[Greek] βαρέω (bareō), [Latin] gravitas: to weigh down, to be overcome, to be weighted down, to be heavy, to be pressed, to have “heavy” eyes (drowsy), to be sleepy; Lk.21:34, 2Cor.1:8, 2Cor.5:4, 1Tim.5:16, Lk.9:32, Mt.26:43
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to weigh down, to depress, to be indignant, to be sad, and to be intoxicated. Homer’s Odyssey 3.139 states “Now the two called an assembly all the Aechaeans, recklessly and in no order, at sun set, and they came heavy with wine.” Homer’s Odyssey 19.122 states “I would not that one of thy maidens or thine ownself be vexed with me, and say that I swim in tears because my mind is heavy with wine. Plutarch’s Aemelius Paulus 34 states “He was followed by a company of friends and intimates whose faces were heavy with grief.”
New Testament: This term means to be sleepy, to be weary with struggles (and death), and to be financially burdened. In the garden, Jesus sees that His disciples could not stay awake in watching. The Christians are at times weary with struggles, persecution, and death. Paul reminds that the woman believers must help out widowed relatives.
Scripture:
“Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw His glory and the two man standing with Him.” Lk.9:32
Peter had “heavy” eyelids. Peter couldn’t keep eyes open and fell asleep.
“We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction that came to us in the province of Asia; we were utterly weighed down beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life.” 2Cor.1:8
This was a time when Paul could not endure on his own. Paul had to rely on God’s help.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise.” Lk.21:34
Luke was talking about daily struggles in life. Luke was warning others to be vigilant and to pray for the strength to handle these situations.
Conclusion:
Barometer, barometric, gravity
The modern day use of this word concerns itself only with the science of atmosphere and air pressure. Scripture obviously had no need for this context. The scientific understanding (notion) of pressure was not yet even conceived until many centuries later. Scripture had to deal with more ‘pressing’ issues, such as daily struggles and adversity. Scripture speaks to more of the psychological aspects of experiencing pressure. However, sometimes physical pressure resulted in persecution.