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.
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.
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.
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.
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