Yoke
ζυγός (zugos)
A wooden frame joining two animals — a metaphor for partnership, service, and submission.
Zugos is the Greek word for yoke, the wooden frame that joins two animals for plowing. Scripture uses it as a metaphor for servitude, partnership, and Jesus' invitation to a life of restful obedience.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." — Matthew 11:29-30 (KJV)
Key Verses
Matthew 11:29-30
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”Read in context
Galatians 5:1
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”Read in context
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G2218 — Yoke (ζυγός (zugos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ζυγός (zugos) appears.
Open Strong's G2218Etymology and Original Meaning
Zugos (Greek) and ol (Hebrew) refer to the wooden frame placed across the necks of two oxen, binding them together for plowing. The yoke symbolized connection, shared labor, and submission. A well-fitted yoke made work easier; an ill-fitted yoke caused pain and chafing. The metaphor extends to any form of binding partnership or imposed burden.
The Yoke of Bondage
Scripture uses yoke negatively for oppressive systems: Egypt's slavery (Leviticus 26:13), Babylon's domination (Jeremiah 27:8), and the burden of legalism (Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1). God breaks the yokes of oppression — 'I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke' (Leviticus 26:13).
Jesus' Easy Yoke
Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:29-30 is stunning: 'Take my yoke upon you.' He does not promise freedom from all yokes but offers a better one. His yoke is 'easy' (chrēstos — well-fitting, kind) and His burden is 'light.' To be yoked with Jesus is to walk at His pace, learn from His example, and share His strength. The weary find rest, not more demands.
Unequal Yoking
Paul warns against being 'unequally yoked together with unbelievers' (2 Corinthians 6:14). Just as yoking a strong ox with a weak donkey creates problems, binding a believer's life direction to someone who opposes Christ creates spiritual conflict. This applies to intimate partnerships where shared values and spiritual direction are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yoke mean in the Bible?
A yoke (zugos) is a wooden frame joining two animals, used metaphorically for partnership, submission, and burden-bearing. Jesus offers His 'easy yoke' as an invitation to restful obedience.
What does 'unequally yoked' mean?
Being unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14) means binding oneself in an intimate partnership with someone whose values and spiritual direction conflict with one's own faith. It creates spiritual tension and compromise.
What is the original Greek word for "Yoke" in the New Testament?
The Greek word is ζυγός (zugos), pronounced "zoo-GOS." A wooden frame joining two animals — a metaphor for partnership, service, and submission.. Understanding the original Greek helps us grasp the full depth of meaning the biblical authors intended when they used this term.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Yoke (ζυγός (zugos))
A wooden frame joining two animals — a metaphor for partnership, service, and submission.
Strong's G2218 — Yoke
ζυγός (zugos) • A wooden frame joining two animals — a metaphor for partnership, service, and submission.
What Does 'Unequally Yoked' Mean?
Marriage & Family
Matthew 11:30 Commentary
In-depth study • An Easy Yoke and a Light Burden
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Prayer & Worship
Cross (Stauros) (σταυρός (stauros))
The instrument of execution — the place where Christ bore sin and death was defeated.