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βάρος

báros

G922 noun

SILEX Entry

Root βαρ- heavy, to weigh, burden

Definition

Weight, heaviness; in tangible contexts, refers to physical weight or mass. Metaphorically, denotes a heavy responsibility, burden, moral or emotional weight, or authority/influence, particularly within interpersonal or communal relations. In New Testament usage, primarily used figuratively for a burden or encumbrance, either external (imposed by others) or internal (sense of responsibility, hardship).

Semantic Range

physical weight, heaviness, mass, burden, responsibility, hardship, authority, moral or emotional weight, figurative encumbrance

Root / Etymology

From root βαρ- ('heavy') with the nominal suffix -ος; related to βάρος ('weight'). Connected to the idea of physical or metaphorical heaviness. Cognate with βάσις ('a step' or 'foundation'), although their direct connection is debated; both may share semantic elements related to being supported or carrying load. Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *gʷerh₃- ('heavy').

Historical & Contextual Notes

Classical Greek primarily uses βάρος for literal weight or mass (e.g., in medicine, physics, and descriptions of physical objects). Already by the Hellenistic period, the term broadens to include metaphorical senses: 'burden' as in responsibility or hardship. In the Septuagint and New Testament, βάρος is used almost exclusively in this figurative sense, referring to burdens that are emotional, social, or spiritual rather than physical, e.g., the 'burden' of duty, hardship, or the weight of apostolic authority (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17; Galatians 6:2,5). Related terms: φορτίον (more commonly denotes a physical or assigned burden/load, but also used metaphorically), and ὄχλος (signifies trouble or annoyance rather than weight). Modern English translations use 'burden,' 'weight,' or 'load,' but often do not reflect the full scope of moral and social nuance. The term does not inherently carry negative connotation; it can imply significant responsibility or even authority, depending on context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from the same as βάσις (through the notion of going down; compare βάθος); weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority:--burden(-some), weight.

Root Family

βάρος (baros) — heavy, weight, burden

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G922-03 βάρος baros N ACC N SG burden weight 4
G922-02 βάρει barei N DAT N SG burden to a burden 1
G922-01 βάρη bare N ACC N PL burdens heavy burdens 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G922-03 Matthew 20:12 βάρος baros N ACC N SG weight
G922-03 Acts 15:28 βάρος baros N ACC N SG burden weight
G922-03 2 Corinthians 4:17 βάρος baros N ACC N SG weight
G922-01 Galatians 6:2 βάρη bare N ACC N PL burdens heavy burdens
G922-02 1 Thessalonians 2:7 βάρει barei N DAT N SG burden to a burden
G922-03 Revelation 2:24 βάρος baros N ACC N SG weight
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