[Greek] φορτίον (phortion), [Latin] portio: burden, portion, load, cargo, task, lading, something carried, task, service; Mt.11:30, Mt.23:4, Lk.11:46, Act. 27:10, Gal. 6:5
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term can be used in a variety of nuanced meanings. This term can mean ship’s lading, wagon load, burden, goods, child in a womb, burdening, cares, duties, tasks, and sickness. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 22.5 states, “The woman conceives and bears her burden in travail, risking her life, and giving of her own food.” Demosthenes’ Funeral Oration II states, “They went bearing the brunt of all dangers that chanced to arise until the lapse of time bring us the generation now living.” Hesiod’s Works and Days 693 states, “For it is a bad business if you put too great a burden on your wagon and break the axle wheel and your goods are spoiled.”
Old Testament: This Hebrew term massa can mean burden, load, lifting, uplifting, tribute, utterance, and oracle. Interestingly, burden is used extensively. Such examples include and animal’s burden, something carried, spiritual burden, psychological burden, and sinful burden. An important theme is that of Israel’s sinful actions becoming a burden to God. Sirach makes a reference of the unlearned seeking the yoke of Wisdom. This term is also used in reference to a prophetic utterance describing a threat or punishment. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load (Exo.23:5). They are the things in the tent of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry (Num.4:15). Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load (Num.4:19). How can I alone bear the load and burden of you and your strife? (Deut.1:12). Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king? (2Sam.19:35). In the year that King Ahaz died this oracle came (Isa.14:28). For you will no longer remember the oracle of the Lord (Jer.23:36). Submit your neck to her yoke, that your mind may accept her teaching. (Sir.51:26).
New Testament: This term refers to a ship’s cargo, light burden (yoke), heavy burdens put on others, and one’s own load (actions). Jesus draws upon Wisdom imagery inviting others to take His easy yoke. Jesus’ yoke provides rest. On the other hand, Jesus makes mention of hypocritical Pharisees (and scholars) who tie up heavy burdens on the peoples’ shoulders. Paul metaphorically states that each one of us will bear one’s own load. This load represents the work, actions, and achievements that each of us will bring at one’s judgment before God.
Scripture:
“For each will bear his own load.” Gal.6:5
This load consists of our actions, works, achievements of which we will be held accountable at the time of judgment.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Mt. 11:30
Jesus draws upon Old Testament Wisdom imagery taking a yoke. Sirach describes the yoke of Wisdom. Jesus offers a yoke of rest.
“‘Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not life one finger to touch them.’” Lk.11:46
Jesus calls the Pharisees and scholars hypocrites. They impose hard burdens of the law and regulations.
Conclusion:
Portion
It is interesting to note that some concepts (ideas) never change over history. Cargo has remained the same as supplies, materials, goods, and food ever since the beginning of time. For some, bearing children can be a burden (and also a joy) for some people in any time period.
The yoke becomes further defined and developed in the Old Testament culture. In Sirach, the unlearned seeks the yoke of Wisdom in obtaining knowledge and understanding. Jesus offers a light yoke in providing refreshment to those who are weary. The relief depends on fellowship with Jesus.
Even today some cultures still use shoulder yokes to carry goods and supplies. Each of us will carry our load as we live our lives. Our load will consist of our actions, achievements, and accomplishments, and struggles. Although we will not take our “stuff” with us to heaven, we will still be judged by the load that we will have carried in our lives. This will be the burden (good and bad) that we will bear.
This portion of this post has been brought to you in part by the generosity of The Heav Y. Burden Endowment and yoke bearers like you. Thank you for your support!