### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb stégō (`{{G4722}}`) derives from stégē (`{{G4721}}`), meaning "a roof" or "a covering." Its primary, literal sense is "to roof over" or "to cover." This foundational meaning extends metaphorically to encompass the idea of protecting, concealing, or providing shelter. From this literal covering, the semantic range expands to include the figurative sense of "to cover with silence," implying the patient endurance of something difficult without complaint, or "to bear up under" a burden. Thus, stégō signifies not merely passive suffering, but an active, resolute capacity to endure, to forbear, or to protectively contain, often implying a willingness to absorb or withstand pressure for the sake of a greater good.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term stégō (`{{G4722}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both instances within Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, highlighting its significance in the apostle's ethical and theological discourse.
1. **[[1 Corinthians 9:12]]**: Paul writes, "If others have this right of support from you, do not we have it even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure (Gk. *stégō*) anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ." Here, stégō is translated as "endure" or "bear." The context is Paul's apostolic rights and his voluntary renunciation of them for the sake of the gospel. He and his companions are willing to "bear all things" – to patiently endure hardships, privation, or injustice – so as not to hinder the spread of the Good News. This usage emphasizes patient forbearance and resilience in the face of adversity, driven by a selfless motive. It suggests a capacity to absorb hardship without complaint, mirroring the literal sense of a roof that withstands the elements.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 13:7]]**: In the iconic "love chapter," Paul describes the nature of *agapē* (divine love): "Love bears (Gk. *stégō*) all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." This is perhaps the most profound usage. Here, stégō implies that love "covers" or "protects" all things. It suggests that love does not expose the weaknesses or faults of others, but rather patiently bears with them. It is a love that provides a "roof" of understanding and patience, shielding others from unnecessary exposure or condemnation. It also carries the sense of enduring all things, aligning with the "suffer" or "forbear" aspect seen in [[1 Corinthians 9:12]]. Love is not easily offended; it patiently tolerates and endures difficulties that arise in relationships, providing a protective canopy over the beloved.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of stégō (`{{G4722}}`) intersects with several other Greek terms related to endurance, patience, and covering:
* **stégē (`{{G4721}}`)**: The noun from which stégō is derived, literally meaning "a roof" or "a covering." This root emphasizes the protective and containing aspect inherent in stégō.
* **hypomenō (`{{G5278}}`)**: To "remain under," "endure," or "persevere." While similar in the sense of enduring, hypomenō often emphasizes steadfastness under trial, a remaining firm despite pressure. stégō adds the nuance of actively "bearing" or "covering" in a protective or forbearing manner.
* **anéchomai (`{{G430}}`)**: To "hold up," "bear with," or "tolerate." This term often implies a willingness to put up with something unpleasant. stégō shares this sense of patient toleration but also includes the idea of protective covering.
* **makrothymia (`{{G3115}}`)**: "Longsuffering" or "patience." This noun describes a quality of enduring slowness to anger or retribution. While stégō describes the action of bearing, makrothymia describes the disposition.
* **kalyptō (`{{G2572}}`)**: To "cover," "hide," or "conceal." This word shares the literal "covering" aspect, but stégō moves beyond mere concealment to active protection or patient endurance. For instance, love "covers a multitude of sins" ([[1 Peter 4:8]]) using kalyptō, implying forgiveness and non-exposure, which resonates with the protective aspect of stégō in [[1 Corinthians 13:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of stégō (`{{G4722}}`) is profound, particularly as articulated by Paul. It speaks directly to the nature of Christian love and the demands of discipleship.
1. **The Nature of *Agapē***: In [[1 Corinthians 13:7]], stégō reveals a crucial characteristic of divine love. Love, as an expression of God's character and a quality to be cultivated by believers, is not easily provoked or quick to expose. Instead, it "covers" or "bears" all things. This implies a love that is patient, non-retaliatory, and protective. It does not gloat over failures but seeks to build up and preserve. It is a love that patiently endures the imperfections, failings, and even provocations of others, providing a spiritual "roof" that shelters rather than exposes. This resonates with the divine mercy that covers human sin, not by condoning it, but by patiently working for repentance and offering forgiveness.
2. **Self-Sacrificial Endurance**: Paul's use of stégō in [[1 Corinthians 9:12]] underscores the principle of self-sacrificial endurance for the sake of the gospel. The apostle's willingness to "bear all things" for the advancement of Christ's kingdom exemplifies a core tenet of Christian service. It signifies a readiness to forgo personal rights, comfort, or advantage if doing so serves the greater purpose of proclaiming the Good News. This concept is deeply rooted in the example of Christ Himself, who "bore" our sins and endured the cross for the salvation of humanity.
3. **Resilience in Discipleship**: stégō calls believers to a robust form of resilience. It is not a passive resignation but an active, deliberate choice to endure hardships, patiently bear with others' weaknesses, and absorb difficulties without capitulation. This endurance is a hallmark of spiritual maturity, demonstrating faith's capacity to withstand trials and maintain integrity in challenging circumstances. It is a vital component of living out the Christian life in a fallen world, where believers are called to suffer for righteousness' sake and to bear one another's burdens.
### Summary
The Greek verb stégō (`{{G4722}}`), rooted in the concept of "a roof" or "covering," carries a rich semantic range from literal protection to figurative endurance. In the New Testament, its two occurrences in 1 Corinthians illuminate its critical role in Christian ethics. It describes the patient, selfless "bearing" or "enduring" of hardships for the sake of the gospel ([[1 Corinthians 9:12]]), reflecting a resilient and purposeful forbearance. Most significantly, in the context of divine love, stégō portrays *agapē* as a love that "covers" or "bears" all things ([[1 Corinthians 13:7]]), signifying a protective, non-exposing, and patiently enduring quality that seeks to preserve and build up rather than condemn or abandon. Thus, stégō encapsulates the dual aspects of patient endurance in adversity and protective, forbearing love towards others, embodying a profound aspect of Christ-like character and discipleship.
TRV