[Greek] φορτίζω (phortizō), [Latin] portare: to load, to overburden, to be burdened, to be loaded down, to cause to carry, to be heaven laden; Mt.11:28, Lk.11:46
A yoke placed upon the oxen’s shoulder blades. The yoke is held in position by straps.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used only in an active sense, means to load, to load with burdens, to ship, to encumber (to impose a restriction or burden), and to take away a burden. Hesiod’s Work and Days 690 states “Do not put all your goods in hollow ships; leave the greater part behind, and put the lesser behind.” Euripides’ Phoenissae 50 states “It happened somehow that my son, Oedipus, guessed the Sphinx’s song, and so he became the king of the land and received the scepter of this land as his prize.” Aristophanes’ Peace 740 states “The comic poet was the first to cover them with ridicule and to chase them from the stage; he has also dismissed that slave whom one never failed to set weeping before you.”
Old Testament: This term is used in a more nuanced way referring to bestowing, bribing, or “loading” gifts upon others. Job was offered a gift. However, Job did ask for such a gift. Job only wanted friendship and comforting words. Ezekiel states that prostitutes both receive and give ‘gifts’. These gifts are infidelity and adultery bestowed upon each other. Prostitutes usually receive gifts. But you bestowed gifts on all your lovers, bribing them to come to you for prostitution from every side (Eze.16:33). Have I said, ‘Give me something, make a bribe on my behalf from your possessions’? (Job.6:22).
New Testament: This term means to cause to carry and to be burdened (loaded down). In Lk.11:46 the law scholars actively impose burdens on others, without any effort for the scholars to help or guide them. In Mt.11:28 Jesus’ message offers liberation (help) from physical and spiritual afflictions, troubles, and burdens of all kind. Jesus claims that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. However, Jesus does not promise a life without burdens. Interestingly Mt.11:28-30 similarly alludes to Sir.51:23,26 where the untutored are called upon to take restful lodging in the house of instruction (Wisdom). These untutored hunger for Wisdom’s food. The untutored are called upon to take her yoke upon their necks so that they may receive her teaching. Wisdom is personified as female.
Scripture:
“And He said, Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry but you yourselves to not lift one finger to touch them.” Lk.11:46
The law scholars impose heavy burdens on the people.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mt.11:28
Jesus offers rest and help for those who experience heavy burdens in life. Jesus does not promise a life free from burdens.
Conclusion:
Portion, import, export, report
In the Greek Hellenistic era, this term is primarily used in an active sense. Loading and shipping become important aspects in the Greek maritime and shipping industry throughout the Mediterranean regions. A nuanced meaning of this term refers to a comic bestowing (loading) ridicule to others on the stage. Although Oedipus correctly answered the Sphinx’s riddle, Oedipus’ life was later encumbered (imposed) with tragedy. Oedipus will later be fated to marry his mother and kill his father.
In the Old Testament, it is also interesting to note that this term refers to bestowing and receiving gifts. Job was offended by the gift he received from his friend. All that Job wanted was his friendship. Prostitutes receive and offer ‘gifts’ of infidelity and adultery.
In the New Testament, this term is used in both in an active and passive sense. The law scholars impose heavy burdens on others. Jesus offers rest for those who are experiencing heavy burdens in life. But Jesus does not promise a life free from burdens. In Sirach the uneducated hunger for knowledge and find rest in seeking the yoke of Wisdom. This may beg the question: When does knowledge become a burden and not a heavy yoke?
We all know that both importing and exporting become important aspects of shipping. Reporting is essentially the carrying or bring back of something. It is interesting to note that reporting can potentially load or bestow burdens (scandals and publicity) which can be potentially heavy to carry.
And this is all I have to report for now.