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κάμνω

kámnō

G2577 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To become weary or tired as a result of ongoing effort or toil; by extension, to lose strength or to grow weak, either physically or emotionally. In some contexts, used of experiencing fatigue leading to discouragement, exhaustion, or even illness.

Semantic Range

to be weary physically, to become tired through work, to be exhausted emotionally or spiritually, to grow discouraged, to become weak or feeble, to fall ill

Root / Etymology

The verb κάμνω is a primary verb in Greek, not derived from another term. Its Indo-European root is related to the concept of bending or becoming tired through labor. Cognate with Latin 'cāmentum' (fatigue, effort) and possibly related to the Greek noun κάματος ('toil, labor, weariness').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κάμνω primarily denoted physical exhaustion or fatigue arising from strenuous work or travel. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, its usage expanded to include not only literal weariness but also metaphorical senses of discouragement, emotional exhaustion, or being worn down by difficulties (e.g., in moral or spiritual perseverance). In the New Testament, κάμνω sometimes appears alongside ἐκκακέω ('to lose heart, to give up'), distinguishing a weariness that may lead to ceasing effort or falling ill, as seen in James 5:15 where it refers to a person who is 'sick' (though likely signifying one overwhelmed or weakened, not strictly physical illness). Standard English renderings (e.g., 'faint,' 'become weary,' 'grow weary,' 'fall sick') capture part of the word's meaning, but may not reflect the full nuance of psychological and physical exhaustion present in certain contexts. Not to be confused with κάμνω in the sense of simple tiredness, as its NT usage often carries a weight of profound discouragement or the result of sustained hardship.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary verb; properly, to toil, i.e. (by implication) to tire (figuratively, faint, sicken):--faint, sick, be wearied.

Root Family

κάμνω (kámnō) — to grow weary, to become tired, to be worn out

Root καμν- to grow weary, to become tired, to be worn out

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2577-01 κάμητε kamete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you grow weary you might grow weary you might grow weary 1
G2577-02 κάμνοντα kamnonta V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG sick the one growing weary the one growing weary 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2577-01 Hebrews 12:3 κάμητε kamete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you grow weary you might grow weary you might grow weary
G2577-02 James 5:15 κάμνοντα kamnonta V PRS ACT PTCP ACC M SG sick the one growing weary the one growing weary
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