2201. zeugos
Lexical Summary
zeugos: Pair, yoke

Original Word: ζεῦγος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: zeugos
Pronunciation: ZYOO-gos
Phonetic Spelling: (dzyoo'-gos)
KJV: yoke, pair
NASB: pair, yoke
Word Origin: [from the root of zeugnumi "to join, especially by a yoke"]

1. a couple
2. a team (of oxen yoked together)
3. a brace (of birds tied together)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
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

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

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
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).

Topical Lexicon
Term Overview and Semantic Field

Strong’s Greek 2201 (zeugos) refers to a “pair” or “yoke”—two items or creatures joined to function together. While the everyday Greek language applied the word to animals, people, or objects in twos, Scripture employs the term only twice, focusing attention on how a united pair serves a larger purpose.

Contextual Usage in the New Testament

1. Luke 14:19: “ ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ ” In the Parable of the Great Banquet, each zeugos of oxen symbolizes a sizable economic investment. The invited guest values his new means of productivity above fellowship with the host. The pairing of the animals stresses coordinated labor; together they plow more effectively than one alone. The verse thus exposes the human tendency to elevate temporal enterprises over eternal invitation.
2. Luke 2:24: “and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’ ” Mary and Joseph present the prescribed offering for purification after childbirth (Leviticus 12:8). The zeugos here is not livestock for labor but birds for sacrifice—an affordable option for those of modest means. The mention of a pair underscores completeness: two birds satisfy the whole requirement, enabling worship even for the poor.

Historical and Cultural Background

In first–century agrarian Palestine a yoke of oxen represented capital goods. Farmers depended on matched animals that could pull evenly; an ill-fitted pair threatened both productivity and animal welfare. Purchasing five yokes signified considerable wealth (Luke 14:19), roughly ten oxen, since each zeugos equals two animals. Conversely, a pair of turtledoves cost little, highlighting the socioeconomic disparity between the banquet refuser and Jesus’ impoverished earthly parents. The Gospel writer Luke deliberately places zeugos in both contexts, contrasting material abundance with humble obedience.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

• Unity in Service: A zeugos functions only when the two operate in harmony under a single yoke. This mirrors the biblical call to be “yoked together” with Christ (Matthew 11:29), suggesting cooperative submission and shared labor in the kingdom.
• Sufficiency of Provision: Whether costly oxen or inexpensive birds, God’s law accommodates every station in life. The pair Mary and Joseph bring fulfills divine requirements, illustrating that righteousness is accessible through obedient faith rather than wealth.
• Priorities of the Heart: Luke 14:19 illustrates misplaced priorities—valuing occupational assets above the King’s invitation. The paired oxen become an excuse, exposing how even legitimate blessings can obstruct commitment to God when elevated above Him.

Practical Applications for Ministry

• Discipleship: Encourage believers to evaluate whether professional pursuits, symbolized by “five yoke of oxen,” overshadow participation in God’s banquet—His kingdom work and fellowship.
• Stewardship Teaching: The concept of a zeugos invites discussion on balanced partnership—marriage, ministry teams, or business ventures—functioning best when equally committed to a common, Christ-centered goal.
• Compassion Ministry: Luke 2:24 affirms God’s regard for the economically humble. Churches can model this inclusivity by making worship, discipleship materials, and sacraments accessible regardless of income.

In both occurrences, zeugos quietly but powerfully reinforces Scripture’s consistent message: true value lies not in possessions or status but in wholehearted response to God’s gracious call.

Forms and Transliterations
Ζευγη Ζεύγη ζευγος ζεύγος ζεῦγος Zeuge Zeugē Zeúge Zeúgē zeugos zeûgos
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Englishman's Concordance
Luke 2:24 N-NNS
GRK: νόμῳ Κυρίου ζεῦγος τρυγόνων ἢ
NAS: of the Lord, A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES
KJV: of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves,
INT: law of [the] Lord A pair of turtle doves or

Luke 14:19 N-ANP
GRK: ἕτερος εἶπεν Ζεύγη βοῶν ἠγόρασα
NAS: five yoke of oxen,
KJV: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and
INT: another said Pairs of oxen I have bought

Strong's Greek 2201
2 Occurrences


Ζεύγη — 1 Occ.
ζεῦγος — 1 Occ.

2200
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