title rather than merely an abstract quality.
- Romans 5:17 ζωή is the realm in which believers 'reign through Jesus Christ,' contrasting with the reign of death and presenting life as the new sphere of salvation.
Common questions
Does ζωή mean only physical life?
No. The lexicon entry allows both literal and figurative use. In verses like John 1:4 and John 14:6 the word points to a divine, spiritual life found in Christ, not merely biological existence.
What is 'eternal life' in Greek?
'Eternal life' is ζωὴ αἰώνιος, ζωή modified by the adjective αἰώνιος. John 3:16 and 17:3 use this phrase to describe the quality of life given to those who believe and know God.
How does ζωή differ from ψυχή (psuche)?
In the New Testament ζωή emphasizes life as a dynamic, often divine quality, while ψυχή tends to denote the soul, self, or natural life-principle. In Johannine theology ζωή is grounded in the Son, whereas ψυχή more often refers to the human person.