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G1419 · Greek · New Testament
δυσβάστακτος
Dysbastaktos
Adjective
Hard to bear; burdensome; oppressive

Definition

The Greek adjective dysbastaktos means hard to carry or bear — describing a burden so heavy it is nearly impossible to bear. Jesus uses it to condemn religious leaders who load others with crushing obligations.

Usage & Theological Significance

Dysbastaktos appears in Luke 11:46 in Jesus' withering condemnation of the experts in the law who 'load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.' This is Jesus defending the dignity and capacity of ordinary people against a religious system that used complexity and obligation as instruments of control. In contrast, Jesus says, 'My yoke is easy and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:30). The Gospel does not add weight — it removes it.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 11:46 Jesus replied, 'And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.'
Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Acts 15:28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements.

Related Words

External Resources

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