Original Word: βολή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: bolé
Pronunciation: bo-LAY
Phonetic Spelling: (bol-ay')
Definition: a casting, throw; in acc: as measure of distance.
Meaning: The term βολή generally refers to a "throw" or "casting." It can denote the act of throwing or the distance covered by a throw.

Word Origin: From the Greek verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning "to throw" or "to cast."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - Strong's Hebrew 5307: נָפַל (naphal) • to fall, lie, be cast down
- Strong's Hebrew 3384: יָרָה (yarah) • to throw, shoot, cast
- Strong's Hebrew 7993: שָׁלַךְ (shalak) • to throw, cast, hurl

These Hebrew terms share a similar semantic field with the Greek βολή, encompassing actions of throwing or casting, often with implications of judgment, decision, or divine intervention.

Usage: The word βολή is not frequently used in the New Testament. It is primarily found in classical Greek literature and other ancient texts, where it describes the action or result of throwing.

Context: The Greek word βολή (bolē) is derived from the verb βάλλω (ballō), which means "to throw" or "to cast." While βολή itself does not appear in the New Testament, its root verb βάλλω is used in various contexts, often metaphorically, to describe actions such as casting lots, throwing stones, or casting out demons.

In classical Greek literature, βολή is used to describe the act of throwing, whether it be a spear, stone, or other object. It can also refer to the distance achieved by a throw, emphasizing the skill or strength of the thrower. This term is often associated with athletic or military contexts, where precision and force are essential.

The concept of throwing or casting is significant in biblical literature, as it often symbolizes judgment, decision-making, or the removal of obstacles. For example, casting lots was a common practice in ancient times to discern divine will or make decisions (e.g., Acts 1:26). Similarly, the act of casting out demons (e.g., Matthew 8:16) signifies the authority and power of Jesus over evil spirits.

While βολή itself is not present in the New Testament, understanding its root and related terms enriches the comprehension of biblical narratives where throwing or casting plays a symbolic role.

Word Origin
from balló
Definition
a throw
NASB Translation
throw (1).

STRONGS NT 1000: βολή

βολή, βολης, ἡ (βάλλω), a throw: ὡσεί λίθου βολήν about a stone's throw, as far as a stone can be cast by the hand, Luke 22:41 (ὡσεί τόξου βολήν, Genesis 21:16; μέχρι λίθου καί ἀκοντιου βολης, Thucydides 5, 65; ἐξ ἀκοντιου βολης, Xenophon, Hell. 4, 5, 15).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cast.

From ballo; a throw (as a measure of distance) -- cast.

see GREEK ballo

Forms and Transliterations

βολην βολήν bolen bolēn bolḗn

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts