### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ṭôrach**, represented by `{{H2960}}`, denotes a **burden** or **trouble**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, yet it powerfully conveys the concept of a wearing, tiresome load. The term is used to describe both the heavy responsibility of leadership and the spiritual exhaustion caused by insincere religious practice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2960}}` appears in two distinct but related contexts. First, in Deuteronomy, Moses expresses the overwhelming weight of his leadership role, asking how he can possibly bear the people's **cumbrance** `{{H2960}}`, their burden, and their strife by himself [[Deuteronomy 1:12]]. Later, in Isaiah, the term is used by God Himself, who declares that Israel's appointed feasts and new moons have become a **trouble** `{{H2960}}` to Him, something He is weary to bear [[Isaiah 1:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of its appearances help clarify the meaning of `{{H2960}}`:
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (to lift... bear): This verb is used in both occurrences to describe the act of carrying the `ṭôrach`. Moses questions his ability to **bear** this weight [[Deuteronomy 1:12]], and God expresses His weariness to **bear** Israel's empty rituals [[Isaiah 1:14]].
* `{{H4853}}` **massâʼ** (a burden): This word is used in parallel with `ṭôrach` in [[Deuteronomy 1:12]], reinforcing the idea of a heavy, cumbersome load placed upon a leader.
* `{{H7379}}` **rîyb** (a contest... strife): This specifies the nature of the **cumbrance** Moses was bearing, identifying it as the constant strife and legal contests among the people [[Deuteronomy 1:12]].
* `{{H3811}}` **lâʼâh** (to tire... be... weary): This word describes the effect of the `ṭôrach`. God is not merely displeased but is made **weary** by the trouble of Israel's insincere worship [[Isaiah 1:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2960}}` is significant despite its rarity, highlighting two key concepts:
* **The Burden of Leadership:** The term is used by Moses to articulate the immense personal cost of shepherding God's people. It captures the exhausting nature of dealing with their "cumbrance," "burden," and "strife" [[Deuteronomy 1:12]].
* **The Trouble of Empty Religion:** God applies this word to Israel's religious festivals, revealing that outward observance without a sincere soul `{{H5315}}` is not a pleasing offering but a **trouble** that He hates and finds wearying [[Isaiah 1:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2960}}` is a potent term for a burdensome weight. It moves beyond a simple physical load to describe the emotional and spiritual exhaustion felt by a leader like Moses and, most profoundly, by God Himself when confronted with human strife and hollow religiosity. Its two appearances provide a powerful glimpse into the nature of burdens that weary both man and God.
TRV