Strong's Lexicon zugos: Yoke Original Word: ζυγός Word Origin: From the root of ζεύγνυμι (zeugnumi), meaning "to join" or "to yoke." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H5923 עֹל (ol): Often translated as "yoke," used in similar contexts to describe burdens or obligations, such as in Jeremiah 28:10. Usage: The term "zugos" primarily refers to a yoke, a wooden beam used to join two animals, usually oxen, for the purpose of pulling a load or plowing a field. In a broader sense, it symbolizes servitude, burden, or bondage. In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to describe the obligations or burdens placed upon individuals, whether by religious law, societal expectations, or spiritual commitments. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient agrarian societies, the yoke was an essential tool for farming, allowing for efficient plowing and transportation. The imagery of the yoke was well understood by Jesus' audience, as it was a common sight in daily life. The yoke also carried connotations of submission and obedience, as the animals under the yoke were directed by their master. In Jewish tradition, the yoke could symbolize the Law of Moses, which was seen as a guide but also a burden due to its numerous commandments. HELPS Word-studies 2218 zygós – properly, a yoke; a wooden bar placed over the neck of a pair of animals so they can pull together; (figuratively) what unites (joins) two people to move (work) together as one. [2218 (zygós) unites two elements to work as one unit, like when two pans (weights) operate together on a balance-scale – or a pair of oxen pulling a single plough.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zeugnumi (to yoke) Definition a yoke NASB Translation pair of scales (1), yoke (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2218: ζυγόςζυγός, ζυγοῦ, ὁ, for which in Greek writings before Polybius τό ζυγόν was more common (from ζεύγνυμι); 1. a yoke; a. properly, such as is put on draught-cattle. b. metaphorically, used of any burden or bondage: as that of slavery, 1 Timothy 6:1 (Leviticus 26:13), δουλείας, Galatians 5:1 (Sophocles Aj. 944; δουλοσυνης, Demosthenes 322, 12); of troublesome laws imposed on one, especially of the Mosaic law, Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; hence, the name is so transferred to the commands of Christ as to contrast them with the commands of the Pharisees which were a veritable 'yoke'; yet even Christ's commands must be submitted to, though easier to be kept: Matthew 11:29f (less aptly in Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 16, 17 [ET] Christians are called οἱ ὑπό τόν ζυγόν τῆς χάριτος ἐλθόντες (cf. Harnack at the passage)). 2. a balance, pair of scales: Revelation 6:5 (as in Isaiah 40:12; Leviticus 19:36; Plato, rep. 8, 550 e.; Aelian v. h. 10, 6; others). From the root of zeugnumi (to join, especially by a "yoke"); a coupling, i.e. (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales) -- pair of balances, yoke. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:29 N-AMSGRK: ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ' NAS: Take My yoke upon you and learn KJV: Take my yoke upon you, INT: Take the yoke of me upon Matthew 11:30 N-NMS Acts 15:10 N-AMS Galatians 5:1 N-DMS 1 Timothy 6:1 N-AMS Revelation 6:5 N-AMS Strong's Greek 2218 |
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