φέρω (pherō)
pherō
to bear/lead
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 60 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pherō covers a wide range of physical and metaphorical actions, primarily meaning to carry, bring, or bear. In the Gospels, it describes concrete acts such as Simon carrying the cross (Luke 23:26) or people bringing the sick to Jesus (Mark 1:32). It also extends to producing results, as when a tree bears fruit (John 15:2), or to leading someone along a path (John 21:18).
Its meaning shifts significantly in figurative contexts. It can denote enduring hardship, as in bearing the rigors of discipline (Hebrews 12:20), or announcing news, such as bringing a charge against Jesus (John 18:29). The sources note a distinction from the related verb phoreō; while pherō often implies a specific or temporary act of carrying, phoreō suggests habitual or continuous bearing. This versatility allows it to describe everything from transporting objects to sustaining spiritual life.
Translators handle this word with varied English equivalents like carry, bring, endure, or produce, depending on the context. Its broad semantic field reflects its role as a primary verb in Greek, capturing both physical movement and abstract concepts like judgment or testimony. The word’s usage highlights the tangible nature of biblical language, where spiritual realities are often described through everyday actions of carrying and bringing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pherō reminds us that life is often about what we carry and who we bring to Jesus. In the Gospels, people physically carried the sick, the blind, and even a donkey to Him. This shows that faith is not just an internal feeling but involves tangible action. When you bring your burdens, fears, or needs to Christ, you are participating in this same pattern of trust.
There is also a deeper layer where Jesus bears with us. In moments of frustration or failure, He does not turn away but stays present. This patient endurance offers comfort when we feel inadequate. It invites us to rest in the knowledge that His strength covers our weaknesses, allowing us to bear fruit even in difficult seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 60 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do bring9×
- was brought3×
- they bring3×
- bringing3×
- bearing3×
- they were bringing2×
- having brought2×
- you may bear,1×
- you may bear1×
- will bring [you]1×
- were bringing1×
- we were driven along.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φέρουσιν6×
- ἤνεγκεν5×
- ἔφερον4×
- φέρετε4×
- φέροντες3×
- φέρετέ3×
- φέρε3×
- ἤνεγκαν.2×
- ἠνέχθη2×
- ἐνέγκας2×
- φέρων2×
- φέρον2×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:32
At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by demons.
This verse shows the community actively bringing their physical needs to Jesus, highlighting His role as the healer who receives and responds to human suffering.
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Luke 23:26
When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid the cross on him to carry it after Jesus.
Simon is compelled to carry the cross after Jesus, illustrating the heavy burden of discipleship and the shared participation in Christ's suffering.
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Mark 9:19
He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.”
Jesus asks how long He must bear with this generation, revealing His deep patience and sorrow over persistent unbelief despite His presence.