βέβαιος
bébaios
G949 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Firm, secure, reliable; primarily denotes that which is stable or securely established, whether in a literal or figurative sense. Can refer to something physically stable or, more commonly in later Greek and Koine usage, to something morally or legally certain, trustworthy, or enduring—such as an agreement, promise, hope, or condition being fully dependable and guaranteed.
Semantic Range
firm, stable, secure, unshakable, certain, trustworthy, reliable, validated, confirmed, enduring, lawfully binding
Root / Etymology
From the root βεβ- related to βαίνω (to walk, to step), with the adjectival ending -αιος, indicating quality or state. βέβαιος originally developed from imagery of that which stands or is fixed, building on the notion of a firm foundation (cf. βάσις, 'basis', 'foundation').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, βέβαιος described what is solidly in place, stable, or steadfast (e.g., a building, an agreement). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, the term is frequently used metaphorically for something that can be relied upon, such as covenants, testimonies, and hopes. The sense of lawful certitude or guaranteed validity appears particularly in legal, philosophical, and administrative papyri. In biblical literature, βέβαιος typically applies to promises or hopes that are fully trustworthy or certain. Standard English translations as 'sure,' 'firm,' or 'steadfast' often capture the core meaning but may overlook the word’s robust connotation of guaranteed reliability—especially in legal or formal contexts. The word’s presence in legal and papyrological texts of the Hellenistic era underscores its implications of formal security and validity.
Translation Consistency
‘Secure’ best captures the common Koine sense of βεβαῖος — firm, reliable, trustworthy, and lawfully or practically established. It is natural English, fits literal and figurative contexts (secure/established hope, promise, condition), and is the most frequent/neutral choice among attested renderings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of βάσις (through the idea of basality); stable (literally or figuratively):--firm, of force, stedfast, sure.
Root Family
βέβαιος (bebaios) — firm, secure, established, reliable
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G949-02 |
βεβαίαν | bebaian | ADJ.P ACC F SG |
certain | secure (feminine singular accusative) | secure (feminine singular accusative) | 4 |
G949-01 |
βεβαία | bebaia | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
steadfast | firm and established | firm and established | 2 |
G949-03 |
βέβαιος | bebaios | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
valid | firm, secure | firm, secure | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G949-02 |
Romans 4:16 | βεβαίαν | bebaian | ADJ.P ACC F SG |
sure | secure (feminine singular accusative) | secure (feminine singular accusative) |
G949-01 |
2 Corinthians 1:7 | βεβαία | bebaia | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
steadfast | firm and established | firm and established |
G949-03 |
Hebrews 2:2 | βέβαιος | bebaios | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
valid | firm, secure | firm, secure |
G949-02 |
Hebrews 3:14 | βεβαίαν | bebaian | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
firm | secure (feminine singular accusative) | secure (feminine singular accusative) |
G949-02 |
Hebrews 6:19 | βεβαίαν | bebaian | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
steadfast | secure (feminine singular accusative) | secure (feminine singular accusative) |
G949-01 |
Hebrews 9:17 | βεβαία | bebaia | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
valid | firm and established | firm and established |
G949-02 |
2 Peter 1:10 | βεβαίαν | bebaian | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
certain | secure (feminine singular accusative) | secure (feminine singular accusative) |