barus describes what is burdensome or forceful, and what is weightier, serious, or fierce in its setting.

The term most often marks burdens, commandments, or letters as demanding or forceful; it also characterizes matters and accusations as weightier or serious, and wolves as fierce.

1. Demanding burdens or forceful communication · dominant

   In Matthew 23:4, the accusative plural neuter form describes burdens bound and placed on people's shoulders; the APB renders the clause “They bind heavy burdens.” In 1 John 5:3 the nominative plural feminine form qualifies commandments that are said not to be burdensome, while in 2 Corinthians 10:10 it is used of letters described in contrast to weak bodily presence and speech “of no account.”

   Matthew 23:41 John 5:32 Corinthians 10:10
2. Weightier or serious matters · common

   In Matthew 23:23, the comparative accusative plural neuter form marks matters of the law set beside tithing mint, dill, and cumin; the APB renders them “the weightier matters of the law.” In Acts 25:7, the accusative plural neuter form describes the many accusations brought against Paul, rendered by the APB as “many serious accusations.”

   Matthew 23:23Acts 25:7
3. Fierce threat · occasional

   In Acts 20:29, the nominative plural masculine form qualifies wolves that will come among the flock and not spare it; the APB renders them “fierce wolves.”

   Acts 20:29

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across the verses, the APB uses “heavy burdens,” “burdensome,” “weighty,” “fierce,” “serious,” and “weightier.” These are verse-level renderings rather than definitions of the term.