Original Word: στέγω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: stegó
Pronunciation: steh'-go
Phonetic Spelling: (steg'-o)
Definition: To cover, to bear, to endure
Meaning: I cover, conceal, ward off, bear with, endure patiently.

forbear, endure

From stege; to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently) -- (for-)bear, suffer.

see GREEK stege

4722 stégō – properly, to place under roof, to cover-over (with a roof); (figuratively) to endure because shielded, i.e. bearing up (forbearing) because under the Lord's protection (covering).

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
to cover closely (so as to keep water out), generally to bear up under
NASB Translation
bears (1), endure (3).

STRONGS NT 4722: στέγω

στέγω; (allied with Latintego, toga, English deck, thatch, etc.; Curtius, § 155 Fick Part 3:590); to cover;

1. to protect or keep by covering, to preserve: Sophocles, Plato, Plutarch, others.

2. to cover over with silence; to keep secret; to hide, conceal: ταμα ἔπη, Euripides, Electr. 273; τόν λόγον, Polybius 8, 14, 5; for other examples see Passow, under the word, 1 b. β.; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 2); μωρός οὐ δυνήσεται λόγον στέξαι, Sir. 8:17; hence, ἡ ἀγάπη πάντα στέγει, 1 Corinthians 13:7, is explained by some, love covereth (so R. V. marginal reading), i. e. hides and excuses, the errors and faults of others; but it is more appropriately rendered (with other interpreters) beareth. For στέγω means

3. by covering to keep off something which threatens, to bear up against, hold out against, and so to endure, bear, forbear (τάς ἐνδείας, Philo in Flacc. § 9; many examples from Greek authors from Aeschylus down are given by Passow, under the word, 2; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, A. especially 3)): 1 Corinthians 9:12; 1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 5.

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for στέγω, the concept of covering or enduring can be related to several Hebrew terms, such as:

• Strong's Hebrew 3680 (כָּסָה, kasah): To cover, conceal, hide
• Strong's Hebrew 3557 (כּוּל, kul): To sustain, maintain, provide for, endure

These Hebrew terms capture similar themes of protection, covering, and endurance, reflecting the continuity of these concepts across both the Old and New Testaments.

Usage: The verb στέγω is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of covering or enduring. It implies a sense of protection or bearing up under something, often in the context of love or patience.

Context: The Greek verb στέγω appears in the New Testament with the connotation of covering or enduring. It is often associated with the qualities of love and patience, suggesting a protective or forbearing nature. The term is notably used in 1 Corinthians 13:7, where it describes the characteristics of love: "It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (BSB). Here, στέγω is translated as "bears," indicating love's capacity to cover or endure difficulties and offenses without complaint or resentment.

The concept of στέγω aligns with the broader biblical theme of love as a selfless, enduring force that seeks the well-being of others. This verb underscores the idea that true love involves a willingness to protect and preserve relationships, even in the face of challenges. It reflects a commitment to maintaining unity and harmony, consistent with the teachings of Christ and the apostles.

In the cultural context of the New Testament, στέγω would have been understood as an active, rather than passive, quality. It involves a deliberate choice to cover or endure, often requiring strength and resilience. This aligns with the Christian call to love one another deeply and sacrificially, as exemplified by Jesus.

στεγει στέγει στεγομεν στέγομεν στεγοντες στέγοντες στεγων στέγων stegei stégei stegomen stégomen stegon stegōn stégon stégōn stegontes stégontesInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts