Greek word · Strong's G2222

ζωή

zōḗ · noun · “life”

In a sentence

Zōē is life — and in John especially, the eternal, God-given life that begins now through Jesus, not merely biological existence.

Greek had more than one word for life; zōē points to life itself, vitality, and in the New Testament’s hands, the divine life God shares with his people. John layers it with “eternal,” describing a quality of life — knowing God — as much as a length.

Jesus claims to be its source: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” and came that we “may have life and have it abundantly.” This life starts the moment a person trusts Christ and cannot be ended by death.

Strong's reference

Definition: life (literally or figuratively)

KJV usage: life(-time)

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.