Lexical Summary heterozugeó: To be unequally yoked Original Word: ἑτεροζυγέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unequally yoke together with. From a compound of heteros and zugos; to yoke up differently, i.e. (figuratively) to associate discordantly -- unequally yoke together with. see GREEK heteros see GREEK zugos HELPS Word-studies 2086 heterozygéō (from 2087 /héteros, "another of a different kind" and 2218 /zygós, "a yoke, joining two to a single plow") – properly, different kinds of people joined together but unevenly matched; hence "unequally yoked" (not aptly joined). 2086 /heterozygéō ("mis-matched") is used figuratively of Christians wrongly committed to a partner holding very different values (priorities), i.e. that run contrary to faith (the kingdom of God). Reflection: Scripture uses symbols to teach about the importance of keeping spiritually pure. Along this line, Scripture prohibited: NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom heteros and zugos Definition to be yoked up differently, i.e. to be unequally yoked NASB Translation bound together (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2086: ἑτεροζυγέωἑτεροζυγέω, ἑτεροζύγῳ; (ἑτερόζυγος yoked with a different yoke; used in Leviticus 19:19 of the union of beasts of different kinds, e. g. an ox and an ass), to come under an unequal or different yoke (Beza,impari jugo copulor), to be unequally yoked: τίνι (on the dative see Winers Grammar, § 31, 10 N. 4; Buttmann, § 133, 8), tropically, to have fellowship with one who is not an equal: 2 Corinthians 6:14, where the apostle is forbidding Christians to have contact with idolaters. Topical Lexicon Meaning and background The verb translated “be unequally yoked” pictures two draft animals of different strength, size, or temperament forced to pull the same plow. The mismatch creates tension, inefficiency, and eventual harm to both animals and the field they work. Paul lifts this agrarian image into the moral and spiritual realm to warn believers against binding alliances that unite the regenerate with the unregenerate under a common load. Biblical usage The term occurs once in the New Testament: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Though the vocabulary is rare, the concept is woven through Scripture. Old Testament roots Deuteronomy 22:10 forbids plowing with an ox and a donkey together. The Law also bans mixing seed (Leviticus 19:19), cloth (Deuteronomy 22:11), and even different species of animals (Leviticus 19:19). These statutes taught Israel to preserve distinctions established by God and served as concrete parables of holiness. Ezra 9:1-2 and Nehemiah 13:23-27 record the spiritual disaster that followed Israel’s intermarriage with surrounding nations, leading to idolatry and national weakness. The image of a yoke is likewise employed negatively when Israel binds itself to foreign idols (Jeremiah 2:20) and positively when it submits to the Lord (Lamentations 3:27). Exegetical insights in 2 Corinthians 6:14 1. Context: Paul has just urged the Corinthians to widen their hearts to him (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) and will immediately appeal, “Therefore come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). The command against unequal yoking is the hinge between affection for the apostle and separation from paganism. Theology of separation and fellowship Scripture balances two callings: witness to the lost (Matthew 28:19) and purity of worship (1 Peter 1:15). Unequal yoking crosses a line when association becomes union—when believers and unbelievers are harnessed to the same purpose under mutual obligation. Such alliances threaten to corrupt doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9), compromise morals (1 Corinthians 15:33), and quench spiritual power (Joshua 7:1-12). Yet separation is never isolation; believers remain lights in the world (Philippians 2:15) while refusing fellowship with darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Practical ministry applications • Marriage: The primary and lifelong yoke. Paul assumes a believer is free to marry “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). Historical and cultural considerations First-century Corinth teemed with guilds devoted to patron deities. Membership often entailed ritual meals in idol temples (1 Corinthians 10:19-22). Converts risked social and economic loss if they withdrew, but Paul insists that loyalty to Christ outweighs cultural convenience. Throughout church history, from Constantine’s political entanglements to modern ecumenical movements, the doctrine of unequal yoking has guarded the church from syncretism and state control. Warnings and promises Warnings: Adulterated worship (Exodus 32:1-6), spiritual dryness (Psalm 106:35-36), divine discipline (Judges 2:2-3). Promises: God’s indwelling presence among a separated people (2 Corinthians 6:16), paternal care (“I will be a Father to you,” 2 Corinthians 6:18), and perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). Key questions for reflection 1. Does this proposed alliance require me to suppress or dilute biblical truth? Summary Strong’s Greek 2086 underscores a timeless principle: those redeemed by Christ are to reserve their deepest bonds for those who share His lordship. The warning protects against compromise, preserves the church’s purity, and secures God’s abiding presence among His people. Forms and Transliterations ετεροζυγουντες ετεροζυγούντες ἑτεροζυγοῦντες ετεροζύγω eterozugountes heterozygountes heterozygoûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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