### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ónkos**, represented by `{{G3591}}`, describes a **weight** or burden. It appears only 1 time in the entire Bible, signifying a highly specific and potent metaphorical meaning. The term's base definition is a mass that bends or bulges by its load, conveying the idea of a hindrance or burden.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G3591}}` is found in a powerful exhortation to believers. In [[Hebrews 12:1]], believers are instructed to "lay aside every **weight**, and the sin which doth so easily beset us," so they can run the spiritual race with patience. Here, the **weight** is presented as a figurative encumbrance that, like sin, slows a person down and must be intentionally cast off to make spiritual progress. This action is encouraged in light of the "so great a cloud of witnesses" that has gone before.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its context clarify the meaning of `{{G3591}}`:
* `{{G659}}` **apotíthēmi** (to put away): This is the action believers are commanded to take against the **weight**. It means to cast off or lay aside, and is used elsewhere to command putting off the old man [[Ephesians 4:22]] and laying aside all malice [[1 Peter 2:1]].
* `{{G2139}}` **euperístatos** (which doth so easily beset): This term, describing a competitor that thwarts a racer from every direction, is used in parallel with **weight** to characterize the nature of sin as a hindrance [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* `{{G73}}` **agṓn** (race): This word establishes the setting as a contest, fight, or race. The **weight** is a direct impediment to completing this spiritual **race** [[Hebrews 12:1]], which is elsewhere called the "good fight of faith" [[1 Timothy 6:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3591}}` is focused and direct:
* **Spiritual Hindrance:** The term is used exclusively as a metaphor for any burden that impedes a believer's spiritual journey. It represents something that must be shed in order to effectively run the race that is set before us [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* **Association with Sin:** Its placement next to "the sin which doth so easily beset us" [[Hebrews 12:1]] highlights its role as a critical obstacle to a holy life, even if the **weight** itself is not explicitly defined as sin.
* **A Call to Action:** The instruction to "lay aside" every **weight** is a command for decisive, personal action. It underscores the believer's responsibility to identify and remove any encumbrance that prevents them from running with patience `{{G5281}}`.
### Summary
In summary, while **ónkos** `{{G3591}}` is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, its singular appearance provides a clear and powerful image. It is not just a physical load but a spiritual **weight**—any burden or hindrance that prevents a believer from running their spiritual race freely. The term serves as a potent reminder for believers to cast off all that entangles them, so they may pursue their divine calling with endurance and focus.
TRV