### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὦμος (ōmos), Strong's number `{{G5606}}`, refers to the physical "shoulder." Its base definition highlights its primary function: "as that on which burdens are borne." The proposed etymological connection to φέρω (pherō) `{{G5342}}`, "to bear" or "to carry," underscores this functional aspect. Semantically, while denoting a specific anatomical part, *ōmos* carries significant metaphorical weight derived from its role as the point of support for loads, responsibilities, and authority. It is the place where weight is endured, where a burden is placed, or where something precious is carried.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὦμος (ōmos) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct yet profound contextual insight:
1. **[[Matthew 23:4]]**: "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders (ὦμος); but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
In this passage, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocritical leadership. The "heavy burdens" (φορτία βαρέα) are the oppressive legalistic interpretations and traditions they impose upon the people, which are then metaphorically placed upon their "shoulders." The use of *ōmos* here emphasizes the physical and spiritual weight of these demands, highlighting the Pharisees' failure to offer relief or share the burden, contrasting sharply with true, compassionate leadership.
2. **[[Luke 15:5]]**: "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders (ὦμος), rejoicing."
This verse is part of the Parable of the Lost Sheep. The shepherd, upon finding the lost sheep, does not drive it or drag it, but lifts it and places it on his shoulders. This action signifies a tender, personal, and restorative act. The sheep is carried not as a burden, but as something precious, borne with effort and joy. The *ōmos* here is the place of safety, intimate care, and the joyful restoration of the lost.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ὦμος (ōmos) is enriched by its relationship to other biblical concepts and terms:
* **φέρω (pherō) `{{G5342}}`**: As its proposed etymological root, *pherō* ("to bear, carry") directly illuminates the function of the shoulder. This connection reinforces the idea of the shoulder as the anatomical point for carrying.
* **βάρος (baros) `{{G922}}` / φορτίον (phortion) `{{G5413}}`**: These terms for "burden" or "load" are directly related to the function of the shoulder, especially as seen in [[Matthew 23:4]]. They represent what is placed *upon* the shoulder, whether literally or metaphorically.
* **κράτος (kratos) `{{G2904}}` / ἐξουσία (exousia) `{{G1849}}`**: While not directly linked to *ōmos* in the New Testament, the shoulder in ancient Near Eastern thought often symbolized authority, power, and the weight of governance. For instance, the prophecy in [[Isaiah 9:6]] states, "the government shall be upon his shoulder," illustrating the shoulder as the seat of royal and administrative responsibility. This broader cultural context informs the metaphorical potential of *ōmos*.
* **ποιμήν (poimēn) `{{G4166}}`**: The "shepherd" figure in [[Luke 15:5]] is central to understanding the compassionate carrying on the shoulder. This highlights the role of the one who bears responsibility for the flock.
### Theological Significance
The two occurrences of ὦμος (ōmos) in the New Testament carry profound theological significance:
1. **The Burden of Legalism vs. The Yoke of Christ**: In [[Matthew 23:4]], the shoulder serves as a stark symbol of the oppressive burdens imposed by human-made religious systems. The Pharisees lay grievous loads on others' shoulders, demonstrating a perversion of spiritual leadership that crushes rather than liberates. This stands in sharp contrast to Jesus' invitation in [[Matthew 11:30]]: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus offers true rest, not additional burdens, highlighting the difference between human religiosity and divine grace.
2. **The Compassion and Joy of Divine Redemption**: The image of the shepherd carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders in [[Luke 15:5]] is a powerful metaphor for God's active, personal, and joyful pursuit of the lost. The shoulder here is not a place of burden for the sheep, but of safety, comfort, and restoration. It speaks to the intimate care of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who goes out of His way to seek and save the lost, bearing them back to the fold with immense joy. This illustrates God's tender love, His willingness to expend effort for the sake of one lost soul, and the celebratory nature of repentance and homecoming.
Implicitly, the shoulder also carries a theological weight of **authority and responsibility**. While not explicitly stated with *ōmos* in the NT, the Old Testament background of the shoulder as the place where authority rests (e.g., the key of the house of David on the shoulder of Eliakim in [[Isaiah 22:22]], or the government on the shoulder of the Messiah in [[Isaiah 9:6]]) informs a deeper understanding of Christ as the one who truly bears all authority and responsibility for His people and for His kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek term ὦμος (ōmos) `{{G5606}}`, meaning "shoulder," appears twice in the New Testament, each instance conveying significant theological truth. In [[Matthew 23:4]], it symbolizes the oppressive, hypocritical burdens placed upon people by legalistic leaders, highlighting the contrast with Christ's liberating message. In [[Luke 15:5]], it beautifully depicts the compassionate, joyful act of the Good Shepherd carrying the lost sheep to safety, illustrating God's redemptive love and personal care for the lost. While primarily an anatomical term, its function as the bearer of loads imbues *ōmos* with rich metaphorical meaning, encompassing concepts of responsibility, authority, and particularly, the profound acts of bearing burdens for others, whether in oppression or in restorative love.
TRV