φορτίον (phortion)
phortion
burden
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phortion refers to a specific kind of load or burden, originally describing the cargo carried by a ship. In Acts 27:10, it denotes the physical freight that must be managed during a voyage. This concrete image of heavy, tangible weight provides the foundation for its metaphorical use in the Gospels and Epistles.
Jesus employs this term to contrast His own demands with the oppressive religious rules imposed by the Pharisees. In Matthew 11:30 and 23:4, He describes His yoke as light compared to the crushing loads others place on people. Similarly, in Luke 11:46, He criticizes those who burden individuals with regulations that are difficult to bear.
Paul also uses phortion in Galatians 6:5 to speak of personal responsibility. Here, it suggests a distinct load or duty that each person must carry for themselves. While the word implies weight, it often points to manageable obligations rather than insurmountable pressure, highlighting the difference between external oppression and internal accountability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word phortion describes a heavy load, originally used for the cargo on a ship. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus uses this image to invite us into His care. He contrasts the crushing weight of religious rules with the light burden of following Him. This offers a gentle reminder that faith is not about carrying impossible expectations alone.
While Paul mentions in Galatians 6:5 that we each bear our own responsibility, the overall picture is one of shared strength and grace. The term suggests manageable duties rather than overwhelming pressure. We are called to trust that the load God places on us is within our capacity, especially when we lean on His support.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- burden2×
- load1×
- burdens.1×
- burdens1×
- [with] burdens1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φορτίον2×
- φορτία2×
- φορτίου1×
- φορτίοις.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
This verse captures the core invitation of Jesus, contrasting His light burden with heavy religious demands.
-
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.
Here the word highlights the oppressive nature of legalism that Jesus strongly criticizes.
-
Galatians 6:5
For each man will bear his own burden.
Paul uses this term to emphasize personal accountability and individual duty within the Christian life.