2218. zugos

Lexicon

zugos: Yoke

Original Word: ζυγός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: zugos
Pronunciation: dzoo-gos'
Phonetic Spelling: (dzoo-gos')
Definition: Yoke
Meaning: a yoke; hence met: (a Jewish idea) of a heavy burden, comparable to the heavy yokes resting on the bullocks' necks; a balance, pair of scales.

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 Origin
from zeugnumi (to yoke)
Definition
a yoke
NASB Translation
pair of scales (1), yoke (5).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2218: ζυγός

ζυγός, 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).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root of ζεύγνυμι (zeugnumi), meaning "to join" or "to yoke."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 5923: עֹל (ol) • A yoke, used similarly in the Old Testament to describe both literal yokes for animals and metaphorical yokes representing burdens or servitude.
• Strong's Hebrew 4132: מוֹטָה (motah) • A bar or yoke, often used in the context of oppression or subjugation.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term ζυγός, illustrating its significance in both literal and metaphorical contexts within the biblical narrative.

Usage: The term ζυγός is used in the New Testament to describe both a literal yoke used for animals and a figurative yoke representing burdens or obligations. It appears in contexts discussing the law, spiritual bondage, and the teachings of Jesus.

Context: • Literal Use: In its literal sense, ζυγός refers to the physical apparatus used to harness animals for plowing or pulling loads. This imagery is used to convey the idea of working together or being bound to a task.

• Figurative Use: The metaphorical use of ζυγός is prominent in the New Testament. It often symbolizes the burdens imposed by the law or by oppressive systems. For example, in Acts 15:10, the apostles discuss the "yoke" of the Mosaic Law, questioning why it should be placed upon the Gentile believers. This reflects the early church's struggle with the requirements of the law versus the freedom found in Christ.

• Jesus' Teaching: In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus invites His followers to take His yoke upon them, stating, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Here, ζυγός is used to describe the teachings and lifestyle that Jesus offers, contrasting with the heavy burdens of legalistic practices. His yoke is characterized by gentleness and humility, offering rest for the soul.

• Spiritual Implications: The concept of a yoke in the New Testament often carries spiritual implications, highlighting the contrast between the bondage of sin and the freedom found in Christ. Believers are encouraged to submit to the yoke of Christ, which leads to true freedom and rest.

Forms and Transliterations

εζυγωμένα ζυγοί ζυγοίς ζυγον ζυγόν ζυγὸν ζύγον ζυγος ζυγός ζυγού ζυγω ζυγώ ζυγῷ ζύθον zugo zugō zugon zugos zygo zygō zygôi zygō̂i zygon zygón zygòn zygos zygós

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 11:29 N-AMS
GRK: 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
GRK: ὁ γὰρ ζυγός μου χρηστὸς
NAS: For My yoke is easy and My burden
KJV: For my yoke [is] easy, and
INT: the indeed yoke of me easy

Acts 15:10 N-AMS
GRK: θεόν ἐπιθεῖναι ζυγὸν ἐπὶ τὸν
NAS: of the disciples a yoke which
KJV: God, to put a yoke upon the neck
INT: God to put a yoke upon the

Galatians 5:1 N-DMS
GRK: μὴ πάλιν ζυγῷ δουλείας ἐνέχεσθε
NAS: again to a yoke of slavery.
KJV: again with the yoke of bondage.
INT: not again in a yoke of bondage be held

1 Timothy 6:1 N-AMS
GRK: εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι τοὺς
NAS: are under the yoke as slaves
KJV: are under the yoke count their own
INT: are under a yoke slaves the

Revelation 6:5 N-AMS
GRK: αὐτὸν ἔχων ζυγὸν ἐν τῇ
NAS: on it had a pair of scales in his hand.
KJV: him had a pair of balances in his
INT: it having a pair of scales in the

Strong's Greek 2218
6 Occurrences

ζυγῷ — 1 Occ.
ζυγόν — 4 Occ.
ζυγός — 1 Occ.