3591. ogkos
Lexical Summary
ogkos: weight, burden

Original Word: ὄγκος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: ogkos
Pronunciation: ong'-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (ong'-kos)
KJV: weight
NASB: encumbrance
Word Origin: [probably from agkos "a bend", ("ache")]

1. a mass (as bending or bulging by its load)
2. (figuratively) a burden (hindrance)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
weight.

Probably from the same as agkale; a mass (as bending or bulging by its load), i.e. Burden (hindrance) -- weight.

see GREEK agkale

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
bulk, an encumbrance
NASB Translation
encumbrance (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3591: ὄγκος

ὄγκος, ὀγδου, (apparently from ἘΓΚΩ, ἐνεγκεῖν, equivalent to φόρτος, see Buttmann, Lexil. i. 288ff (Fishlake's translation, p. 151f), whatever is prominent, protuberance, bulk, mass, hence), a burden, weight, encumbrance: Hebrews 12:1. (In many other uses in Greek writings of all ages.) [SYNONYMS: ὄγκος, βάρος, φορτίον: βάρος refers to weight, o. to bulk, and either may be oppressive (contra Tittmann); βάρος a load in so far as it is heavy, φορτίον a burden in so far as it is borne; hence, the φορτίον may be either 'heavy' (Matthew 23:4; Sir. 21:16), or 'light' (Matthew 11:30).]

Topical Lexicon
Word Overview

While occurring only once in the New Testament, ὄγκος (Strong’s Greek 3591) conveys the idea of a bulk, mass, or weight that hinders movement. Hebrews 12:1 employs the term metaphorically for anything that impedes the believer’s progress in the life of faith.

Biblical Context

Hebrews 12:1 presents a vivid scene: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set before us”. The verse follows the catalogue of faith heroes in Hebrews 11, turning their testimony into motivation. The “encumbrance” (ὄγκος) is distinguished from “sin,” indicating that not only overt transgression but also morally neutral pursuits, habits, or relationships can weigh down spiritual momentum.

Historical and Cultural Background

Readers in the first century were familiar with athletic contests held in Greek and Roman arenas. Runners stripped down to the lightest garments to achieve maximum speed. Any extra mass, however small, threatened victory. The author of Hebrews adapts this cultural knowledge, urging believers to identify and discard spiritual excess. Ancient military practice offers a parallel: soldiers lightened their load before forced marches. Both athletic and military parallels reinforce the call to decisive action.

Theological Significance

1. Separation unto God: Hebrews 12:1 echoes Old Testament calls to holiness (Leviticus 19:2). Setting aside weights underscores sanctification, the ongoing work of God’s Spirit conforming believers to Christ’s image (Romans 8:29).
2. Perseverance of the saints: The removal of hindrances is preparatory for “endurance” (Hebrews 12:1–3), aligning with exhortations such as James 1:12 and Revelation 3:11.
3. Corporate witness: The “cloud of witnesses” implies communal accountability. Believers run in view of previous generations and alongside present companions, so tolerating weights affects the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Practical and Pastoral Application

• Spiritual inventory: Periodic self-examination helps expose non-sinful yet burdensome pursuits—time-consuming hobbies, media consumption, or relationships that dilute zeal.
• Disciplined lifestyle: Like athletes who embrace rigorous training (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), Christians cultivate habits—prayer, Scripture intake, fellowship—that strengthen endurance once weights are removed.
• Mutual encouragement: Small groups and mentoring relationships can lovingly identify and address encumbrances, fulfilling Galatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens,” while keeping watch over personal liberty (Galatians 5:13).

Related Scriptural Themes

• Old Testament imagery: Isaiah 40:31’s soaring “on wings like eagles” parallels weightless progress granted to those who wait on the Lord.
• Paul’s race metaphor: Although Hebrews’ authorship is debated, parallels with 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 and Philippians 3:12-14 show consistent New Testament emphasis on focused pursuit.
• Christ’s invitation: Matthew 11:28-30 offers rest for the weighed-down, complementing the call to cast off burdens.

Christological Focus

Immediately after naming ὄγκος, Hebrews 12:2 fixes eyes on “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” The removal of weights is not self-help moralism but a response to Christ’s finished work and ongoing intercession (Hebrews 7:25). He endured the cross, despising its shame, modeling the ultimate shedding of earthly encumbrance.

Homiletical and Discipleship Insights

1. Sermons: Frame Hebrews 12:1 around the contrast between encumbrance and endurance, illustrating with modern sports or travel analogies.
2. Counseling: Use the passage to differentiate between sin issues and secondary distractions, offering tailored plans for each.
3. Missions: Encourage prospective missionaries to evaluate cultural and financial ties that could slow obedience (Luke 9:57-62).

Conclusion

ὄγκος challenges every generation of believers to vigilant self-purging for the sake of unimpeded devotion. Surrounded by faithful witnesses and empowered by Jesus Christ, the church lays aside every weight, running the race with perseverance until the crown of righteousness is awarded (2 Timothy 4:8).

Forms and Transliterations
ογκον όγκον ὄγκον onkon ónkon
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Hebrews 12:1 N-AMS
GRK: νέφος μαρτύρων ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι πάντα
NAS: every encumbrance and the sin
KJV: lay aside every weight, and the sin
INT: a cloud of witnesses weight having laid aside every

Strong's Greek 3591
1 Occurrence


ὄγκον — 1 Occ.

3590
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