Lexical Summary phortizó: To load, to burden Original Word: φορτίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to load, burdenFrom phortos; to load up (properly, as a vessel or animal), i.e. (figuratively) to overburden with ceremony (or spiritual anxiety) -- lade, by heavy laden. see GREEK phortos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5412 phortízō – overload (pack up), causing someone to be (literally) "weighted-down." See 5413 (phortion). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as phortion Definition to load NASB Translation heavy-laden (1), weigh...down (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5412: φορτίζωφορτίζω; perfect passive participle πεφορτισμένος; (φόρτος, which see); to place a burden upon, to load: φορτίζειν τινα φορτίον (on the double accusative see Buttmann, 149 (130)), to load one with a burden (of rites and unwarranted precepts), Luke 11:46; πεφορτισμένος 'heavy laden' (with the burdensome requirements of the Mosaic law and of tradition, and with the consciousness of sin), Matthew 11:28. (Ezekiel 16:33; Hesiod, Works, 692; Lucian, navig. 45; Anthol. 10, 5, 5; ecclesiastical writings) (Compare: ἀποφορτίζομαι.) Topical Lexicon Entry: φορτίζω – Strong’s Greek 5412Overview φορτίζω describes the act of placing a load upon someone or something. Though the verb appears only twice in the New Testament, its imagery of burdens helps frame the contrast between oppressive religion and Christ-given rest, illuminating central themes of grace, discipleship, and pastoral care. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Here the perfect participle (πεφορτισμένοι) paints a picture of people already weighted down by a load they cannot shed. The context links those burdens to the Pharisaic yoke of legal minutiae (compare Matthew 23:4) and to the universal heaviness of sin and sorrow. Historical and Cultural Setting First-century Judaism revered the Torah but increasingly surrounded it with oral traditions later codified in the Mishnah. While intended to fence the Law, these traditions often degenerated into an intricate weight of do’s and don’ts. Rabbis spoke of “taking the yoke of the Law”; Jesus acknowledged that yoke (Matthew 23:2–4) yet exposed how human additions perverted God’s intent. His invitation in Matthew 11 answers the spiritual fatigue produced by such a system, offering a gentler yoke anchored in His own meekness and humility (Matthew 11:29). Theology of Burdens and Rest • Old Testament background: Physical burdens feature prominently in accounts of slavery (Exodus 1:11), exile (Lamentations 1:14), and temple service (Numbers 4:15). Prophets envisioned Messiah breaking the yoke (Isaiah 9:4; Isaiah 10:27). Contrast between Legalism and Grace Luke 11:46 shows burdens imposed without aid; Matthew 11:28 shows burdens relieved by personal invitation. The difference lies in the character of the burden-giver: proud teachers versus the servant King. 2 Corinthians 8:9 captures the paradox: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Pastoral and Ministry Significance 1. Shepherding style: Leaders must imitate Christ by entering into the struggles of the flock, not multiplying rules. Peter exhorts elders to serve “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples” (1 Peter 5:3). Intertextual Links and Illustrations • The cross as ultimate burden-bearing: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6), fulfilled in 1 Peter 2:24. Practical Exhortations – Examine teaching and traditions to discern whether they liberate or encumber. – Foster congregational rhythms (prayer, worship, fellowship) that refresh rather than exhaust. – Encourage transparent confession; hidden sin is a heavier load than honest repentance. – Serve the marginalized; physical assistance often opens doors for spiritual rest. Conclusion φορτίζω surfaces only twice, yet its twin texts frame a sweeping biblical narrative: burdens imposed by human religion versus burdens lifted by the Messiah. In Christ, believers lay down the crushing weight of sin and self-effort, receiving a yoke that is “easy” and a burden that is “light” because He shoulders it with them. Forms and Transliterations εφόρτιζες πεφορτισμενοι πεφορτισμένοι φορτιζετε φορτίζετε pephortismenoi pephortisménoi phortizete phortízeteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 11:28 V-RPM/P-NMPGRK: κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω NAS: who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. KJV: and are heavy laden, and I INT: toil and are burdened and I will give rest Luke 11:46 V-PIA-2P Strong's Greek 5412 |
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