ἀβαρής
not burdensome
Definition
The adjective ἀβαρής means 'not burdensome' or 'not weighing down.' It describes something that does not impose a physical, financial, or emotional weight or hardship upon another person. In its sole New Testament use, it specifically refers to Paul's deliberate choice to avoid being a financial burden to the Corinthian church during his ministry there. The word carries the sense of being considerate and intentionally lightening a load for the sake of others.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 11:9. Here, the Apostle Paul recounts how, while preaching in Corinth, he made sure he was 'not a burden (ἀβαρής)' to anyone, as his needs were supplied by fellow believers from Macedonia. The context is Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and his practice of self-support to avoid any accusation of profiting from the gospel.
Etymology
Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning 'not' or 'without,' combined with the root related to βάρος (baros, G922), meaning 'weight' or 'burden.' Thus, it literally means 'weightless' or 'without weight.' It is a straightforward compound adjective where the prefix directly negates the quality of heaviness.
Semantic Range
This term is theologically significant as it models a principle of ministerial integrity and sacrificial love. Paul's use of ἀβαρής illustrates the ethic of not exploiting one's spiritual authority for personal gain (1 Thessalonians 2:9). It enriches the reading of 2 Corinthians by highlighting Paul's commitment to ensuring the gospel itself, and his conduct, presented no unnecessary obstacle or financial pressure, allowing the message to be received freely.
In the Greco-Roman world, traveling philosophers and teachers were often financially dependent on patrons. Paul's insistence on being 'not burdensome' deliberately countered this cultural norm and potential criticisms. It demonstrated that his motives were pure and his message was not a commodity for sale, setting a distinct standard for Christian leadership focused on service rather than entitlement.
ἐλαφρός (elaphros, G1645) — emphasizes lightness in weight or triviality, not specifically the relational aspect of avoiding burden. κούφος (kouphos) — (not in NT) classical Greek for light, often physical; lacks the ethical dimension of avoiding imposition.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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