Lexical Summary ogkos: weight, burden Original Word: ὄγκος 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 Originof uncertain origin Definition bulk, an encumbrance NASB Translation encumbrance (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3591: ὄγκοςὄγκος, ὀγδου, ὁ (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.) 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). 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. 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. 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. 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 ónkonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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