Greek word · G998

βοηθός

boēthos

a helper

One who comes to help or rescue; an ally, an auxiliary in battle, a protector or advocate. The related verb βοηθέω is 'to come to the aid of' someone in need, often under attack. In early Greek the word was associated with running to answer a battle-cry.

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

βοηθός, -ον (see: βοηθέω),

[in LXX chiefly for עזר ;]

1. (poët. -όος), hasting to the war-cry (Hom.).

2. helping, auxiliary; as subst. (Hdt.), a helper: Hebrews 13:6 (LXX).

† (AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 13:6

Range of meaning

One who comes to help or rescue; an ally, an auxiliary in battle, a protector or advocate. The related verb βοηθέω is 'to come to the aid of' someone in need, often under attack. In early Greek the word was associated with running to answer a battle-cry.

Against the English

'Helper' is correct. In modern English, though, a 'helper' can sound like an assistant or a junior partner. In the Bible the word usually means the stronger party coming in when the weaker one cannot win alone.

How it drifted

English 'helper' has come to mean someone who assists with tasks, often of lower status. The Greek and Hebrew words carried a sense of rescue and military aid.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint βοηθός often translates Hebrew ʿōzēr/ʿēzer ('help, helper') and is applied to God: 'the LORD is my helper' (Ps 17:3; 27:7; 117:6–7 LXX); 'our helper and protector' (Ps 32:20; 113:17–19 LXX). In Psalm 117:7 LXX it is repeated, 'the Lord is my helper, and I shall look upon my enemies,' a battle setting.

Where it appears

Hebrews · 1

  1. Hebrews 13:6 βοηθός, helper,

    So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

    Here: The ally who comes to help when you are in danger and cannot win alone. In the Greek Old Testament it is used again and again of God rescuing his people.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.