ὦμος (ōmos)
ōmos
shoulder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word ōmos simply means "shoulder." It is a concrete noun referring to the physical part of the body that bears weight. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times in contexts involving heavy burdens or active care.
In Matthew 23:4, Jesus criticizes religious leaders who place difficult demands on others but refuse to lift a finger to help. The image is of people stacking loads onto someone else’s shoulders while standing back. Conversely, Luke 15:5 describes the shepherd carrying his lost sheep on his shoulder, returning home with joy. Here, the same body part signifies gentle strength and personal responsibility.
These two uses show the word’s range. It can represent an unfair burden imposed by others, or it can symbolize the intimate, physical effort of rescue and restoration. The sources do not suggest a deeper metaphorical meaning beyond this literal action. The focus remains on the tangible act of carrying weight, whether that weight is oppression or a lost life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for shoulder in Greek is simple and physical. It describes the part of the body that bears weight. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, yet it carries a powerful message about how we treat others. It reminds us that our strength is meant to be used for support, not just for status.
Jesus highlights two very different ways this body part is involved in human relationships. He criticizes those who place heavy loads on others but refuse to help carry them. This is a warning against leadership that demands without serving. It shows that true authority involves sharing the load, not just assigning it.
On the other hand, the image of a shepherd carrying a lost sheep on his shoulder shows gentle strength. It suggests that care often requires personal effort and closeness. When we feel overwhelmed, this word invites us to remember that God carries us with joy. We are invited to offer similar support to those around us, sharing their burdens with kindness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shoulders2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὤμους2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:4
For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.
This verse uses the word to expose the hypocrisy of leaders who impose heavy demands on others while refusing to offer any personal assistance.
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Luke 15:5
When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
Here the term illustrates the shepherd's intimate and joyful effort in rescuing a lost sheep, highlighting personal care over distant authority.