### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποφορτίζομαι (G670, apophortízomai) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, `{{G575}}`) and the middle voice of the verb φορτίζω (phortizō, `{{G5412}}`). The prefix ἀπό signifies separation, removal, or completion, indicating an action away from something. The root verb φορτίζω means "to load" or "to burden," stemming from φόρτος (phortos, `{{G5413}}`), meaning "a load" or "cargo." Therefore, ἀποφορτίζομαι literally means "to unload oneself," "to discharge cargo," or "to unburden." The use of the middle voice suggests that the action of unloading is performed by or for the subject, or that the subject is actively involved in the process of discharging its load. Its semantic range is quite specific, primarily referring to the physical act of removing a load, typically from a ship or a person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀποφορτίζομαι (G670) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts.
* [[Acts 21:3]]: "Now when we had sighted Cyprus, we left it on the left and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo."
In this singular occurrence, the context is entirely literal and nautical. Paul and his companions, traveling by ship, arrive at Tyre because "there the ship was to unload its cargo" (ἐκεῖσε γὰρ ἦν τὸ πλοῖον ἀποφορτιζόμενον τὸν γόμον). The phrase uses the present participle ἀποφορτιζόμενον (apophortizomenon) with the imperfect ἦν (ēn) to form a periphrastic imperfect, emphasizing the intended or ongoing action of the ship discharging its freight upon arrival. The "cargo" (τὸν γόμον, ton gomon, `{{G1117}}`) refers to the goods being transported. The verse simply provides a practical and logistical detail within the narrative of Paul's journey, illustrating the mundane necessities of maritime travel and commerce. There is no overt metaphorical or theological layer implied in this specific usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀπό (apo, `{{G575}}`):** The preposition indicating separation, removal, origin, or completion. Its presence in compound verbs often denotes an action away from something or the cessation of an action.
* **φορτίζω (phortizō, `{{G5412}}`):** The root verb meaning "to load" or "to burden." This word can carry metaphorical weight in other contexts, such as in [[Matthew 11:28]] where Jesus invites those who are "weary and burdened" (πεφορτισμένοι, pephortismenoi) to come to Him, or in [[Luke 11:46]] where Jesus condemns the lawyers for "loading people with burdens hard to bear."
* **φόρτος (phortos, `{{G5413}}`):** The noun meaning "a load" or "cargo." It is used in [[Acts 27:10]] in a similar nautical context, referring to the ship's cargo.
* **γόμος (gomos, `{{G1117}}`):** The specific word for "cargo" or "freight" used in [[Acts 21:3]] in conjunction with ἀποφορτίζομαι.
* **βάρος (baros, `{{G922}}`):** Another common Greek word for "weight" or "burden," often used metaphorically for difficulties, responsibilities, or afflictions (e.g., [[Galatians 6:2]], [[2 Corinthians 4:17]]).
While ἀποφορτίζομαι itself is used literally, its semantic relationship to φορτίζω highlights the contrast between being burdened and being unburdened, a concept that holds significant theological resonance elsewhere in Scripture.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence and purely literal usage in [[Acts 21:3]], ἀποφορτίζομαι (G670) does not carry a direct, explicit theological significance within the New Testament text itself. It functions as a descriptive term for a mundane, necessary action in the course of travel. The presence of such seemingly minor logistical details within the narrative of Acts, however, serves to underscore the historical veracity and grounded reality of the early church's missionary endeavors. The journeys of the apostles were real, involving actual ships, specific ports, and tangible cargo. This grounding in the ordinary aspects of life highlights how God's extraordinary work unfolds within these very human and historical contexts.
Although the word itself does not directly convey a theological lesson, the broader concept of "unloading" or "being unburdened" is profoundly theological elsewhere in Scripture. Christ's invitation to "all who are weary and burdened" to find rest ([[Matthew 11:28-30]]) and the exhortation for believers to "cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" ([[1 Peter 5:7]]) speak to the spiritual unburdening offered by divine grace. While ἀποφορτίζομαι is not employed in these contexts, it stands in semantic opposition to the state of being weighed down by sin, legalism, or worldly cares, which is a significant theme in Christian theology. The literal unloading of cargo can, by extension, serve as a subtle earthly parallel to the spiritual unburdening and relief found in faith.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀποφορτίζομαι (G670) is a specific compound word meaning "to unload" or "to unburden oneself," formed from ἀπό (away from) and the middle voice of φορτίζω (to load). It denotes the action of removing a load or cargo. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Acts 21:3]], where it literally describes a ship arriving at Tyre to discharge its cargo. In this context, it functions as a purely descriptive, nautical term, providing a factual detail in the narrative of Paul's missionary journey. While the word itself lacks direct theological import, its literal meaning of "unloading" stands in semantic contrast to the broader biblical theme of spiritual burdens (referenced by φορτίζω and βάρος) and the divine invitation to find relief and rest through Christ. Its inclusion in Acts underscores the historical groundedness and realism of the apostolic missions.
TRV