### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **barýs**, represented by `{{G926}}`, denotes something **weighty**, **burdensome**, or **grave**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying a sense of heaviness that can be applied to legal requirements, matters of importance, personal attacks, and spiritual dangers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the scriptures, `{{G926}}` is used to convey different kinds of weight. It describes the "heavy" burdens of religious legalism that the Pharisees bind on people [[Matthew 23:4]]. In contrast, it also identifies the "weightier" matters of the law, such as judgment, mercy, and faith, which the Pharisees neglect [[Matthew 23:23]]. Paul uses the term to describe his letters as "weighty and powerful" [[2 Corinthians 10:10]] and also warns of "grievous" wolves that will threaten the flock [[Acts 20:29]]. The word can also describe the severity of accusations, as when "grievous complaints" were brought against Paul [[Acts 25:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the meaning of `{{G926}}`:
* `{{G1419}}` **dysbástaktos** (oppressive:--grievous to be borne): This word is used alongside `{{G926}}` to intensify the idea of an oppressive load, as seen in the "heavy burdens and grievous to be borne" laid on men's shoulders [[Matthew 23:4]].
* `{{G5413}}` **phortíon** (a task or service:--burden): This term for "burden" is what `{{G926}}` modifies in [[Matthew 23:4]], specifying that the tasks imposed by the Pharisees are "heavy".
* `{{G2478}}` **ischyrós** (forcible (literally or figuratively):--boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant): This word is paired with `{{G926}}` to describe the impact of Paul’s letters, which were said to be "weighty and powerful" [[2 Corinthians 10:10]].
* `{{G3074}}` **lýkos** (a wolf:--wolf): The danger posed by false teachers is emphasized by calling them "grievous wolves," linking the severity of `{{G926}}` with the predatory nature of a wolf [[Acts 20:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G926}}` is significant, often used to contrast man-made religion with true faith.
* **The Burden of Legalism:** The term is used to condemn religious leaders who create "heavy" burdens for others, highlighting the oppressive nature of legalism apart from the spirit of the law [[Matthew 23:4]].
* **The Priority of God's Law:** By identifying judgment, mercy, and faith as the "weightier" matters, the term helps establish a divine hierarchy of importance, shifting focus from ritual to righteousness [[Matthew 23:23]].
* **The Nature of God's Commands:** In direct contrast to man-made burdens, God's commandments are explicitly described as "not grievous," revealing that obedience rooted in love for God is not an oppressive weight [[1 John 5:3]].
* **The Severity of Spiritual Danger:** The term "grievous wolves" serves as a stark warning about the destructive potential of those who would infiltrate the church and not spare the flock [[Acts 20:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G926}}` is a word that conveys significance through the metaphor of weight. It illustrates the negative weight of oppressive religious rules and serious threats, while also highlighting the positive weight of authoritative words and the truly important aspects of God's law. Ultimately, it serves to distinguish between the heavy, man-made burdens and the freeing nature of God's commands.
TRV