ἀβαρής (abarēs)
abarēs
not burdensome
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective abarēs literally means "not heavy" or "without weight." It is formed from a negative prefix and the root for burden (baros), so it describes something that does not press down on the one carrying it. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 11:9.
Paul uses it to describe his financial support from the Philippian church. He explains that he did not place a burden on them when he was in Corinth, allowing their generosity to flow freely rather than as an obligation. The term captures a sense of lightness and freedom from oppression in relational or material matters.
Because it is so rare, the word stands out for its precise focus on relief from pressure. It contrasts with words that imply duty or weight, highlighting instead a state where no load is imposed. This single usage gives us a specific Greek term for unburdened generosity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word abarēs describes a state of being light or not burdensome. In 2 Corinthians 11:9, Paul uses it to explain his relationship with the Philippian believers. He wanted to ensure that his presence among them never felt like a heavy obligation or a financial strain. This approach allowed their support to be given freely, without the pressure of debt or guilt.
For your daily life, this concept invites you to consider how you relate to others. Are your needs imposing on those around you? Or can you trust God to provide in ways that keep relationships light and joyful? Generosity flows best when it is not forced by duty but offered from a willing heart. We are called to carry each other’s loads gently, ensuring no one feels weighed down by our requests.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unburdensome1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀβαρῆ1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:9
When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.
Paul explicitly uses this rare term to define his strategy of self-support, ensuring the Philippians' generosity remained a free gift rather than a compelled duty.