The Hebrew word ʻâmaç, represented by H6006, is a primitive root meaning to load or impose a burden. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the literal action of loading an animal or person to the figurative infliction of a heavy burden, but it can also uniquely describe being borne or carried in a supportive way.
In its literal application, H6006 describes the simple act of loading pack animals, as when Joseph's brothers laded every man his ass to return to their city Genesis 44:13 or when the people of Judah were observed lading asses with goods on the sabbath Nehemiah 13:15. Figuratively, it conveys the weight of oppression, such as the heavy H3515 yoke that Rehoboam's father did lade upon the people 1 Kings 12:11. In a positive and contrasting sense, God uses the term to describe His relationship with Israel, stating they are borne by Him from the belly Isaiah 46:3, and the psalmist declares that the Lord H136 loadeth us with benefits daily Psalms 68:19.
Several related words help clarify the concept of bearing a load:
- H3515 kâbêd (heavy): This adjective is used to describe the "heavy yoke" that was put H6006 upon Israel, signifying a severe or grievous burden 2 Chronicles 10:11.
- H4853 massâʼ (a burden): This noun refers to the load itself. It is used alongside H6006 when describing idols as a burden that are heavy loaden upon weary beasts Isaiah 46:1.
- H5375 nâsâʼ (to lift, bear, carry): This verb is used in parallel with H6006 to emphasize God's sustaining power. Israel is described as being borne H6006 by God and carried H5375 by him from the womb Isaiah 46:3.
- H5447 çêbel (a load): This noun for a burden appears in the context of the builders of the wall in Jerusalem, where some bare H5375 burdens H5447 while others laded H6006 Nehemiah 4:17.
The theological weight of H6006 is found in its contrasting applications, illustrating the difference between divine and worldly burdens.
- Divine Support vs. Human Oppression: The oppressive "heavy yoke" laded H6006 by a human king 1 Kings 12:11 stands in direct opposition to God, who loadeth H6006 His people with benefits and is the God H410 of our salvation H3444 Psalms 68:19.
- The Burden of Idolatry: The word is used to show the futility of idols, which are a heavy loaden H6006 carriage H5385 that must be carried, becoming a burden H4853 to weary animals. This contrasts with the living God who instead carries His people Isaiah 46:1.
- A Self-Imposed Burden of Judgment: In a prophetic warning, Jerusalem is described as a burdensome H4614 stone. All who burden H6006 themselves with it will be cut in pieces, framing the "burden" as the destructive consequence of opposing God's will Zechariah 12:3.
In summary, H6006 is a dynamic word that moves beyond its simple definition of "to load." It effectively illustrates a spectrum of experience, from the manual labor of lading asses Genesis 44:13 and the political weight of a heavy H3515 yoke 1 Kings 12:11 to the profound spiritual reality of being borne by God Himself Isaiah 46:3. The word powerfully contrasts the draining burdens imposed by human systems and false gods with the life-giving support of the Lord, who carries His people and daily loads them with His blessings.
TRV