κάμνω (kamnō)
kamnō
be weary/sick: weak
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kamnō describes a state of exhaustion or physical illness that results from sustained effort. In the New Testament, it captures the feeling of being worn down by labor, as seen when believers are urged to consider those who endure such fatigue for the sake of Christ (Hebrews 12:3). It also refers to bodily sickness, particularly in practical instructions regarding prayer for the ill (James 5:15).
While often translated simply as "weary," the word carries a sense of physical depletion rather than mere mental tiredness. Its usage in Revelation highlights those who have reached their limit through persecution or hard work. The term bridges the gap between spiritual endurance and physical vulnerability, reminding readers that human strength has natural limits.
Etymologically, kamnō is likely a primary verb with no clear compound roots, emphasizing its fundamental nature as a descriptor of human limitation. Translators typically choose "weary" or "sick" depending on the context, ensuring the reader understands whether the exhaustion is emotional, physical, or both.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
It is completely natural to feel worn out when life demands constant effort. The Greek word kamnō describes that specific feeling of physical depletion or sickness that comes from sustained labor. When we face long seasons of work, care for others, or spiritual fighting, our bodies and minds often reach a limit. Acknowledging this weakness is not a sign of failure but a recognition of our human design.
Scripture invites us to look to Jesus, who understands the weight of enduring hardship without growing faint (Hebrews 12:3). He does not expect us to carry burdens beyond our strength alone. Instead, He offers rest and healing through prayer, as seen in James 5:15, where faith is linked to physical restoration.
This word reminds us that endurance is a gift, but so is reliance on God’s power when ours runs low. You are not expected to be tireless. In your moments of exhaustion, you can bring your weakness to Him, trusting that His grace is sufficient for your daily needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may grow weary1×
- have grown weary.1×
- ailing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κέκμηκας.1×
- κάμνοντα1×
- κάμητε1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:3
For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.
This verse uses the word to warn against soul-fainting while contemplating Christ’s endurance, linking physical exhaustion with spiritual resilience.
-
James 5:15
and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Here the term refers to bodily sickness, highlighting how prayer of faith is connected to physical healing and forgiveness.
-
Revelation of John 2:3
You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary.
The church in Ephesus is commended for not growing weary despite long-term perseverance, showing the word applies to sustained spiritual labor.