### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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