### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kouphízō**, represented by `{{G2893}}`, means **to unload** or **lighten**. Derived from a word meaning "light in weight," it appears only **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, making its sole usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical application of `{{G2893}}` occurs in a moment of crisis at sea. In [[Acts 27:38]], after the crew and passengers had eaten, they **lightened** the ship by casting the wheat into the sea. This was a literal, physical act of jettisoning cargo to increase the vessel's chances of survival during a severe storm, demonstrating a practical measure taken in desperation to preserve life.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Acts 27:38]] illuminate the action of `{{G2893}}`:
* `{{G4143}}` **ploîon** (a sailer, i.e. vessel:--ship(-ing)): This is the object that is being **lightened**. The **ship** is a frequent setting in the New Testament, serving as the location where disciples witnessed Christ's power over a tempest [[Matthew 8:24]] and where Paul declared that their lives would be saved even if the vessel was lost [[Acts 27:22]].
* `{{G1544}}` **ekbállō** (to eject (literally or figuratively)): This word describes the method used to **lighten** the ship. In [[Acts 27:38]], it is used literally to **cast out** the wheat. Elsewhere, it takes on a spiritual meaning, such as the authority of believers to **cast out** devils [[Mark 16:17]] or God's power to **send forth** laborers into the harvest [[Luke 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G2893}}` has a practical meaning, its context and related terms carry theological weight.
* **Sacrifice for Salvation:** The act of lightening the ship by casting out valuable wheat [[Acts 27:38]] is a necessary sacrifice made to ensure the survival of the people on board, fulfilling Paul's prophecy that no lives would be lost [[Acts 27:22]].
* **Unburdening for Deliverance:** The physical act of lightening a burden for physical safety parallels the spiritual concept of unburdening. The associated action, **ekbállō** `{{G1544}}`, is used to describe the spiritual deliverance that comes from casting out evil, such as when the "prince of this world" will be **cast out** [[John 12:31]].
* **Literal Action, Spiritual Parallel:** The decision to **lighten** the ship is a deliberate choice to remove something of value to preserve something of greater value—human life. This reflects a spiritual principle of removing worldly hindrances or sins to secure spiritual well-being.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2893}}` is a rare biblical term whose meaning is anchored in a single, literal event. Its use in [[Acts 27:38]] to describe the lightening of a ship in a storm provides a powerful, tangible image of jettisoning weight for the sake of survival. Through its association with the terms for **ship** `{{G4143}}` and **casting out** `{{G1544}}`, this singular occurrence illustrates a profound principle of sacrifice and deliverance that extends beyond the physical realm into spiritual truth.
TRV