στέγω

I cover, conceal, bear with

Definition

The verb στέγω carries two primary meanings in the New Testament. Its original, literal sense is 'to cover' or 'to conceal,' as in putting a roof over something to protect it. More significantly, it developed a metaphorical meaning of 'to bear with,' 'to endure patiently,' or 'to put up with' difficult people or circumstances without complaint. This figurative sense of patient endurance is the one used in all four of its New Testament occurrences, emphasizing a forbearance that protects relationships from strain, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:7 where love 'bears all things.'

Biblical Usage

Στέγω is used exclusively by the Apostle Paul in his letters to the Corinthians and the Thessalonians, always in its metaphorical sense of 'enduring' or 'bearing with.' In 1 Corinthians 9:12, Paul speaks of enduring hardship for the gospel's sake. Its most famous use is in the 'love chapter,' where love 'bears all things' (1 Corinthians 13:7), highlighting love's protective patience. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1 and 3:5, Paul expresses his inability to 'bear' or endure being separated from the Thessalonian believers, showing the word's emotional depth in relationships.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root related to 'roof' (στέγη, *stegē*), στέγω literally means 'to cover' (e.g., with a roof) or 'to protect by covering.' From this concrete meaning, it naturally developed the figurative sense of 'to conceal' or 'to keep in,' which evolved into the idea of containing one's reactions—hence 'to bear with,' 'to endure,' or 'to forbear.' This semantic shift from a physical covering to an emotional or relational covering is key to its New Testament usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant for understanding Christian love and endurance. In 1 Corinthians 13:7, it describes a core attribute of divine love (agapē): the willingness to 'cover over' offenses and patiently endure injuries for the sake of unity and protection. It moves beyond mere tolerance to an active, protective forbearance that mirrors God's patience. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing that biblical love involves a deliberate choice to 'put a roof over' the faults of others, preventing relational breakdown.

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of a roof (stegē) provided essential protection from the elements. The metaphorical extension to human relationships—'covering' or 'bearing with' someone's faults—would have been a vivid, easily understood image. It implies creating a safe, sheltered space within a community, even when others are difficult. This cultural understanding of protective covering adds depth to the biblical command for patience and endurance within the body of Christ.

ὑπομένω (hypomenō, G5278) — emphasizes steadfast endurance through trials over time. ἀνέχομαι (anechomai, G430) — focuses on putting up with or tolerating people or teachings, often with a nuance of forbearance.

Word Details

Scripture References