Lexical Summary ómos: Shoulder Original Word: ὦμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shoulder. Perhaps from the alternate of phero; the shoulder (as that on which burdens are borne) -- shoulder. see GREEK phero NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the shoulder NASB Translation shoulders (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5606: ὦμοςὦμος, ὤμου, ὁ (ὈΙΩ equivalent to φέρω ((?); allied with Latinumerus, cf. Vanicek, p. 38; Curtius, § 487)), from Homer down, the shoulder: Matthew 23:4; Luke 15:5. Topical Lexicon Physical and Symbolic Significance of the ShoulderThe shoulder is the bodily place where weight is borne, direction is shown, and authority is displayed. Throughout Scripture it marks the juncture of strength and responsibility. Whether carrying a lamb, bearing a yoke, or receiving a mantle, the shoulder depicts both capacity for labor and the dignity of office. Old Testament Background 1. Reverent Service 2. Rule and Governance 3. Freedom and Deliverance New Testament Usage 1. Legalistic Oppression (Matthew 23:4) Religious leaders “tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders.” The verse employs the word to expose hypocrisy: imposing impossible standards while refusing personal sacrifice. The shoulder here illustrates spiritual enslavement, contrasting sharply with Christ’s easy yoke (Matthew 11:30). 2. Compassionate Rescue (Luke 15:5) “And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders.” The Good Shepherd’s act of lifting the lost sheep depicts loving initiative, secure transport, and shared joy. The same body part that legalists use to crush is, in the Savior’s hands, a place of safety. Christological Implications The contrast between Matthew 23:4 and Luke 15:5 is striking: • False shepherds overburden; the True Shepherd bears. Isaiah’s prophecy of government upon Messiah’s shoulder finds narrative embodiment when Jesus shoulders the cross (John 19:17) and, ultimately, every redeemed sinner. The shoulder thus traces a line from priestly intercession, through kingly authority, to sacrificial atonement. Theology of Bearing Burdens Scripture balances two truths: believers cast their burdens upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22), yet also “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Christ’s shoulders enable ours; we carry because He first carried. Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral Care – Shepherd-like ministry lifts rather than loads. Counsel and discipline must aim at restoration, not oppression. Worship and Service When worshipers submit to Christ’s lordship, they place their shoulders under His easy yoke. Obedience becomes delight, burdens become testimonies, and the community becomes a fellowship of freed shoulders—each strengthened to lift others by the grace first received from the Shepherd-King. Forms and Transliterations ώμοι ώμοις ωμόν ώμον ώμος ώμός ωμοτόκησε ώμου ωμους ώμους ὤμους ώμω ώμων omous ōmous ṓmousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:4 N-AMPGRK: ἐπὶ τοὺς ὤμους τῶν ἀνθρώπων NAS: them on men's shoulders, but they themselves KJV: men's shoulders; but INT: on the shoulders of men Luke 15:5 N-AMP |
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