Lexical Summary sóreuó: To heap up, to pile, to accumulate Original Word: σωρεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heap, load. From another form of soros; to pile up (literally or figuratively) -- heap, load. see GREEK soros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sóros (a heap) Definition to heap on NASB Translation heap (1), weighed down (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4987: σωρεύωσωρεύω: future σωρεύσω; perfect passive participle σεσωρευμενος; (σωρός, a heap); (from Aristotle down); to heap together, to heap up: τί ἐπί τί, Romans 12:20 (from Proverbs 25:22; see ἀνθρξ); τινα τίνι, to overwhelm one with a heap of anything: tropically, ἁμαρτίαις, to load one with the consciousness of many sins, passive, 2 Timothy 3:6. (Compare: ἐπισωρεύω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4987 embodies the picture of accumulating, piling up, or loading upon someone or something. In Scripture the verb appears only twice, yet its vivid imagery serves two markedly different purposes: exposing the crushing burden of sin (2 Timothy 3:6) and illustrating the redemptive potential of enemy-love (Romans 12:20). Biblical Usage 1. 2 Timothy 3:6 – False teachers “captivate vulnerable women weighed down with sins”. The verb paints a scene of accumulated moral debt that renders these women easy prey. Their consciences, already smothered by layers of unconfessed sin, leave them susceptible to deceptive leaders. Theological Themes Burden of Sin – Scripture consistently portrays sin as a weight too great for human shoulders (Psalm 38:4; Matthew 11:28). In 2 Timothy 3:6 the piling up underscores how unchecked sin compounds, dulling discernment and inviting further deception. Kindness That Convicts – Romans 12:20, echoing Proverbs 25:21-22, reveals a paradox: mercy can amass a moral crisis that awakens the conscience. The “burning coals” symbolize shame-fueled repentance rather than vindictive harm (see Acts 2:37 for hearts “pierced” by truth). Divine Justice and Mercy – Both texts affirm that accumulation is inevitable: either sins accumulate toward judgment or acts of grace accumulate toward salvation’s breakthrough. Galatians 6:7-9 reinforces this sow-and-reap principle. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient hearths used live coals to ignite new fires; to give coals to a neighbor was a gesture of practical goodwill. Conversely, accumulating debts or loads was a familiar metaphor in Greco-Roman moral discourse. Paul taps into both images to communicate gospel ethics within everyday life. Ministry Insight Pastoral Discernment – Leaders must recognize that unresolved guilt breeds vulnerability. Sound teaching should uncover and relieve, not exploit, that burden (1 John 1:9). Evangelistic Strategy – Acts of tangible kindness, especially toward opponents, remain a Spirit-empowered means of softening resistance. Far from passive tolerance, such love actively “heaps” persuasive evidence of Christ’s character. Discipleship Balance – Believers must avoid two extremes: ignoring accumulated sin in the flock (which invites further deception) or weaponizing guilt without offering the relief found in Christ’s atonement. Connections with Old Testament Imagery • Proverbs 25:21-22 – The source of Paul’s quotation, showing the continuity of covenant ethics. Patristic and Reformation Commentary • Chrysostom viewed the “coals” as “pricks to the conscience” that may lead an enemy “to blush for shame.” Practical Application for Discipleship • Conduct periodic spiritual inventories to prevent the slow build-up of unconfessed sin (Psalm 139:23-24). Key Cross-References Psalm 38:4; Isaiah 1:4; Isaiah 30:1; Matthew 11:28; Galatians 6:2-9; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 25:21-22; Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:12 Forms and Transliterations σεσωρευμενα σεσωρευμένα σωρευσεις σωρεύσεις σωρήκ σωροί σωρόν σωρός σωρούς σωρών sesoreumena sesoreuména sesōreumena sesōreuména soreuseis soreúseis sōreuseis sōreúseisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 12:20 V-FIA-2SGRK: ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν NAS: DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING KJV: doing thou shalt heap coals INT: coals of fire you will heap upon the 2 Timothy 3:6 V-RPM/P-ANP Strong's Greek 4987 |
    |