### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gómos**, represented by `{{G1117}}`, refers to a **load** or **cargo**. Based on its root, it denotes something that fills, such as wares for trade or a ship's burden. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in scripture, making each usage significant in its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its occurrences, `{{G1117}}` is used in two distinct contexts. In Acts, it has a literal, logistical meaning, where a ship at Tyre needed to "unlade her **burden**" [[Acts 21:3]]. In Revelation, the term takes on a much broader, symbolic meaning. It is translated as **merchandise**, representing the vast wealth and trade of the great city Babylon. The merchants of the earth mourn because no one buys their **merchandise** anymore [[Revelation 18:11]], and a detailed list of this **merchandise**—from gold and silver to fine wood and vessels—is provided to illustrate the scale of the city's materialism [[Revelation 18:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the commercial and logistical context of `{{G1117}}`:
* `{{G670}}` **apophortízomai** (to unload): This verb is used directly with `{{G1117}}` to describe the action of removing a ship's cargo, as seen in the phrase "to unlade her burden" [[Acts 21:3]].
* `{{G1713}}` **émporos** (a (wholesale) tradesman:--merchant): These are the figures who trade in the **merchandise** `{{G1117}}` of Babylon. Their wealth comes from this trade, and their mourning is a key feature of its fall [[Revelation 18:11]].
* `{{G59}}` **agorázō** (to purchase; specially, to redeem:--buy, redeem): This word for "buy" is central to the commerce described in Revelation. The entire economic collapse is summarized by the fact that no one **buyeth** the merchandise anymore [[Revelation 18:11]].
* `{{G4632}}` **skeûos** (a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus...:--goods, sail, stuff, vessel): This term is included in the list of Babylon's merchandise, referring to "all manner **vessels** of ivory" and "**vessels** of most precious wood" [[Revelation 18:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1117}}` is concentrated in its usage within Revelation chapter 18.
* **Symbol of Worldly Materialism:** The **merchandise** of Babylon is not just a collection of goods; it represents the entire economic system of the world that is built on luxury and excess. The extensive list in [[Revelation 18:12]] emphasizes the depth of this materialism.
* **Object of Final Judgment:** The cessation of trade in this **merchandise** is a key component of God's judgment on Babylon. The fact that "no man buyeth their **merchandise** any more" [[Revelation 18:11]] signifies the complete and sudden end of this world system.
* **Source of Earthly Sorrow:** The grief of the merchants is directly tied to the loss of their **merchandise**. They "weep and mourn" [[Revelation 18:11]] not for the city itself, but for their lost economic opportunity, revealing the spiritually hollow nature of their pursuits.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1117}}` transitions from a simple word for a physical **load** or **burden** to a powerful theological symbol. While its use in Acts is purely literal [[Acts 21:3]], its role in Revelation defines its scriptural importance. As the **merchandise** of Babylon, it stands for the totality of worldly wealth and commerce, the loss of which causes great mourning and signifies the finality of divine judgment. The word illustrates how a common term for cargo can be elevated to represent the ultimate futility of earthly riches.
TRV