Lexical Summary barus: Heavy, burdensome, grievous, severe Original Word: βαρύς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance grievous, heavy, burdensome From the same as baros; weighty, i.e. (fig) burdensome, grave -- grievous, heavy, weightier. see GREEK baros HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 926 barýs – (an adjective, also used substantively) – properly, heavy (weighty); (figuratively) what is grievous (burdensome), pressing down on a person with oppressive force. Such a grievous burden makes a person unable to function (enjoy free movement). See 922 (baros). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition heavy NASB Translation burdensome (1), heavy (1), savage (1), serious (1), weightier provisions (1), weighty (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 926: βαρύςβαρύς, βαρεῖα, βαρύ, heavy; 1. properly, i. e. heavy in weight: φορτίον, Matthew 23:4 (in 11:30 we have the opposite, ἐλαφρόν). 2. metaphorically, a. burdensome: ἐντολή, the keeping of which is grievous, 1 John 5:3. b. severe, stern: ἐπιστολή, 2 Corinthians 10:10 (others, imposing, impressive, cf. Wetstein at the passage). c. weighty, i. e. of great moment: τά βαρύτερα τοῦ νόμου the weightier precepts of the law, Matthew 23:23; αἰτιάματα (better αἰτιώματα (which see)), Acts 25:7. d. violent, cruel, unsparing (A. V. grievous): λύκοι, Acts 20:29 (so also Homer, Iliad 1:89; Xenophon, Ages. 11, 12). This term conveys literal heaviness as well as figurative gravity, severity, intensity, or burden. Its six New Testament uses span the teaching ministry of Jesus, the missionary era of Acts, Pauline correspondence, and Johannine exhortation, showing a consistent thread: God distinguishes between oppressive human weight and the liberating weight of divine truth. Gospel Witness: Religious Burdens and True Weightiness • Matthew 23:4 contrasts self-exalting religiosity with genuine care: “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders….” The condemning load manufactured by the scribes and Pharisees illustrates how man-made tradition multiplies weight without offering help. Acts: Judicial Severity and Predatory Opposition • Acts 25:7 records “many serious charges” leveled against Paul—accusations portrayed as heavy but empty. Luke exposes the hollowness of religious hostility dressed up as gravity. Pauline Insight: Weighty Letters versus Weak Appearance • 2 Corinthians 10:10 cites critics who concede that Paul’s letters are “weighty and forceful,” while belittling his bodily presence. The Spirit-inspired pen carries more gravitas than outward impressiveness. Apostolic authority is measured by the heavy substance of truth, not by spectacle. Johannine Assurance: God’s Commands Are Not Oppressive • 1 John 5:3 states, “His commandments are not burdensome.” The verse overturns the common fear that obedience shackles believers. The indwelling Spirit turns obligation into joyful fellowship, proving that what proceeds from love never crushes. Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Early Jewish Context: In late Second-Temple Judaism, expanding oral tradition risked eclipsing scriptural priorities. Jesus’ “heavy burdens” rebuke exposes that drift and continues to warn church traditions today. Pastoral Applications • Evaluate teaching by its source—does it add human heaviness or convey divine substance? Summary Strong’s Greek 926 depicts weight that can crush when imposed by human pride, or weight that anchors and protects when issued by God. Disciples are called to lay aside the first and embrace the second, finding that the heaviest truth is also the most life-giving. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 23:4 Adj-ANPGRK: δὲ φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα NAS: They tie up heavy burdens and lay KJV: For they bind heavy burdens and INT: moreover burdens heavy and hard to bear Matthew 23:23 Adj-ANP-C Acts 20:29 Adj-NMP Acts 25:7 Adj-ANP 2 Corinthians 10:10 Adj-NFP 1 John 5:3 Adj-NFP Strong's Greek 926 |
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