yoke, yoked, tied

Definition

A yoke is a piece of wood or metal attached to two or more animals to connect them for the purpose of pulling a plow or a cart. There are also several figurative meanings for this term.

• The term “yoke” is used figuratively to refer to something that joins people for the purpose of working together, such as in serving Jesus.
• Paul used the term “yokefellow” to refer to someone who was serving Christ as he was. This could also be translated as “fellow worker” or “fellow servant” or “coworker.”
• The term “yoke” is also often used figuratively to refer to a heavy load that someone has to carry, such as when being oppressed by slavery or persecution.
• In most contexts, it is best to translate this term literally, using the local term for a yoke that is used for farming.
• Other ways to translate the figurative use of this term could be, “oppressive burden” or “heavy load” or “bond,” depending on the context.

(See also: bind, burden, oppress, persecute, servant)

Bible References

• Acts 15:10
• Galatians 5:1
• Genesis 27:40
• Isaiah 9:4
• Jeremiah 27:4
• Matthew 11:30
• Philippians 4:3

Word Data

• Strong’s: H3627, H4132, H4133, H5674, H5923, H6776, G20860, G22180