The Greek word hypozýgion, represented by G5268, refers to an animal under the yoke (draught-beast), specifically a donkey or ass. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is derived from a compound of ὑπό and ζυγός, literally meaning an animal that is placed under a yoke.
In its biblical usage, G5268 appears in two distinct contexts. First, it is used in the prophecy concerning the arrival of the King to the daughter of Sion, describing him as meek and sitting on a colt, the foal of an ass Matthew 21:5. Second, it is found in the account where a prophet was rebuked for his iniquity when the "dumb ass" spoke with a man's voice to forbid his madness 2 Peter 2:16.
Several related words provide deeper context for the role of G5268:
- G3688 ónos (an ass): This word for donkey is used in parallel with G5268 in the description of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem Matthew 21:5.
- G880 áphōnos (dumb): This describes the natural state of the ass before it miraculously speaks, emphasizing its voicelessness 2 Peter 2:16.
- G1649 élenxis (rebuke): The miraculous speech of the ass G5268 is the means of rebuke against the prophet's transgression 2 Peter 2:16.
- G5456 phōnḗ (voice): This word is used for the "man's voice" that the dumb ass was given, highlighting the supernatural nature of the event 2 Peter 2:16.
The theological weight of G5268 is demonstrated in its two appearances:
- Prophetic Humility: The word is used to fulfill a prophecy where the King's arrival is marked by meekness. His choice of an ass signifies a humble and peaceful entry to Sion, contrasting with a conquering king on a warhorse Matthew 21:5.
- Divine Intervention: In a striking display of God's sovereignty, an G5268 becomes the instrument of divine correction. A creature that is dumb G880 is given a voice to forbid the madness of a prophet, showing that God can use any part of His creation to rebuke iniquity 2 Peter 2:16.
In summary, though used only twice, G5268 is a significant term. It defines an animal central to two important narratives: the humble arrival of the King to Sion and the supernatural rebuke of a wayward prophet. Through this simple term for a draught-beast, scripture illustrates profound themes of meekness, fulfilled prophecy, and God's power to intervene in extraordinary ways.
TRV