Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H3513 כָּבֵד (kāḇēḏ): To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome. This Hebrew term shares a similar semantic range with βαρέω, often used in the Old Testament to describe physical heaviness or the figurative weight of honor, glory, or burdens.
• H4853 מַשָּׂא (maśśā'): A burden, load, or tribute. This term is used to describe physical loads or metaphorical burdens, aligning with the concept of being weighed down or burdened.

In summary, βαρέω captures the essence of being burdened, whether through life's challenges or spiritual distractions, and calls for a response of vigilance and faith.

Usage: The verb βαρέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of being weighed down or burdened, either physically or metaphorically. It can refer to the literal heaviness of an object or the figurative heaviness of emotions, responsibilities, or spiritual states.

Context: The Greek verb βαρέω appears in the New Testament to convey the concept of being burdened or weighed down. This term is often used metaphorically to describe emotional or spiritual states. For instance, in Luke 21:34, Jesus warns His disciples, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life, and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a trap." Here, βαρέω is used to illustrate the spiritual and emotional burden that can distract believers from their vigilance and readiness for the coming of the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 1:8, Paul uses a related form to describe the severe trials he faced: "We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life." This passage highlights the intense pressure and burden that Paul and his companions experienced, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of their trials.

The concept of βαρέω is significant in understanding the human experience of carrying burdens, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, reliance on God, and the support of the Christian community to bear one another's burdens.