Original Word: ζεῦγος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: zeugos
Pronunciation: ZYOO-gos
Phonetic Spelling: (dzyoo'-gos)
Definition: Pair, yoke
Meaning: a yoke, team; hence: a pair.

yoke, pair.

From the same as zugos; a couple, i.e. A team (of oxen yoked together) or brace (of birds tied together) -- yoke, pair.

see GREEK zugos

Word Origin
from the same as zugos
Definition
a pair, a yoke
NASB Translation
pair (1), yoke (1).

STRONGS NT 2201: ζεῦγος

ζεῦγος, ζευγεος (ζεύγους), τό (ζεύγνυμι to join, yoke),

1. two draught-cattle (horses or oxen or mules) yoked together, a pair or yoke of beasts: Luke 14:19 (צֶמֶד, 1 Kings 19:19, etc.; often in Greek Writ; from Homer, Iliad 18, 543 down).

2. universally, a pair: Luke 2:24 (Herodotus 3, 130; Aeschylus Ag. 44; Xenophon, oec. 7, 18, and often in Greek writings).

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

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H6776 צֶמֶד (tsemeth): Refers to a pair or couple, often used in the context of animals yoked together.
• H5923 עֹל (ol): Refers to a yoke, often used metaphorically to describe burdens or obligations.

These Hebrew terms provide a background to the Greek concept of ζεῦγος, illustrating the continuity of agricultural and metaphorical imagery across the biblical narrative. The use of ζεῦγος in the New Testament reflects a deep understanding of the cultural and practical significance of yokes in the daily lives of the people, as well as their symbolic meanings in spiritual teachings.

Usage: The term ζεῦγος is used in the New Testament to describe a pair of animals, particularly in the context of agricultural work. It emphasizes the concept of two entities being joined together for a common purpose.

Context: The Greek word ζεῦγος appears in the New Testament in contexts that highlight the agrarian lifestyle of the ancient world. In Luke 14:19, the term is used in a parable told by Jesus: "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me." (BSB). This passage illustrates the everyday concerns and priorities of individuals in a rural setting, where owning and testing a yoke of oxen was a significant investment and responsibility.

The concept of a yoke in biblical literature often symbolizes partnership, labor, and shared burdens. In the Old Testament, the yoke is frequently used metaphorically to describe servitude or oppression, as well as the unity and cooperation required in agricultural tasks. The New Testament usage of ζεῦγος retains this imagery, underscoring the importance of collaboration and the practical aspects of life in a community reliant on farming.

Theologically, the imagery of a yoke can also be extended to spiritual teachings, where believers are encouraged to take on the "yoke" of Christ, which is described as easy and light (Matthew 11:29-30). This metaphorical use contrasts the burdensome yokes of legalism or sin with the liberating and life-giving yoke of following Jesus.

Ζευγη Ζεύγη ζευγος ζεύγος ζεῦγος Zeuge Zeugē Zeúge Zeúgē zeugos zeûgosInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts