ὄγκος

ὄγκος

a weight, burden

Definition

ὄγκος (ogkos) fundamentally means 'bulk' or 'mass', referring to the physical size or volume of something. In its primary figurative sense, it denotes a 'weight' or 'burden' that encumbers or hinders movement or progress. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in Hebrews 12:1, where it refers metaphorically to the spiritual and moral 'weight' of sin that impedes a believer's race of faith. This usage builds on the literal sense of a physical burden to describe anything that is spiritually cumbersome.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 12:1: 'let us lay aside every weight (ὄγκος), and the sin which so easily ensnares us.' Here, it is used in a powerful athletic metaphor. The author distinguishes 'every weight'—which could include any legitimate but spiritually hindering distraction or encumbrance—from 'the sin' itself. The context is the exhortation to persevere in the Christian life, pictured as a long-distance race.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb ὄγκόω (ogkoō), meaning 'to swell' or 'to make bulky.' The root idea is of something swollen, massive, or having significant volume. This sense of physical mass naturally extended to the concept of a heavy burden or encumbrance, which is the meaning carried into the New Testament.

Semantic Range

ὄγκος is theologically significant as it provides a nuanced understanding of sanctification and discipleship. It teaches that not only overt sin, but any 'weight'—even good things that become distractions—can hinder spiritual growth and perseverance. This enriches the reading of Hebrews 12:1 by highlighting the believer's active responsibility to identify and lay aside personal hindrances in the pursuit of holiness, following the example of Jesus. The metaphor in Hebrews 12:1 draws directly from the Greek athletic games, a central part of Hellenistic culture. Runners would strip off any unnecessary clothing or gear to run unencumbered. The original audience would have immediately understood 'weight' (ὄγκος) as anything that slows a runner down, making the spiritual application vivid and practical. βάρος (baros, G922) — a weight or burden, often with a stronger emphasis on heaviness, pressure, or obligation (e.g., Galatians 6:2). φορτίον (phortion, G5413) — a load or burden, frequently used for a pack carried by a beast of burden or a task to be borne (e.g., Matthew 11:30).

Word Details