γόμος (gomos)
gomos
cargo
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gomōs refers to the cargo or freight carried by a ship. Its meaning is straightforward: it denotes the merchandise or goods loaded onto a vessel for transport. The word appears only three times in the New Testament, specifically in Acts 21:3 and Revelation 18:11–12.
In Acts, Paul’s departure from Tyre leaves behind his ship and its gomōs, highlighting the separation between the apostle and the commercial enterprise. In Revelation, the fall of Babylon is marked by merchants weeping because no one buys their gomōs any longer. This usage underscores the economic collapse that accompanies divine judgment.
The term derives from a root meaning to load or burden. It emphasizes the physical weight and value of what is transported. Unlike words for general wealth, gomōs specifically points to goods in transit, making it a fitting symbol for worldly trade and its eventual impermanence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gomōs simply means cargo—the goods loaded onto a ship for transport. It appears in Acts when Paul leaves his vessel at Tyre, marking a clear separation between the apostle and the commercial trade that surrounds him. This image reminds us that our earthly responsibilities and possessions are often temporary companions on our journey.
In Revelation, the same word describes the wealth of Babylon, which vanishes overnight. The merchants weep because no one buys their cargo anymore. This stark contrast invites us to examine what we carry in our hearts. Are we holding tightly to things that will fade, or are we anchored in what lasts forever?
Paul’s departure shows that discipleship sometimes requires leaving behind familiar comforts. The fall of Babylon warns against trusting in material security. We can find peace by focusing on spiritual treasures that remain stable through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cargo2×
- cargo.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γόμον2×
- γόμον.¶1×
Key Verses
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Acts 21:3
When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo.
This verse highlights the physical separation between Paul and the ship's cargo, symbolizing the apostle's detachment from commercial interests as he moves toward Jerusalem.
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Revelation of John 18:11
The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise any more:
Here, the cargo represents the entire economic system of Babylon, whose sudden collapse causes merchants to mourn because their trade has ceased.
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Revelation of John 18:12
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;
This detailed list of cargo items illustrates the immense value and variety of worldly wealth that becomes worthless in the face of divine judgment.