perhaps remotely derived from the base of βάσις (through the idea of removal); to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.):--bear, carry, take up.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **βαστάζω (bastázō)**, represented by `{{G941}}`, is a versatile term for lifting or carrying. It appears **29 times** across **27 unique verses**. Its definition, "to lift, literally or figuratively," highlights a broad range of applications, from physically taking something up to figuratively enduring, sustaining, or declaring something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G941}}` is used in several key contexts. It describes literal, physical acts of carrying, such as Jesus **bearing** his cross to Golgotha [[John 19:17]], the men who **bare** the bier of a young man [[Luke 7:14]], and a man **bearing** a pitcher of water [[Mark 14:13]]. The word is also used to describe the act of taking up stones [[John 10:31]]. Figuratively, it refers to the responsibility of believers to **bear** one another's burdens [[Galatians 6:2]], the duty of the strong to **bear** the infirmities of the weak [[Romans 15:1]], and the inability of the church in Ephesus to **bear** with those who are evil [[Revelation 2:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of carrying and enduring:
* `{{G142}}` **aírō** (a primary root; to lift up; by implication, to take up or away...): This word is also used in the context of taking up one's cross, but often implies lifting something to take it away or remove it, as when Jesus takes away the sin of the world [[John 1:29]].
* `{{G922}}` **báros** (weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority): This word refers to the heavy "burdens" that believers are called to **bear** for one another [[Galatians 6:2]], signifying a shared load or pressure.
* `{{G5413}}` **phortíon** (an invoice (as part of freight), i.e. (figuratively) a task or service): This term describes a different kind of "burden," specifically the personal task or load that each individual is responsible for **bearing** themselves [[Galatians 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G941}}` is significant, connecting physical acts to spiritual principles.
* **The Cost of Discipleship:** The call to follow Christ involves a personal commitment to **bear** one's own cross [[Luke 14:27]], mirroring Christ who **bore** his cross for the sake of others [[John 19:17]].
* **Mutual Support and Personal Responsibility:** Believers are commanded to **bear** one another's heavy burdens `{{G922}}`, thus fulfilling the law of Christ [[Galatians 6:2]]. This is balanced by the principle that every person must also **bear** their own personal load or task `{{G5413}}` [[Galatians 6:5]].
* **Endurance and Witness:** The term is used to describe enduring for the sake of Christ's name [[Revelation 2:3]] and carrying the marks of service, as when Paul says, "I **bear** in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus" [[Galatians 6:17]].
* **Bearing Judgment:** The word also carries a sense of consequence, as those who trouble the church are warned that they "shall **bear** his judgment" [[Galatians 5:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G941}}` is more than a simple word for lifting. It is a concept that bridges the literal and the figurative, describing both physical and spiritual acts of carrying. From the physical act of Jesus **bearing** the cross to the spiritual call for believers to **bear** one another's burdens and endure for the faith, **βαστάζω (bastázō)** illustrates how a single action can encompass themes of discipleship, community, and perseverance in the Christian life.
TRV