probably from the same as βάσις (through the notion of going down; compare βάθος); weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority:--burden(-some), weight.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **báros**, represented by `{{G922}}`, refers to weight. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. Figuratively, it signifies a load, abundance, or authority, often translated as **burden** or **weight**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G922}}` is used in multiple contexts. It can describe the physical **burden** of a day's labor and heat [[Matthew 20:12]]. It is also used figuratively to represent the responsibilities believers are to **bear** for one another to fulfill the law of Christ [[Galatians 6:2]]. The term can also refer to authoritative commands or doctrines, as when the apostles decided not to lay any **burden** on believers beyond what was necessary [[Acts 15:28]], or when Jesus promises not to add any other **burden** to the church in Thyatira [[Revelation 2:24]]. In contrast to these heavy loads, the word is used to describe a glorious outcome, where a light affliction works an eternal **weight** of glory [[2 Corinthians 4:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and application of **báros**:
* `{{G941}}` **bastázō** (bear, carry, take up): This verb is often paired with **báros**, meaning to lift or endure a load. It is used to command believers to **bear** one another's burdens [[Galatians 6:2]] and describes the laborers who have **borne** the burden of the day [[Matthew 20:12]].
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (affliction, tribulation, trouble): This term for pressure or trouble is set in direct contrast to **báros** in its positive sense. A "light **affliction**" is described as producing a "weight of glory" [[2 Corinthians 4:17]].
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory, honour, praise): This word signifies honor and splendor. It is linked with **báros** to create the concept of a "weight of **glory**," a profound and eternal reward for believers [[2 Corinthians 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G922}}` is seen in several key principles:
* **Communal Support:** The command to bear one another's **burdens** [[Galatians 6:2]] establishes a core tenet of Christian community, defining the fulfillment of the **law** `{{G3551}}` of Christ through mutual support.
* **Servant Leadership:** Paul uses the term to explain that he could have been **burdensome** as an **apostle** `{{G652}}` of Christ but chose not to be [[1 Thessalonians 2:6]], modeling humility and service over authoritative weight.
* **Freedom from Legalism:** The decision of the early church leaders not to impose an unnecessary **burden** [[Acts 15:28]] shows a principle of grace, distinguishing **necessary things** `{{G1876}}` from oppressive regulations.
* **Eternal Perspective:** The most profound use of `{{G922}}` is in reframing suffering. A temporary and light **affliction** `{{G2347}}` is seen as the very thing that **worketh** `{{G2716}}` for the believer an eternal **weight** of **glory** `{{G1391}}`, giving purpose to hardship [[2 Corinthians 4:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G922}}` is a multifaceted term that moves beyond simple physical weight. It encompasses the toil of labor [[Matthew 20:12]], the weight of oppressive rules [[Acts 15:28]], and the shared responsibility of believers [[Galatians 6:2]]. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful theological concept, illustrating how the temporary **burdens** of this life are transformed into an incomparable and eternal **weight** of glory.
TRV