Lexical Summary stegó: To cover, to bear, to endure Original Word: στέγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance forbear, endureFrom stege; to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently) -- (for-)bear, suffer. see GREEK stege HELPS Word-studies 4722 stégō – properly, to place under roof, to cover-over (with a roof); (figuratively) to endure because shielded, i.e. bearing up (forbearing) because under the Lord's protection (covering). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition to cover closely (so as to keep water out), generally to bear up under NASB Translation bears (1), endure (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4722: στέγωστέγω; (allied with Latintego, toga, English deck, thatch, etc.; Curtius, § 155 Fick Part 3:590); to cover; 1. to protect or keep by covering, to preserve: Sophocles, Plato, Plutarch, others. 2. to cover over with silence; to keep secret; to hide, conceal: ταμα ἔπη, Euripides, Electr. 273; τόν λόγον, Polybius 8, 14, 5; for other examples see Passow, under the word, 1 b. β.; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2); μωρός οὐ δυνήσεται λόγον στέξαι, Sir. 8:17; hence, ἡ ἀγάπη πάντα στέγει, 1 Corinthians 13:7, is explained by some, love covereth (so R. V. marginal reading), i. e. hides and excuses, the errors and faults of others; but it is more appropriately rendered (with other interpreters) beareth. For στέγω means 3. by covering to keep off something which threatens, to bear up against, hold out against, and so to endure, bear, forbear (τάς ἐνδείας, Philo in Flacc. § 9; many examples from Greek authors from Aeschylus down are given by Passow, under the word, 2; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, A. especially 3)): 1 Corinthians 9:12; 1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 5. Strong’s 4722 appears only four times, all in Pauline letters (1 Corinthians 9:12; 1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Each instance carries the twin ideas of covering and enduring—providing shelter from pressure while simultaneously holding up under it. The contexts range from the self-sacrifice of apostolic ministry to the protective character of love and pastoral concern. Usage in Pauline Epistles 1. 1 Corinthians 13:7 presents the term as the first action of love: “It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”. Here love functions like a roof, shielding others from exposure and patiently absorbing strain. 2. 1 Corinthians 9:12 places the word within Paul’s defense of renouncing financial rights: “But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we endure everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ”. Apostolic endurance safeguards the gospel’s credibility. 3. 1 Thessalonians 3:1 and 3:5 twice describe Paul’s emotional tension over the Thessalonians’ welfare: “So when we could bear it no longer…”. The apostle’s pastoral heart finally reaches its limit; yet even his breaking point is motivated by loving concern, not self-interest. Theological Themes Love as Covering: In 1 Corinthians 13, the verb portrays love’s instinct to conceal the faults of others rather than broadcast them. This harmonizes with Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8, where love “covers” sin, reinforcing Scripture’s unified witness to charity’s protective bias. Endurance for the Gospel: Paul’s decision in 1 Corinthians 9 mirrors Christ’s own self-emptying (Philippians 2:5-8). By absorbing hardship instead of asserting rights, the apostle models the cruciform path that advances the gospel with no stumbling block attached. Pastoral Anxiety and Action: The double use in 1 Thessalonians 3 displays legitimate pastoral concern that refuses passive detachment. When the burden grows too great, Paul acts—sending Timothy to strengthen the believers. Thus the verb frames both the tension felt and the constructive response taken. Historical and Cultural Insights Classical usage often depicted the term in architectural settings—roofs that keep out rain. Paul, a tentmaker familiar with fabric stretched tight against weather, chose a word evocative of practical shelter. The image would resonate with congregations meeting in modest homes or under porticoes, regularly exposed to the elements of both climate and persecution. Practical Ministry Applications • Shepherding Care: Like Paul, modern pastors may reach a point where concern for the flock compels decisive intervention. Spiritual leadership involves carrying hidden pressures so others may flourish. • Sacrificial Rights-Waiving: Believers seeking to remove hindrances to the gospel can imitate Paul’s willingness to “endure everything.” Whether forgoing liberties or absorbing criticism, the goal remains the same—unobstructed proclamation of Christ. • Love’s Discretion: In counseling, church discipline, or everyday fellowship, love restrains the impulse to expose weaknesses. Instead, it offers a safe covering that encourages repentance and growth without public humiliation. Connections to Wider Biblical Revelation The motif of divine covering begins in Genesis 3:21, where God clothes the fallen pair, and culminates in Revelation 7:15-17, where He “shelters them with His presence.” The term in Strong’s 4722 stands within this narrative arc, depicting redeemed people who mirror their Creator by shielding others and braving suffering for their good. Summary of Spiritual Edification Strong’s 4722 calls the church to embody a dual posture: provide refuge for others while steadfastly weathering pressures that would otherwise damage them. Whether in interpersonal relationships, public witness, or pastoral oversight, the Spirit empowers believers to “bear all things” for the glory of Christ and the preservation of His people. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 9:12 V-PIA-1PGRK: ἀλλὰ πάντα στέγομεν ἵνα μή NAS: right, but we endure all things KJV: power; but suffer all things, lest INT: but all things we bear that not 1 Corinthians 13:7 V-PIA-3S 1 Thessalonians 3:1 V-PPA-NMP 1 Thessalonians 3:5 V-PPA-NMS Strong's Greek 4722 |
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