טֹ֫רַח (to.rach)
to.rach
burden
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun torach denotes a heavy load or burden, capturing the physical and emotional weight that presses down on a person. In Scripture, it appears in just two verses, both found in the book of Deuteronomy. The term conveys more than simple fatigue; it suggests an oppressive charge that is difficult to bear alone.
Its usage highlights the human experience of being overwhelmed by circumstances or responsibilities. When applied to people, it reflects a state of exhaustion caused by external pressures rather than internal weakness. This word helps readers understand the depth of struggle described in these ancient texts, offering insight into the lives of those who carried such loads.
By focusing on torach, we see how biblical language acknowledges the reality of hardship without minimizing it. It serves as a reminder that burdens are part of life, yet they do not define one’s worth or destiny. Through this lens, even small moments of relief become significant acts of grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word torach describes a heavy load that presses down on you, whether it is physical exhaustion or emotional weight. In Deuteronomy, Moses uses this term when he feels overwhelmed by the sheer number of disputes and problems brought to him by the Israelites. He recognizes that carrying such a burden alone is impossible, highlighting a very human limit to our strength and patience.
When you face your own torach, it is not a sign of failure but a signal that you need support. Scripture acknowledges that some loads are too heavy for one person to carry. This reality invites us to share our struggles with others, trusting that community and divine help can lighten the weight we bear.
Even when circumstances feel oppressive, your worth is not defined by how much you can endure in silence. There is grace in admitting when a burden is too great. By acknowledging our limits, we open space for relief and for the strength that comes from leaning on others and on God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- burden/ your1×
- <into>/ a burden1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/טֹ֑רַח1×
- טָרְחֲ/כֶ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 1:12
How can I myself alone bear your problems, your burdens, and your strife?
Moses uses this term to express his personal exhaustion from managing the community's conflicts, showing how administrative or relational duties can become an oppressive weight.