ZOE (Life)

What is the Word?

Jesus speaks extensively about life and life abundant. The Biblical word for life is zóé. In its approximately 135 instances in the New Testament, zóé describes our physical life as contrasted with death, but also as a description of Jesus himself (John 14:6).

How does the Bible use this word?

While “life” is a sufficient translation of the word zóé, there are some deeper nuances to the word that can help us to understand the depth of meaning contained therein. Beyond describing life in the physical sense, zóé also refers to life in the transcendent sense. In this sense, physical life is the extension of the transcendent life of God in Christ. All living things derive their life through him, who upholds all creation by his word.

Where in the Bible?

Perhaps the most recognized example of zóé comes straight from the mouth of Jesus himself in John 14:6:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life (zóé). No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus goes far beyond simply being the author of life. He goes even further in claiming that he is life in and of himself. He is as he is described in John 1: 3-5;

All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life (zóé), and the life (zóé) was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Jesus is not subject to life but is life itself. Because of this, he has complete authority over the application of life. It cannot be separated from him unless he himself lays it down. As he teaches in John 10:17-18,

For this reason, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life (zóé) that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.

The Life of the World

As was alluded to previously, we see that Jesus is the giver of life because he is the source of life itself. All things that live participate in the life that emanates from God himself. Because God is gracious and loving, he desires to freely give life as an act of his free will. He desires this so much that he I willing to take on our flesh, becoming man and laying down his own life that we might take our life up again in his risen body. As Jesus tells us:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

                                                                        John 10:10-12

Written by Drew Matz