Summary
Quick facts
- Strong’s Number
- G4987
- Original Word
- σωρεύω
- Transliteration
- sōreúō
- Pronunciation
- sore-yoo'-o
- Part of Speech
- verb
- Category
- Unique Words, Warnings in Love
- Root / Etymology
- from another form of G4673 (σορός);
- Frequency
- 2×
- Gematria
- 2305
Where it appears
Loading distribution…

Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
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.
Quiz Yourself on Anything
As a monthly patron you can generate custom quizzes and crosswords on anything you like — for example, a Scholar-level quiz on Psalm 23 in seconds.
σωρεύω
Pronounced: soh-REW-oh
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:
Etymology:
F.O.G. Word Choice: Coming Soon (?)
D - Defining Meanings:
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words:
R - Reviewing Morphology:
As a verb, σωρεύω exhibits:
Examples:
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.
T - Tracing Related Scriptures:
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:
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?
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.