βοηθός
boēthós
G998 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Helper; one who comes to the aid of another. In primary use, a person who provides assistance, support, or protection in the face of need or danger. The term can refer to both personal aid and more formal or official assistance. Also used in some contexts for a defender or ally.
Semantic Range
helper, one who brings aid, succorer, defender, deliverer, supporter, rescuer
Root / Etymology
From βoή ('shout,' particularly a call for help or battle-cry) and the verb θέω ('to run'), indicating one who runs to respond to a call for help.
Historical & Contextual Notes
βοηθός appears in Greek literature from at least the classical period, commonly denoting someone who provides help in response to a cry, especially in urgent situations such as battle or disaster. The term is used both in secular and religious contexts (for divine or human helpers). In the Septuagint and New Testament, βοηθός often refers to God as a helper or one who provides deliverance. English translations commonly render this as 'helper,' 'aid,' or 'succorer,' but these terms may not fully capture the connotations of immediacy and responsiveness inherent in the Greek. In contrast to related terms like σύμμαχος (ally, a formal partner), βοηθός usually indicates a direct, responsive action to need. The sense is not necessarily limited to divine assistance but broadly includes any agent of aid. The English 'helper' may obscure the urgency or active nature implied by the etymology and original contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from βοή and theo (to run); a succorer:--helper.
Root Family
βοηθός (boēthos) — to help, to aid, to run to help
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G998-01 |
βοηθός | boethos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
helper | helper | helper | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G998-01 |
Hebrews 13:6 | βοηθός | boethos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
helper | helper | helper |