Lexical Summary abarés: Not burdensome, light, unburdensome Original Word: ἀβαρής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance not burdensomeFrom a (as a negative particle) and baros; weightless, i.e. (figuratively) not burdensome -- from being burdensome. see GREEK a see GREEK baros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and baros Definition not burdensome NASB Translation from being a burden (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4: ἀβαρήςἀβαρής, (ές (βάρος weight), without weight, light; tropically, not burdensome: ἀβαρῆ ὑμῖν, ἐμαυτόν ἐτήρησα I have avoided burdening you with expense on my account, 2 Corinthians 11:9; see 1 Thessalonians 2:9, cf. 6. (From Aristotle down.) Topical Lexicon Lexical Scope and Core Idea The single New Testament appearance of ἀβαρῆ in 2 Corinthians 11:9 conveys Paul’s resolve to minister without imposing any material weight on those he served. The term depicts freedom from encumbrance, highlighting a refusal to exact financial or logistical strain from fellow believers. Occurrence in Scripture “...I kept myself from being a burden to anyone, and will continue to do so.” (2 Corinthians 11:9) Historical Context in Pauline Ministry Corinth lay at the crossroads of trade, philosophy, and religious pluralism. Traveling speakers commonly charged audiences or received patronage, yet Paul deliberately distinguished gospel proclamation from secular rhetoric. By working with his own hands (Acts 18:3) and receiving aid from Macedonian churches, he preserved the Corinthian mission from accusations of profiteering. This decision guarded the fledgling congregation from cultural suspicion and rival teachers who trafficked in eloquence for gain. Theological Implications 1. Integrity of the Gospel: Paul’s refusal to be “a burden” underscored that salvation is freely offered. Any hint of commercial exchange would cloud grace (Romans 3:24). Model for Contemporary Ministry • Financial Transparency: Leaders guard testimony by clear accounting and modest personal expectation. Related Scriptural Themes 1. Bearing and Not Bearing Burdens: Believers are called to “carry one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) even while leaders avoid being burdensome (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Ministerial Legacy Church history remembers Paul’s stance as a benchmark for missionary ethics. Early documents such as the Didache urge traveling prophets to limit their stay lest they exploit hospitality. Reformers commended modest living to preserve credibility before the watching world, and many modern mission agencies require external accountability for the same reason. The single yet potent use of ἀβαρῆ thus radiates beyond vocabulary. It portrays a servant heart that finances could neither bridle nor blemish, setting a timeless paradigm: preach Christ freely, trust God fully, and love His people sacrificially. Forms and Transliterations αβαρη αβαρή ἀβαρῆ αβασίλευτόν άβατον άβατος άβατός αβάτω αβατωθή abare abarê abarē abarē̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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