This post was intended to go out right after “Ask Me”. I lost my focus and this post is out of sequence.

Why are there two different Greek words translated as burden in Galatians 6?

Galatians 6:2  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ

 βάρος báros, bar’-os; probably from the same as G939 (through the notion of going down; compare G899); weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority:—burden(-some), weight. Looking at STRONGS G939:

βάσις, -εως, ἡ, (ΒΑΩ, βαίνω);

1. a stepping, walking

Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

  φορτίον phortíon, for-tee’-on; diminutive of G5414; an invoice (as part of freight), i.e. (figuratively) a task or service:—burden.

The use of the Greek words imply that Christ came down with authority to carry our burden in verse 2. He lightens our loud, see Matthew 11:30

In verse 5 there is an implication that we have been assigned tasks, the invoice implies freight assigned to our vessel. Every service gift comes with responsibilities.

I saw these conclusions. Checking back with my friend and fellow brother in the Lord, who did not see exactly what I saw. Perhaps this is one reason other translations of Galatians 6:5 use the word load rather than burden.

Once again we find ourselves trying to align ourselves with the Word of God about correct interpretation of scriptures. Neither of us is right nor are we wrong. This is a matter of being touched by God through our contact with the Holy Spirit that does not make mistakes.

We are not Galatians in the first century church. We did not live in those times and have their personal experiences. Wordsmithing the Greek into meaningful language for today’s reader is difficult. Only God can reveal to us His thoughts and concerns. Each of us has our own experiences. It is more important for God to align our thinking to His will and not something of our own choosing.

When in study groups we should never blurt out “you are wrong”. The only time words like that might be applied is when dangerous doctrine is introduced. End of Post

I found myself swept up in the issue of false doctrine which seemed more important. But I got there from here. Forgive my impatience.