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.
Transliteration:zygós
Pronunciation:dzoo-gos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ζυγός (zygós, `{{G2218}}`) derives from the root of a verb meaning "to join," specifically by means of a yoke. Its primary literal meaning refers to a wooden bar or frame fitted to the necks of two draft animals (such as oxen) to enable them to pull a plow or cart together. This image of binding or coupling is central to its semantic range.
Figuratively, ζυγός extends to denote:
1. **Servitude or Bondage:** As a yoke imposes labor and submission upon animals, it came to symbolize a state of subjection, oppression, or slavery.
2. **An Obligation or Burden:** This can refer to a heavy task, a difficult responsibility, or a system of restrictive rules or laws that impose a burden on individuals. In this sense, it often carries negative connotations of hardship and constraint.
3. **A Discipline or Teaching:** In a more neutral or positive sense, a "yoke" can represent a discipline, a school of thought, or a master's teaching, implying submission to a particular way of life or set of principles.
4. **The Beam of a Balance:** In a distinct literal usage, it refers to the crossbar of a weighing scale, which connects the two pans and pivots on a central point. This usage highlights the idea of balance and measurement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ζυγός appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[Matthew 11:29-30]]**: This is arguably the most pivotal use of ζυγός. Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Here, Jesus contrasts his "yoke" with the burdensome religious obligations imposed by the scribes and Pharisees (cf. [[Matthew 23:4]]). His yoke represents submission to his teaching, discipleship, and way of life. The paradox is that this submission, far from being oppressive, brings spiritual rest and lightness, implying a shared burden with Christ himself.
* **[[Acts 15:10]]**: During the Jerusalem Council, Peter challenges those who insist on circumcising Gentile converts, stating, "Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?" Here, ζυγός explicitly refers to the Mosaic Law, particularly its ceremonial requirements, which were perceived as an unbearable burden that could not lead to justification or salvation. This highlights the Law's inability to save and the grace of Christ as the true means of salvation.
* **[[Galatians 5:1]]**: Paul exhorts the Galatian believers, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." In this context, the "yoke of slavery" refers to returning to the Mosaic Law as a means of achieving righteousness. Paul vehemently argues that reliance on works of the Law nullifies the grace of Christ and leads back into bondage, contrasting it sharply with the liberty found in Christ.
* **[[Revelation 6:5]]**: In the vision of the four horsemen, the rider on the black horse "had a pair of balances in his hand." Here, ζυγός is used in its literal sense of a "pair of balances" or weighing scales. This imagery accompanies the announcement of famine and economic hardship, where food (wheat and barley) would be rationed and sold at exorbitant prices, indicating severe scarcity and precise measurement of precious commodities.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ζυγός intersects with several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* ἐλευθερία (eleutheria, `{{G1657}}`): Freedom, liberty. This is the direct antithesis to the "yoke of slavery" (e.g., [[Galatians 5:1]]).
* ἀνάπαυσις (anapausis, `{{G372}}`): Rest, refreshment. This is the promised outcome for those who take Christ's "easy yoke" (e.g., [[Matthew 11:29]]).
* χάρις (charis, `{{G5485}}`): Grace. Salvation by grace stands in direct opposition to the burden of the Law (e.g., [[Acts 15:11]]).
* **Synonyms/Associated Ideas (in specific contexts):**
* βάρος (baros, `{{G926}}`): Burden, weight (e.g., [[Matthew 11:30]]).
* νόμος (nomos, `{{G3551}}`): Law. The Mosaic Law is often depicted as a "yoke" when viewed as a means of justification (e.g., [[Acts 15:10]]).
* δουλεία (douleia, `{{G1397}}`): Servitude, bondage. Used explicitly with ζυγός in [[Galatians 5:1]].
* **Hebrew Equivalents:**
* עֹל ('ol, `{{H5923}}`): The most direct Hebrew parallel, meaning "yoke," often used to denote servitude, oppression, or a burden (e.g., [[Jeremiah 28:14]]).
* עֲבֹדָה ('aboda, `{{H5674}}`): Service, labor, bondage, particularly in the context of forced labor or servitude.
* **Concepts:** Discipleship, legalism, grace, salvation, oppression, liberation, divine justice, judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ζυγός is profound, particularly in its metaphorical uses:
1. **The Yoke of Christ vs. The Yoke of the Law:** This is the central theological tension. The "yoke of the Law," when understood as a path to righteousness through human effort, is presented as an unbearable burden that leads to condemnation and slavery. It highlights humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill God's demands without divine intervention. In stark contrast, Jesus offers his "easy yoke," which represents submission to his Lordship, his teachings, and his way of life. This yoke, though still implying obedience and commitment, is made light by his grace, enabling power, and the promise of rest for the soul. It signifies a relationship of partnership and shared burden with the gentle and humble Christ.
2. **Liberation in Christ:** The concept of ζυγός underscores the liberating nature of the Gospel. Christ frees believers from the "yoke of slavery" to sin and the Law, inviting them into a life of true freedom and peace found in him. This freedom is not license but liberation *for* a new life empowered by the Spirit, under the loving authority of Christ.
3. **Discipleship and Submission:** Christ's "yoke" also signifies the call to discipleship. To take his yoke is to align one's life with his purpose, to learn from him, and to walk in his ways. It implies a willing submission to his authority, recognizing that his leadership brings ultimate good and rest.
4. **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The literal use of ζυγός as "balances" in [[Revelation 6:5]] serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the precise, often severe, consequences of human sin and rebellion. It speaks to God's careful measurement of events and the impending scarcity that accompanies His judgments.
### Summary
The Greek word ζυγός (zygós, `{{G2218}}`) primarily means "yoke," referring both to the literal device joining draft animals and, more significantly, to a figurative binding obligation or state of servitude. In the New Testament, its most prominent usage contrasts the burdensome "yoke of the Law" or human legalism—which leads to slavery and condemnation—with the "easy yoke" of Christ. Jesus' yoke, representing submission to his person and teachings, paradoxically offers true rest, lightness of burden, and liberation from spiritual oppression. This highlights the core difference between legalistic striving and the grace-empowered life of discipleship. Additionally, ζυγός is used literally in Revelation to denote a "pair of balances," symbolizing divine judgment and scarcity. Overall, ζυγός serves as a potent metaphor for the nature of authority, obligation, and the profound freedom found in Christ's gracious Lordship.
TRV