Maritime Providence: φόρτος (Strong’s G5414: phortos) Reveals God’s Care at Sea

Strong’s G5414: From φέρω (to bear/carry), φόρτος refers to a ship’s cargo or freight. In NT maritime context, it represents substantial burdens or loads, particularly in seafaring narratives. Its usage in Acts provides insight into ancient Mediterranean maritime commerce and divine providence in perilous journeys.

U – Unveiling the Word

φόρτος represents a significant term in maritime vocabulary, particularly in the context of ancient Mediterranean shipping and commerce. Unlike its diminutive form φορτίον, it refers to a substantial or heavy cargo load. In the New Testament, it appears in Acts during Paul’s treacherous sea voyage, where the term takes on both literal and symbolic significance. The word speaks to the physical reality of maritime trade and metaphorically to the weighty circumstances faced by early Christian missionaries. Its usage in Acts 27 presents a pivotal moment where commercial concerns intersect with divine providence, demonstrating how God’s sovereignty extends even to matters of maritime commerce. Early church writings often used this term to illustrate how God guides His people through perilous circumstances.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φόρτος, phortos, /for’-tos/
• Detailed pronunciation: FOHR-tohs (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φέρω (phero) – root verb meaning “to carry/bear”
• -τος (-tos) – nominal suffix forming concrete nouns
• Combined to mean “that which is carried”

D – Defining Meanings

• A ship’s cargo or freight
• A heavy burden or load
• Commercial goods being transported
• Maritime merchandise

For compound words: Not a compound word, but the nominal suffix -τος transforms the verbal concept of “carrying” into a concrete noun representing “that which is carried”

Translation Options:

• “Cargo” – best captures the maritime commercial context
• “Freight” – emphasizes the commercial transport aspect
• “Lading” – traditional nautical term that precisely matches ancient usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γόμος (gomos, GOH-mos) – cargo specifically of a merchant vessel See G1117
• φορτίον (phortion, for-TEE-on) – diminutive form meaning smaller burden See G5413
• βάρος (baros, BAH-ros) – weight or burden in general See G922

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

In Greek, the word follows standard second declension patterns:

• Nominative singular: φόρτος
• Genitive singular: φόρτου
• Dative singular: φόρτῳ
• Accusative singular: φόρτον
• Plural forms follow similar patterns

Cross-reference: φορτίζω (to burden) as related verb form

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide comprehensive insight into φόρτος. BDAG emphasizes its primary usage in maritime contexts, particularly in Acts 27:10, where it represents commercial cargo. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from general “burden” to specific nautical usage. LSJ provides extensive classical references showing its consistent use in maritime commerce. Vine’s distinguishes it from γόμος, noting that φόρτος emphasizes the burden aspect of cargo rather than just its commercial value. Moulton and Milligan cite numerous papyri demonstrating its common use in shipping documents throughout the Mediterranean world. Strong’s connects it to φέρω, highlighting its basic meaning of “something carried,” while LEH provides Septuagint parallels showing its consistent maritime applications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the [φόρτος] lading and ship, but also of our lives.” Acts 27:10

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of φόρτος in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φόρτος stands as a testament to God’s providence in the practical affairs of human commerce and travel. In Acts, it appears at a crucial moment when Paul warns of impending danger to both cargo and life, demonstrating divine foreknowledge and care. This maritime term reveals how God’s sovereignty extends to every aspect of human endeavor, from commercial interests to missionary journeys. The good news shines through as we see God’s careful oversight of even mundane matters like shipping cargo, reminding us that nothing is too ordinary for His attention and care.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient shipping contracts found in Egyptian papyri
• It was a technical term in ancient maritime insurance documentation
• The word influenced modern Greek shipping terminology

Strong’s G5414: From φέρω (to bear/carry), φόρτος refers to a ship’s cargo or freight. Used in maritime contexts, particularly in Acts, it represents substantial burdens or loads in seafaring narratives. Its appearance in Paul’s voyage narrative illustrates divine providence in commercial maritime ventures.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: cargo, shipping, maritime, burden, sea voyage, Paul’s journey, Acts, commercial freight, Mediterranean trade, divine providence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​