βολή

a casting, throw

Definition

The Greek noun βολή (bolē) fundamentally means 'a throw' or 'a casting,' denoting the act of throwing something. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 22:41, it is used in the accusative case as a measure of distance, meaning 'a stone's throw.' This usage reflects a common idiomatic expression in Greek to indicate a short, measurable distance. While the core meaning is physical, its application as a unit of measure is its primary biblical sense.

Biblical Usage

Βολή is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 22:41. The text states that Jesus withdrew from his disciples in Gethsemane 'about a stone's throw away' (ὡσεὶ λίθου βολήν). Here, the word functions idiomatically within a prepositional phrase to specify a short, approximate distance, setting the scene for Jesus's solitary prayer.

Etymology

Βολή is derived from the verb βάλλω (ballō, G906), which means 'to throw' or 'to cast.' It is a primary noun formation indicating the act or result of throwing. Cognates and related words in Greek often carry this sense of propulsion or casting forth.

Semantic Range

Using 'a stone's throw' as a measure of distance was a common, tangible idiom in the ancient world, similar to modern phrases like 'a stone's throw away.' It conveyed an approximate but relatable distance based on the common human activity of throwing a stone. This makes the description in Luke 22:41 immediately understandable to the original audience, vividly portraying Jesus's physical—and symbolic—separation from his disciples as he entered his deepest anguish.

βάλλω (ballō, G906) — the root verb meaning 'to throw' or 'cast.' βολή is the noun form denoting the act or result.

Word Details

Scripture References