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BURDEN.—The word so rendered in the OT is derived from a root which means to ‘lift’ or ‘carry.’ It has the two senses of an actual burden and a prophetic utterance. Instances of the former are 2Ki_5:17, Neh_13:19, Num_4:15. Related usages are frequent; in Isa_22:25 the word suggests the pressure of something hanging on a peg, in Num_11:11 the responsibility and in Hos_8:10 the privilege of government, in Psa_38:4 the responsibility for sin. The second sense is that of a solemn utterance, and the marginal alternative ‘oracle’ (Isa_14:28 et al.) is to he preferred. It was customary to explain this use of the word as due to the threatening character of the utterance; but many of the utterances are not threatening (cf. Zec_12:1-14; Zec_9:1; Zec_9:9-17; in Pro_30:1; Pro_31:1 RV [Note: Revised Version.] puts ‘oracle’ in the text and ‘burden’ in the margin), and the word-play in Jer_23:33 ff. involves a reproof of the men who were disposed to regard the oracle of God as literally a burden. Most utterances of the prophets, moreover, were of necessity from their occasion minatory. ‘Burden’ in this second usage denotes simply something taken up solemnly upon the lips, both weighty in itself and weighty in its communication. It is not used of merely human utterances, but always carries with it the suggestion of Divine inspiration, actual or falsely assumed (Lam_2:14).
In the NT, Act_21:3 is an instance of the literal use. The figures are easy. The word is used for the ordinances of the Law as interpreted by the Pharisees (Mat_23:4, Luk_11:46), for the prohibitions of the Apostolic decree (Act_15:28; cf. Rev_2:24), for the pressure and load of life (Mat_20:12), for an exacting or even legitimate charge upon others (2Co_11:9; 2Co_12:13 f.), for the imagined difficulties of following Christ (Mat_11:30). Two other kinds of burdens with their right treatment are contrasted. Other men’s errors and sorrows must be shared in sympathy (Gal_6:2); though in the service of Christ there can be no transfer of obligations, but each man must carry his own kit and do his own duty (Gal_6:5).
R. W. Moss.