### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κουφίζω (transliterated kouphízō, `{{G2893}}`) is derived from the adjective κοῦφος (kouphos), which means "light" in weight. Therefore, the core meaning of κουφίζω is "to make light," "to lighten," or "to unload." It signifies the act of reducing weight or pressure, often by removing something that causes heaviness. The semantic range is primarily physical, referring to the act of alleviating a physical burden or making something less heavy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κουφίζω (`{{G2893}}`) appears only once in the New Testament. This singular occurrence is found in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:38]]**: "And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, casting out the wheat into the sea."
In this context, the word describes a desperate measure taken by the sailors aboard the ship carrying Paul. Facing a severe storm and imminent shipwreck, they cast their valuable cargo of wheat into the sea. This was a practical, life-saving action intended to reduce the ship's draft and make it more buoyant, thus preventing it from sinking. The use of κουφίζω here is strictly literal and physical, highlighting the dire circumstances and the pragmatic steps taken to preserve life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual field surrounding κουφίζω (`{{G2893}}`) is rich, even if the word itself has limited occurrences. Its root, κοῦφος (kouphos), is related to the concept of lightness, often contrasted with heaviness or burden.
Related terms and concepts include:
* ἐλαφρός (elaphros, `{{G1645}}`): Meaning "light" (in weight), "easy." This word is notably used by Jesus in [[Matthew 11:30]] when He declares, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." While ἐλαφρός is an adjective and κουφίζω is a verb, the underlying concept of a "light" burden is directly related.
* βάρος (baros, `{{G922}}`): Meaning "weight," "burden," "heaviness." This is often used to describe things that are difficult to bear, whether physical or spiritual. κουφίζω stands in direct antonymic relationship to the concept of βάρος.
* βαρύς (barus, `{{G926}}`): The adjective form of βάρος, meaning "heavy," "grievous," "burdensome."
* φορτίζω (phortizō, `{{G5412}}`): "To load," "to burden." κουφίζω is the opposite action.
* ἀναπαύω (anapauō, `{{G373}}`): "To give rest," "to refresh." The act of lightening a burden often leads to rest.
The broader biblical theme of "unburdening" or "relief from weight" is central to the Gospel message, even if κουφίζω is not directly employed in these theological contexts.
### Theological Significance
While κουφίζω (`{{G2893}}`) is used in a purely physical sense in [[Acts 27:38]], its underlying concept of "lightening a burden" holds profound theological resonance within the broader biblical narrative. The act of casting off heavy cargo to save a ship from sinking serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual realities:
1. **Shedding Spiritual Burdens:** Just as the ship needed to be lightened to survive the storm, believers are called to shed the spiritual "weight" that can hinder their journey of faith. This weight can include sin ([[Hebrews 12:1]]), worldly attachments, legalistic requirements, or anxieties. The process of repentance and sanctification involves "unloading" these spiritual burdens.
2. **Christ's Provision of Rest:** Jesus' invitation in [[Matthew 11:28-30]] to those who are "weary and burdened" to find rest by taking His "light" yoke (ἐλαφρός, `{{G1645}}`) is the ultimate theological expression of "lightening." Christ Himself is the one who bears the ultimate burden of sin, offering relief and true rest to those who come to Him. His atonement "lightens" the unbearable weight of guilt and condemnation.
3. **Divine Relief:** The God of the Bible is consistently portrayed as one who lifts burdens, whether physical oppression, spiritual bondage, or the weight of the Law. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life freed from the heavy demands of the flesh and the world, enabling them to walk in the "lightness" of grace.
Thus, while κουφίζω describes a specific, practical action, it points to a much larger theological truth: the necessity of shedding what weighs us down, and the divine provision for such unburdening through Christ.
### Summary
κουφίζω (kouphízō, `{{G2893}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to lighten" or "to unload," deriving from the concept of being "light" in weight. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is in [[Acts 27:38]], where it describes the literal act of sailors casting wheat overboard to lighten a ship and save it from sinking during a severe storm. Although used in a strictly physical context, the underlying concept of "lightening a burden" resonates deeply with broader biblical themes. It metaphorically connects to the spiritual necessity of shedding the weight of sin, worldly attachments, and legalistic burdens. Ultimately, it points to the transformative relief offered by Jesus Christ, who invites the burdened to find rest in His "light" yoke, thereby providing the ultimate spiritual "lightening" and freedom.
TRV