The Greek word translated as load
is different from the word translated as burden
(see Galatians 6:2). It implies a lighter weight and refers to individual responsibilities.1 Some commentators understand it to be a reference to the day of judgement (see Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10), seeing as the verb actually occurs in future tense (and not present, as translated by the NIV).2 If this is his point of reference, then he is stating that the believer is judged in relation to the accomplishments and actions not of others but of the believer himself (see Jeremiah 17:10; Jeremiah 32:19; Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 20:13).3
5 For each will have to bear his own load.