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βάσις

básis

G939 noun

SILEX Entry

Root βασ- to step, to go, to walk, to set a base

Definition

step, a pace taken in walking; more generally, the act or point of setting down the foot, movement or position of the foot; by extension, a base or pedestal, that which provides support or a foundation. In different contexts, can refer to a literal physical step, the distance of such a pace, or figuratively to a foundation or base upon which something stands.

Semantic Range

step, pace, act of stepping, position of the foot, distance of a step, base, pedestal, foundation, starting point

Root / Etymology

From the root βαίνω (to walk, step, go), with the suffix -σις forming an abstract noun. The term thus originally referred to the act of stepping or the place of a step.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, βάσις primarily denotes a step or pace (the movement or placement of the foot), and can also refer to a base or pedestal (for statues, columns, or objects). In medical, architectural, and metrical language, βάσις may describe a foundation, base, or starting point. In the Septuagint and New Testament, usage is rare, often retaining the sense of a step or the base of an object. Standard English translations often render it as 'foot' (when referring to the foot of an object such as an altar or lampstand) or 'base.' The word does not carry specialized religious nuance in the biblical context but is used with its general Greek meaning. Distinct from related terms such as πούς (foot, the body part) or θεμέλιος (foundation). The meaning as 'step' or 'pace' is not always preserved in standard translations, which sometimes prefer 'foot' or 'base' based on the context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to walk); a pace ("base"), i.e. (by implication) the foot:--foot.

Root Family

βάσις (basis) — step, pace, act of stepping, base, foundation

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G939-01 βάσεις baseis N NOM F PL feet steps 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G939-01 Acts 3:7 βάσεις baseis N NOM F PL feet steps
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