καταναρκάομαι (katanarkaomai)

katanarkaomai

to burden

G2655 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The verb katanarkaō describes a heavy physical or spiritual pressure that causes numbness or inactivity. Derived from a root meaning "to grow numb," it originally carried medical connotations of stupefaction before entering biblical usage to describe what weighs heavily upon someone. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the letters of Paul to the Corinthian church.

Paul uses this word to discuss financial support and ministry burdens. He notes that he never became a burden to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:9; 12:13), choosing instead to support himself through labor so as not to encumber them. The term implies more than simple inconvenience; it suggests a weight that could induce spiritual lethargy or dependency, which Paul actively avoided to preserve the integrity of his mission.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word katanarkaomai paints a picture of heavy pressure that leads to numbness or inactivity. In its original medical sense, it described a state where sensation was lost due to weight or shock. Paul uses this vivid term to describe the financial and emotional load he refused to place on the Corinthian believers. He worked with his own hands so that his ministry would remain a gift of grace, not a debt they owed.

For your life today, this word reminds us that true service does not seek to drain others. When we share our faith or help those in need, we aim to encourage freedom, not create dependency. Paul’s example shows that generosity often means taking on the burden ourselves so that others can stand light and free. This approach protects relationships from becoming transactional.

Consider how you carry your own responsibilities. By refusing to be a 'burden' in the sense of exploiting others, we reflect Christ’s self-giving love. It invites us to work hard for our needs while keeping our hearts open to give freely. This balance allows us to serve without guilt and receive without shame, fostering community where everyone is supported by grace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

did burden1×
I will burden1×
I did burden1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

κατενάρκησα2×
καταναρκήσω1×

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 states he kept himself from being burdensome by accepting support from Macedonian brothers, showing his desire to avoid financial pressure on the Corinthians.
II Corinthians 12:13
For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Paul challenges the Corinthians to recognize that their lack of support for him was actually a sign of their inferiority to other churches, highlighting how his non-burdening stance was an act of love.
II Corinthians 12:14
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Paul declares his third visit will not involve seeking their possessions, reversing the natural order where parents save for children to show he seeks them, not their wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does katanarkaomai mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek verb meaning to burden or weigh down, originally carrying medical connotations of numbness or stupefaction from heavy pressure. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians to describe refusing to impose financial or emotional debts on the church.

Why did Paul refuse to be a burden to the Corinthians?

Paul worked with his own hands to support himself so that his ministry would remain a free gift of grace. He wanted to avoid any appearance of exploiting them or creating a sense of obligation that could hinder their faith.

Where does this word appear in the New Testament?

It appears only three times, all in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians (11:9; 12:13–14). In these verses, Paul defends his apostolic integrity by showing he never used their resources for his own gain.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

II Corinthians 3 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…

II Corinthians 12:13

For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a…

II Corinthians 12:14

Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your…