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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies helps bring clarity to scripture interpretation, deepening the meaning of particular passages. The Greek word ὄγκος (onkos), which appears in Hebrews 12:1, is especially significant in its metaphorical usage. In this verse, ὄγκος refers to “weight” or “burden,” describing the encumbrances that hinder spiritual progress. Its meaning sheds light on the vivid imagery used by the writer of Hebrews, drawing a parallel between physical hindrances in a race and the spiritual burdens that Christians are urged to cast aside. Moreover, this word is rooted in ancient Greek culture, where physical strength and the shedding of unnecessary weight were essential concepts in athletic competitions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὄγκος (onkos), pronounced ong-kos.

Etymology: The word ὄγκος is rooted in classical Greek and carries the literal meaning of “bulk” or “mass.” It is used metaphorically in the New Testament to refer to anything that weighs a person down, either physically or spiritually. The word is also connected to the broader concept of weight or burden, not only in a literal sense but also in terms of emotional or moral encumbrances.

Part of Speech: ὄγκος is a masculine noun. It refers to something substantial that holds mass or weight. In its figurative sense, as used in Hebrews 12:1, it represents burdens or obstacles that hinder a person’s spiritual progress.

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Defining Meanings

1. Literal Weight or Bulk: In classical usage, ὄγκος refers to something that has substantial mass or physical weight. It could describe physical objects that are heavy or difficult to carry.

2. Figurative Burden: In Hebrews 12:1, ὄγκος is used metaphorically to represent the spiritual burdens or sins that can slow a believer down in their spiritual race. It emphasizes the idea of shedding unnecessary burdens to move forward with greater freedom and effectiveness in one’s faith.

3. Obstacle or Hindrance: The word can also refer to anything that becomes an obstacle in life, whether it’s a moral, emotional, or spiritual burden. It is a hindrance that prevents individuals from reaching their goals, specifically in their walk with God.

Exploring Similar Words

1. βάρος (baros) [pronunciation: bah-ros]: This word means “weight” or “heaviness” and is often used in a similar context to ὄγκος. However, βάρος can imply both literal and metaphorical heaviness, often referring to burdens of responsibility or moral obligations.

2. φορτίον (phortion) [pronunciation: for-tee-on]: Meaning “burden” or “load,” this word is commonly used in the New Testament to describe the moral and spiritual burdens people carry. Unlike ὄγκος, φορτίον often refers to a specific task or responsibility that is difficult to bear.

3. ἐμπόδιον (empodion) [pronunciation: em-po-di-on]: This word means “hindrance” or “obstacle,” emphasizing something that stands in the way of progress. While ὄγκος refers to weight or burden, ἐμπόδιον focuses more on an external obstacle.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

ὄγκος is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek. This means it takes different endings depending on its case, number, and function in a sentence:

• Nominative Singular: ὄγκος (subject)

• Genitive Singular: ὄγκου (of weight)

• Dative Singular: ὄγκῳ (to/for weight)

• Accusative Singular: ὄγκον (object)

Like most nouns, its endings change based on number (singular/plural) and case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative).

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to BDAG and Thayer’s lexicon, ὄγκος primarily means “weight” or “bulk” but is often used figuratively to describe encumbrances or hindrances. In classical Greek literature, ὄγκος referred to physical size or bulk, but in Hebrews 12:1, it takes on a moral and spiritual connotation, describing the burdens that believers must set aside to run their race of faith with endurance. LSJ adds that the term could also refer to a “tumor” or “swelling” in medical texts, further emphasizing the notion of something that is excessive or harmful.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (ὄγκος refers to the weight that hinders.)

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Laws “The mass [ὄγκος] of the body weighs heavily on the soul.”

Herodotus Histories “The bulk [ὄγκος] of the army moved through the narrow pass.”

Septuagint 1 Kings 18:43 “The mass [ὄγκος] of clouds formed over the sea.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word ὄγκος carries significant weight both literally and figuratively in Greek literature and the New Testament. Its primary meaning as “bulk” or “mass” reflects physical and spiritual hindrances. In Hebrews 12:1, it reminds believers of the necessity of shedding excess burdens to run the race of faith with perseverance. Understanding ὄγκος in its broader Greek context helps illuminate its deeper spiritual implications.

Did You Know?

1. The word ὄγκος was also used in ancient Greek medical texts to refer to tumors or abnormal growths, symbolizing excess burdens in a person’s life.

2. In ancient athletic competitions, athletes would strip down to eliminate any extra “weight” or ὄγκος to improve their performance.

3. Hebrews 12:1 uses the imagery of a race, drawing parallels to the Greco-Roman games, where athletes had to avoid encumbrances to succeed.