Lexical Summary zugos: Yoke Original Word: ζυγός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pair of balances, yoke. 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. 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). The term ζυγός (Strong’s 2218) denotes a wooden beam used to bind two draft animals for plowing or pulling, and by extension any device of binding or weighing, such as a balance beam. In Scripture the word develops rich symbolic value, representing bondage, discipline, or measured judgment, depending on context. Physical Implements in First-Century Life 1. Agricultural yoke – A familiar sight in agrarian Palestine, where oxen or donkeys were linked by a single cross-piece fastened around the necks. Both images inform New Testament usage: the farm yoke highlights burden and guidance; the merchant’s scale underscores evaluation and justice. Old Testament Backdrop Prophets frequently spoke of Israel’s “yoke” of oppression (Jeremiah 28; Isaiah 10:27), and Torah laws protected accurate “balances” (Proverbs 11:1). The Messiah was anticipated as the One who would “break the yoke” of tyranny (Isaiah 9:4). New Testament Occurrences and Themes 1. Christ’s Inviting Yoke – Matthew 11:29-30 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 2. Freedom from Legalistic Bondage – Galatians 5:1; Acts 15:10 Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free… do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” Acts 15:10: “Why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” 3. Social Order under the Gospel – 1 Timothy 6:1 “All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of full honor, so that the name of God and our teaching will not be discredited.” 4. Eschatological Weighing – Revelation 6:5 “I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales.” Ministerial and Pastoral Implications • Gospel preaching must confront both legalism and lawlessness, directing hearers to the gentle mastery of Christ. Doctrinal Synthesis ζυγός pictures two opposing realities: oppressive servitude apart from Christ and liberating submission to Christ. The former crushes under unattainable standards or tyrannical powers; the latter joins believers to the Savior who both carries the weight and balances the scales of justice. United with Him, the church experiences present rest and anticipates final vindication when every weight and measure is brought into perfect equity before the throne. 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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