English · KJV
G4987

σωρεύω

sōreúō /sore-yoo'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom another form of σορός
Meaningto pile up (literally or figuratively)
KJV usageheap, load.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of sōreúō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word sōreúō, represented by G4987, is used to mean to pile up or load. It is derived from another form of σορός and appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning can be applied literally or, as seen in Scripture, figuratively to describe an accumulation or heaping of something.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G4987 appears in two distinct contexts. In Romans, it is part of a command regarding how to treat an enemy: if he hungers, feed him, for in doing so "thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head" Romans 12:20. The second use is in 2 Timothy, where it describes "silly women" who are laden with sins and are easily led astray by their lusts 2 Timothy 3:6. Both uses are figurative, one describing a surprising consequence and the other a spiritual burden.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concepts of loading and consequence found in the primary verses:

  • G2190 echthrós (an adversary): This word identifies the recipient of the action in Romans 12:20. The instruction to heap coals of fire is a response to an enemy Romans 12:20.
  • G266 hamartía (a sin): This defines the figurative weight that individuals are laden with. This burden of sin is what makes them vulnerable to being led captive 2 Timothy 3:6.
  • G4442 pŷr (fire): This is the element that is figuratively heaped upon an enemy's head. The use of fire in this context is a powerful metaphor for the result of showing kindness to a foe Romans 12:20.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4987 is seen in its two figurative applications.

  • A Redemptive Response: The command to heap coals of fire is not an act of vengeance but one of radical kindness. It illustrates the principle of overcoming evil with good by meeting an enemy's physical needs, such as hunger and thirst Romans 12:20.
  • The Burden of Sin: The term is also used to illustrate the oppressive weight of a life controlled by sin. Those who are laden with sins are described as being "led away with divers lusts," showing a spiritual state of weakness and captivity 2 Timothy 3:6.

Summary

In summary, G4987 moves beyond its simple definition of piling up to serve as a powerful illustrative verb in Scripture. It vividly portrays two opposing spiritual realities: the unexpected, and perhaps convicting, consequence of extending grace to an enemy, and the heavy, burdensome state of a person weighed down by their own sins and lusts.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Future Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Future
Action yet to take place.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2190 ἐχθρός from a primary (to hate); hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especiall G266 ἁμαρτία from ἁμαρτάνω; a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful). G4442 πῦρ a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning):--fiery, fire.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Romans and 2 Timothy (1 verse each); never once in the other 25.

1
Romans
1
2 Timothy

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.