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ζυγός

zygós

G2218 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals, usually oxen, to enable them to pull together; by extension, a device or means of joining two entities. Figuratively, it denotes a state of being coupled, especially in terms of subjection, enslavement, or submission to control or authority. In broader usage, refers metaphorically to a bond, obligation, or any burden imposed by law, rule, or external force. Also, the crossbeam of a balance scale, binding the weighing pans together.

Semantic Range

yoke (for animals), device for joining, subjection to authority, servitude, bondage, obligation, restraint, beam of balance, pair of balances, alliance or partnership (contextual)

Root / Etymology

From Greek root ζυγ- (to join, unite, especially with a yoke); possibly related to Sanskrit yugá-, Latin jugum, indicating an Indo-European root meaning 'to join, yoke.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Classically, ζυγός primarily signified the yoke used for oxen, often symbolizing unity in labor, partnership, or constraining force. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term acquired notable metaphorical extension, frequently standing for any imposed constraint, subjection, or form of governance (e.g., ζυγὸς δουλείας, 'yoke of slavery'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, ζυγός can denote both the literal farming implement (e.g., for oxen) and figuratively expressed submission to authority, law, or hardship. In ethical or religious contexts, the word often represents oppressive or liberating authority depending on context (e.g., 'the yoke of the Torah,' 'the yoke of foreign rule,' or 'the yoke' offered by Jesus as 'easy' compared to others). In balance or weights, ζυγός refers to the horizontal bar that connects scales, playing a neutral, mechanical role. Standard English translations such as 'yoke,' 'burden,' or 'pair of balances' can capture much (though not all) of its range, sometimes missing nuances of partnership, control, or liberation embedded in Greek usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "yoke" 6 occurrences

ζυγός is most commonly and naturally rendered as “yoke” in English, covering the primary literal sense (the wooden crosspiece for animals) and the frequent figurative senses (burden, subjection, bondage, obligation, or the beam of a balance). Using “yoke” preserves consistency and reads naturally across contexts while matching the typical translations in the corpus.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the root of (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.

Root Family

ζυγός (zygós) — yoke, coupling device, binding together, subjection, obligation

Root ζυγ- to join, to couple, to yoke, to bind together

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2218-02 ζυγόν zugon N ACC M SG a pair of scales a yoke a yoke 4
G2218-03 ζυγός zugos N NOM M SG yoke yoke yoke 1
G2218-01 ζυγῷ zugo N DAT M SG yoke to a yoke to a yoke 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2218-02 Matthew 11:29 ζυγόν zugon N ACC M SG yoke a yoke yoke
G2218-03 Matthew 11:30 ζυγός zugos N NOM M SG yoke yoke yoke
G2218-02 Acts 15:10 ζυγὸν zugon N ACC M SG a yoke a yoke a yoke
G2218-01 Galatians 5:1 ζυγῷ zugo N DAT M SG yoke to a yoke to a yoke
G2218-02 1 Timothy 6:1 ζυγὸν zugon N ACC M SG the yoke a yoke a yoke
G2218-02 Revelation 6:5 ζυγὸν zugon N ACC M SG a pair of scales a yoke yoke
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