"a load, burden; of a ship, freight, cargo, Acts 27:10; met. a burden of imposed precepts, etc., Mt. 11:30; 23:4; Lk. 11:46 (2x); of faults, sins, etc., Gal. 6:5*"
Definition and meaning
a load, burden; of a ship, freight, cargo, Acts 27:10; met. a burden of imposed precepts, etc., Mt. 11:30; 23:4; Lk. 11:46 (2x); of faults, sins, etc., Gal. 6:5*
In the original Greek the word is written: φορτίον
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of phortion (G5413) across the King James Bible.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5413 (phortion) is a Greek word that means: a load, burden; of a ship, freight, cargo, Acts 27:10; met. a burden of imposed precepts, etc., Mt. 11:30; 23:4; Lk. 11:46 (2x); of faults, sins, etc., Gal. 6:5* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word phortion (G5413) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5413 is phortion, a Greek word defined as: a load, burden; of a ship, freight, cargo, Acts 27:10; met. a burden of imposed precepts, etc., Mt. 11:30; 23:4; Lk. 11:46 (2x); of faults, sins, etc.. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
phortion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.