ζάω
zaō
Modern Summary of Abbott-Smith’s Lexicon (1922)
The word "ζάω" (zaō) primarily means "to live" or "to be alive." It is used to describe physical life, such as being alive or living one's life, and is sometimes contrasted with death. It can also refer metaphorically to spiritual life, a way of living (e.g., living in faith or righteousness), or even to inanimate things like "living water" (flowing water) or "living hope."
to live
Etymologically, zaō traces to a primary verb. In the King James Version, this word is translated as life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), and quick.
Acts as a root form within the "a primary verb;" word family, giving rise to related terms across Scripture.
Lexical data derived from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. See full disclaimer
Word DNA
Origin
This word acts as a root form.
Word Family
a primary verb;Family Forms
Key Connections
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Connection Map
Nearest neighbors in the lexical network.
Compare This Word
Explore how zaō relates to similar or contrasting biblical words.
חָיָה
châyâh
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
חַי
chay
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively
Resurrection & New Life Cluster
Words that share the same theological orbit.
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Follow the thread — discover connected words and concepts.
חַי
chay
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively
ζωή
zōē
life (literally or figuratively)
חָיָה
châyâh
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
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