### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **baréō**, represented by `{{G916}}`, means to **weigh down**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe being literally **heavy**, as with sleep, or figuratively **burdened**, **charged**, or **pressed** by troubles or responsibilities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G916}}` is applied in both physical and figurative senses. It describes the physical exhaustion of the disciples, whose eyes were **heavy** with sleep in Gethsemane ([[Matthew 26:43]], [[Mark 14:40]]) and during the Transfiguration [[Luke 9:32]]. Figuratively, it conveys a sense of overwhelming spiritual or emotional weight. Paul uses it to describe being **pressed** beyond strength by troubles in Asia, to the point of despairing of life itself [[2 Corinthians 1:8]]. The word also portrays the feeling of being **burdened** while in our earthly bodies, groaning for our future redemption [[2 Corinthians 5:4]]. In a practical sense, it refers to an administrative load, as when the church is instructed not to be **charged** so that it can properly relieve widows in need [[1 Timothy 5:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of being weighed down:
* `{{G5258}}` **hýpnos** (sleep): Directly linked to the physical experience of `{{G916}}`, this word for **sleep** is what the disciples were "heavy with" at the Transfiguration [[Luke 9:32]]. It can also refer to a figurative spiritual torpor.
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure): This term for **pressure** or **trouble** defines the external cause of the overwhelming weight Paul experienced, leading him to feel **pressed** `{{G916}}` beyond his strength [[2 Corinthians 1:8]].
* `{{G4727}}` **stenázō** (to groan): This word describes the internal response to being **burdened** `{{G916}}`. In our earthly bodies, believers **groan**, expressing a deep sigh or inaudible prayer for what is to come [[2 Corinthians 5:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G916}}` is seen in its portrayal of human weakness and spiritual realities.
* **The Burden of Mortality:** In [[2 Corinthians 5:4]], being **burdened** `{{G916}}` is linked to the state of living in a mortal body, which causes believers to **groan** `{{G4727}}` and long for their heavenly dwelling.
* **The Pressure of Affliction:** The word describes the intense trials faced in ministry. The experience of being **pressed** `{{G916}}` "out of measure, above strength" highlights the severe nature of suffering that can lead to despair [[2 Corinthians 1:8]].
* **Human Frailty:** The disciples being **heavy** with sleep illustrates human weakness at pivotal moments of divine revelation, such as the Transfiguration and Christ's agony in the garden ([[Luke 9:32]], [[Mark 14:40]]).
* **Communal Responsibility:** In a practical context, `{{G916}}` is used to define the limits of community responsibility, ensuring the church is not unduly **charged** so that it can effectively minister to those in true need [[1 Timothy 5:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G916}}` **baréō** encompasses far more than simple physical weight. It vividly portrays the human experience of being weighed down, from the physical heaviness of sleep to the figurative pressures of affliction and the longing for redemption. The word illustrates the strain of mortal life, the challenges of ministry, and the practical burdens of community life, all of which point toward the need for divine strength and future hope.
TRV