βάρος (G922) — Greek Lexicon

βάρος

báros

G922 noun

SILEX Entry

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.

Translation Consistency

primary "burden" 6 occurrences

βάρος most often functions as a figurative heavy encumbrance or responsibility in the New Testament; “burden” is the natural, commonly used English noun that covers both literal weight and moral/emotional responsibility, so it best fits the typical and extended senses.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

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

βαρ- (epibaréō) — to be heavy, to burden, to impose

Root βαρ- heavy, to weigh, burden

Strong's	Lemma	SIBI-P1
G1912	ἐπιβαρέω	to impose a burden upon
G2599	καταβαρέω	being weighed down
G4	ἀβαρής	an unburdensome man
G912	Βαραββᾶς	Barabbas
G916	βαρέω	let him be weighed down
G917	βαρέως	heavily
G926	βαρύς	heavy things

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G922-03`	βάρος	baros	`N ACC N SG`	burden	weight	burden	4
`G922-01`	βάρη	bare	`N ACC N PL`	burdens	heavy burdens	burdens	1
`G922-02`	βάρει	barei	`N DAT N SG`	burden	to a burden	burden	1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G922-03`	Matthew 20:12	βάρος	baros	`N ACC N SG`	burden	weight	burden
`G922-03`	Acts 15:28	βάρος	baros	`N ACC N SG`	burden	weight	burden
`G922-03`	2 Corinthians 4:17	βάρος	baros	`N ACC N SG`	weight	weight	burden
`G922-01`	Galatians 6:2	βάρη	bare	`N ACC N PL`	burdens	heavy burdens	burdens
`G922-02`	1 Thessalonians 2:7	βάρει	barei	`N DAT N SG`	burden	to a burden	burden
`G922-03`	Revelation 2:24	βάρος	baros	`N ACC N SG`	burden	weight	burden

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