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φορτίον

phortíon

G5413 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A load, something carried; primarily, a physical burden or cargo. Extends by metaphor to a responsibility, obligation, or duty—something imposed or borne, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. In some contexts, refers specifically to a figurative or moral burden placed upon a person.

Semantic Range

load, cargo, freight, burden, duty, responsibility, obligation (metaphorical), assigned task, personal load

Root / Etymology

Diminutive of φόρτος (phortos), meaning 'load' or 'cargo'. The diminutive implies a specific or designated portion of a load, rather than an indeterminate or massive burden.

Historical & Contextual Notes

φορτίον is attested in classical and later Greek for a tangible load or freight, notably smaller or more individualized than φόρτος. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, the term extends metaphorically to duties or matters one is responsible for. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 11:30, Galatians 6:5), it can distinguish between oppressive, imposed moral obligations (often in the plural) and the individual responsibilities that each person must bear. English translations often render both φορτίον and φόρτος as 'burden', which blurs their respective nuances—φορτίον sometimes refers to one's personal load or duty, not necessarily a negative encumbrance. Septuagint usage is rare; when present, it typically continues the physical or figurative meaning of a load or responsibility. The nuance of personal or assigned duty, as opposed to an arbitrary or heavy burden, is particularly marked in Christian and philosophical literature.

Translation Consistency

primary "burden" 4 occurrences

Phortíon primarily denotes a load or cargo but frequently carries a figurative sense of responsibility or obligation. "Burden" naturally covers both the physical and metaphorical ranges, is common Biblical English, and will read smoothly and consistently across contexts.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"designated loads" (1x) "cargo" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

diminutive of φόρτος; an invoice (as part of freight), i.e. (figuratively) a task or service:--burden.

Root Family

φορτίον (phortion) — load, cargo, burden, assigned duty, responsibility

Root φορτ- to load, to bear, to carry

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5413-01 φορτία phortia N ACC N PL burdens assigned loads assigned burdens 2
G5413-03 φορτίον phortion N NOM N SG burden a designated load a designated burden 2
G5413-02 φορτίοις phortiois N DAT N PL burdens to designated loads to designated loads 1
G5413-04 φορτίου phortiou N GEN N SG cargo of a designated load of the cargo 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5413-03 Matthew 11:30 φορτίον phortion N NOM N SG burden a designated load a designated burden
G5413-01 Matthew 23:4 φορτία phortia N ACC N PL burdens assigned loads assigned burdens
G5413-01 Luke 11:46 φορτία phortia N ACC N PL burdens assigned loads assigned burdens
G5413-02 Luke 11:46 φορτίοις phortiois N DAT N PL burdens to designated loads to designated loads
G5413-04 Acts 27:10 φορτίου phortiou N GEN N SG cargo of a designated load of the cargo
G5413-03 Galatians 6:5 φορτίον phortion N ACC N SG load a designated load a designated burden
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