Lexical Summary epibareó: To burden, to weigh down Original Word: ἐπιβαρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to burden, weigh downFrom epi and bareo; to be heavy upon, i.e. (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe towards -- be chargeable to, overcharge. see GREEK epi see GREEK bareo HELPS Word-studies 1912 epibaréō (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" intensifying 916 /baréō, "become heavy, burdensome") – properly, to burden upon, bringing inevitable (expected) side-effects that go with becoming a burden. These effects naturally build on how someone is viewed, i.e. when thought of as exerting "negative weight" in a relationship. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and bareó Definition to put a burden on NASB Translation burden (2), say too much (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1912: ἐπιβαρέωἐπιβαρέω, ἐπιβαρῶ; 1 aorist infinitive ἐπιβαρῆσαί; to put a burden upon, to load (cf. ἐπί, D. 3); tropically, to be burdensome; so in the N. T.: τινα, 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8; absolutely, ἵνα μή ἐπιβαρῶ 'that I press not too heavily' i. e. lest I give pain by too severe language, 2 Corinthians 2:5. (Dionysius Halicarnassus, Appian.) Topical Lexicon Root Ideaἐπιβαρέω portrays the act of pressing extra weight upon someone—whether material, emotional, or moral. In Pauline usage the term always appears with a negative nuance: an imposition that could hinder gospel reception, strain relationships, or aggravate existing sorrow. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 The first two texts refer to tangible, financial burden; the third speaks of emotional burden. Each instance reveals Paul’s pastoral strategy: the apostle voluntarily limits his own rights in order to advance the gospel and protect the flock. Paul’s Missionary Ethic and Financial Independence In Thessalonica Paul “worked night and day so that [he] would not be a burden” (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). The fledgling church was composed of new believers—many from modest means and some facing persecution. By supporting himself through manual labor, Paul: • Guarded the message from accusations of greed (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:3–6). Pastoral Concern and Emotional Burden 2 Corinthians 2:5 highlights a different sphere of “heaviness.” The disciplinary case within the Corinthian church had already pained the congregation. Paul therefore measures his language “so that I would not overburden you”. He resists adding oppressive weight to their grief. Here ἐπιβαρέω underscores the shepherd’s sensitivity: truth must be spoken, yet administered with a view to congregational well-being. Inter-Testamental and Greco-Roman Usage In wider Greek literature the verb could describe levying taxes, placing military requisitions, or adding ballast to a ship. These parallels illuminate Paul’s usage: he refuses to levy a “tax” on believers and avoids “loading down” hearts already tested by trials. The term thus bridges material and immaterial spheres in both secular and sacred settings. Theological Reflections 1. Freedom and love: Christian liberty includes the right to receive support (1 Corinthians 9:4–14), yet love may surrender that right for the gospel’s sake. Practical Ministry Applications • Financial policies: Churches and missionaries should evaluate support structures to prevent the perception that the gospel is tied to monetary gain. Concluding Thoughts ἐπιβαρέω serves as a reminder that gospel ministry must lift loads, not add them. Whether in finances or feelings, the people of God walk faithfully when they refuse to press extra weight upon others, choosing instead the costly path of sacrificial love for the sake of Christ and His church. Forms and Transliterations επιβαρησαι επιβαρήσαί ἐπιβαρῆσαί επιβαρω επιβαρώ ἐπιβαρῶ επίβασιν επιβάσις επιβάται επιβάτας επιβάτην επιβάτης επιβάτου epibaresai epibarêsaí epibarēsai epibarē̂saí epibaro epibarô epibarō epibarō̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 2:5 V-PSA-1SGRK: ἵνα μὴ ἐπιβαρῶ πάντας ὑμᾶς NAS: in order not to say too much-- to all KJV: I may not overcharge you all. INT: that not I might put it too severely to all you 1 Thessalonians 2:9 V-ANA 2 Thessalonians 3:8 V-ANA Strong's Greek 1912 |
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