[Greek] βάλλω (ballō): to throw, to cast out, to strike, to thrust, to lie, to be laid, to put; Mt.5:30, Jn.8:7, Rev.6:13, Mt.9:17, Mt18:30, Jas.3:3, Mt.10:34, 1Jn.4:18, Mt.25:27, Rev.14:16, Rev.2:22, Lk.12:49, Jn.13:2
Fisherman throwing out their casting nets
Background Information:
Old Testament: This Greek term is used in an active sense as “to throw” or “to cast”. Uzziah cast large stones (2 Chr.26:15). Lots were casted as a way to discern God’s will (1 Kgs.14:42). The fisherman cast their hooks in the Nile (Isa.19:18). The king of Assyria will not cast up military blockades (Isa.37:33). They cast lots for his garments (Psa.22:19). There is a time to scatter stones (Eccl 3:5).
New Testament: This term is used quite frequently in varied ways. Like in the Old Testament, this term takes on the sense of to throw, to hurl, to pour, and to let go. In addition, the passive use of this term gives the sense of being laid down. This term is also used with various prefixes, taking on still more different meanings. Such prefixes include para-, meta, hyper-, sum-, dia-, and kata-. Some such examples are parable, hyperbole, and diabolical.
Scripture:
Jn.8:7 Throwing a stone at the sinful woman
Rev.6:13 Let the figs drop by gravity
Act.27:14 A storm moves down rapidly
Mt.9:17 Cause liquid to come out of a container
Mt.18:30 Put him in prison
Mt.10:34 Bring about peace
1Jn 4:18 Perfect love drives out fear
Mt.25:27 Deposit money
Rev.2:22 Cast her on a sickbed
Lk.12:49 Cause discord
Jn13:2 Place in her heart
Parable (Para-bole): This is something “thrown alongside” something else. A parable is an illustration thrown along with a truth (teaching) for the purposes of understanding the message. The disciples were often clueless in understanding what Jesus was trying to convey to them.
Hyperbole (Hyper-bole): This is a “throwing beyond.” The primary idea coveys a sense of exaggeration, preeminence, surpassing, abundance, or something over and above. This is also can be used as a figure of speech. Paul acknowledges that he had persecuted the church of God beyond measure.
Diabolical (Dia-ballo): This is one who “throws charges against.” Essentially, this word means slanderous. Not surprisingly, the Greek diabolos means devil, the one who casts through. Satan is the great accuser. Therefore, Satan is the diabolical one.
Symbol (Sym-ballo): This means to “throw together with.” Essentially, this means that something is tied, linked, or represented with something else.
Conclusion
Obviously, all of us aware of many of these words, which include these prefixes. I was surprised about how many prefixes can be used with the term ballo. To be honest, I was not familiar with the passive uses of this term. For example, in Rev.6:13 the stars fall. In other words, the stars are allowing gravity to act upon them. So, I just wanted to “throw it out to you” that this term is a foundation for several other words and meanings.