κουφίζω

I lighten

Definition

The verb κουφίζω means 'to lighten' or 'to make light' in the sense of reducing weight or burden. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Acts 27:38, it describes the practical, physical action of the sailors throwing cargo overboard to lighten the ship during a storm, aiming to prevent it from sinking. While this is its literal and primary meaning, the concept of 'lightening a load' can carry a metaphorical resonance, though such extended meaning is not explicitly developed in the biblical text itself. The word focuses on the act of removal to alleviate a physical weight.

Biblical Usage

Κουφίζω is used only once in the New Testament, in the narrative of Acts 27:38. It appears in the context of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, describing the desperate measure taken by the crew to jettison the ship's wheat cargo in an attempt to survive the storm. Its usage is strictly literal and descriptive, relating to a concrete, physical action within a historical account of travel and danger.

Etymology

Κουφίζω is derived from the adjective κούφος (kouphos), meaning 'light in weight.' The verb form is created by adding the common verb-forming suffix -ίζω, indicating 'to make' or 'to become.' Thus, κουφίζω literally means 'to make light.' It is related to other Greek words conveying lightness or levity.

Semantic Range

In the ancient maritime context of Acts 27, lightening a ship by throwing cargo overboard was a recognized, last-ditch emergency procedure during a storm. This action represented a significant economic loss, sacrificing valuable goods (in this case, wheat) for the chance of saving human life and the vessel itself. It underscores the severity of the storm and the crew's desperation, a reality well understood by ancient readers familiar with sea travel's dangers.

ἐκφορτίζομαι (ekfortizomai, G670) — also means to unload, but can imply a more general unloading rather than specifically for lightening in an emergency; φορτίον (phortion, G5413) — means a burden or load, which is what κουφίζω acts upon.

Word Details

Scripture References