Radical Love: σωρεύω (Strong’s G4987: soreuó) Transforms Enemy Relations
Strong’s G4987: From soros (heap), σωρεύω means to pile up or heap together. In Romans, it metaphorically describes heaping burning coals on enemies’ heads through kindness, illustrating how love overcomes evil.
σωρεύω
Pronounced: soh-REW-oh
Whether you’re looking for a brief overview or want to learn the ancient language, this study uses the U.N.D.E.R.S.T.A.N.D Framework for both goals.
U – Unveiling this Word:
σωρεύω powerfully illustrates the transformative power of Christian love. Originally meaning to heap or pile up, Paul uses it metaphorically in Romans to describe the effect of showing kindness to enemies—heaping burning coals on their heads. In 2 Timothy, it warns about those who heap up teachers to satisfy their desires. The early church saw this term as expressing both the power of radical love and the danger of accumulated evil influences. Today, it challenges us to overcome evil with good through concrete acts of love.
N – Necessary Information:
- Greek Word: σωρεύω, soreuó, /sō-ryoo’-ō/
- Pronunciation Guide: “soh-REW-oh” (stress on second syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- From σωρός (soros) – heap, pile
- -εύω (-euó) – verbal suffix indicating action
- Related to concept of accumulation
F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon (?)
D – Defining Meanings:
- To heap up
- To pile together
- To accumulate
Translation Options:
- “To heap up” – Best captures physical action
- “To accumulate” – Emphasizes process
- “To pile on” – Modern equivalent
R – Reviewing Morphology:
As a verb, σωρεύω exhibits:
- Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative, Participle
- Person: Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Imperfective, Perfective
Examples:
- σωρεύω – Present active (I heap)
- σωρεύσεις – Future active (you will heap)
- σωρεύοντες – Present active participle (heaping)
Is this all Greek to you? Click here for a beginners guide to reading Biblical Greek.
S – Studying Lexicon Insights:
BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its connection to Old Testament imagery. LSJ documents its use for physical accumulation. Vine’s connects it to biblical ethics. Strong’s highlights its root meaning. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage for gathering.
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First appearance:
Romans 12:20: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap [σωρεύω] burning coals on his head.”
Additional References:
A– Analyzing Classical Usage:
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Thucydides: History | “They heaped up [σωρεύω] the spoils of war.” |
| Xenophon: Economics | “The farmers piled [σωρεύω] the grain in stores.” |
| Plutarch: Lives | “He accumulated [σωρεύω] great wealth in the treasury.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary:
σωρεύω reveals how radical love can transform enemies into friends. This word proclaims the good news that the Messiah’s way of overcoming evil with good works through concrete acts of kindness, even toward those who oppose us.
D – Did You Know?
- The metaphor of heaping coals comes from Egyptian wisdom literature
- Early Christians saw it as a picture of bringing repentance
- The word appears in both positive and negative contexts in Scripture
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
Strong’s G4987: From soros (heap), σωρεύω means to pile up or heap together. In Romans, it metaphorically describes heaping burning coals on enemies’ heads through kindness, illustrating how love overcomes evil.
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