ὦμος

a shoulder

Definition

The Greek word ὦμος refers to the shoulder, specifically the upper part of the arm where it joins the torso. In its two New Testament occurrences, it consistently carries this literal, physical meaning. In Matthew 23:4, it is used metaphorically to describe the heavy, burdensome loads that religious leaders tie up and place on people's shoulders, illustrating oppressive legalism. In Luke 15:5, the word is used literally, describing the joyful action of a shepherd who finds his lost sheep and lays it on his shoulders to carry it home.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospels. In Matthew 23:4, it appears in a critical discourse by Jesus against the scribes and Pharisees, where 'shoulder' is part of a metaphor for burdensome religious rules. In Luke 15:5, within the Parable of the Lost Sheep, it describes the shepherd's physical act of carrying the recovered animal, emphasizing care and restoration. The usage shows a pattern of depicting weight—either a burdensome weight or a precious, rescued weight.

Etymology

ὦμος is a native Greek word of ancient origin, directly meaning 'shoulder.' It is related to the Greek verb ὠθέω (ōtheō, G3736), meaning 'to push' or 'to thrust,' conceptually linking the shoulder to its function as a body part used for bearing weight and applying force. The word passed directly into Koine Greek without significant change in meaning from its classical use.

Semantic Range

Though a simple noun, ὦμος gains theological significance through its contexts. In Matthew 23:4, it highlights Jesus' condemnation of human-made religious burdens contrasted with His 'easy yoke' (Matthew 11:30). In Luke 15:5, the shoulder becomes a powerful image of personal rescue, restoration, and joyful responsibility in the parable that illustrates God's grace toward sinners. Understanding the physicality of the shoulder enriches these metaphors of burden and salvation.

In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman world, the shoulder was a primary point for carrying heavy loads, whether water jars, bundles, or tools. A shepherd carrying a sheep on his shoulders (Luke 15:5) was a common, recognizable image of care and ownership. The metaphor in Matthew 23:4 would resonate with an audience familiar with the physical strain of bearing heavy burdens, making the critique of oppressive religious leadership vividly tangible.

νῶτος (nōtos, G3577) — refers more specifically to the back or the back as a place for bearing burdens.

Word Details

Scripture References