25. Burden. Weight

 
The words βάρος and φορτίον are both translated ‘burden.' The difference between the two words is that with βάρος (from βαρύς, ‘heavy') the burden is always heavy and oppressive; whereas the idea in φορτίον (from φέρω ‘to carry') is that it has to be carried, as freight, baggage, &c., though it need not be heavy; as the burden was which the Jewish leaders laid on others, Matt. 23:44For 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. (Matthew 23:4); Luke 11:4646And 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. (Luke 11:46); or it may be light, as the Lord says, "My burden is light." Matt. 11:3030For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:30).
In Gal. 6:2, 52Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
5For every man shall bear his own burden. (Galatians 6:5) both words are employed: "Bear ye one another's burdens (βά.).... for every man shall bear his own burden (φο.)" We may and should in sympathy bear one another's troubles, and so on; but each one is responsible for his own ‘bundle:' he cannot transfer it to another.
Those who had labored for twelve hours complained of the burden (βάρος,) they had borne. Matt. 20:1212Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. (Matthew 20:12). The word is employed also in 2 Cor. 4:1717For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (2 Corinthians 4:17) for the "exceeding and eternal weight of glory" which the apostle looked forward to in contrast with "our light affliction."