[Greek] ζυγός (zygos), [Latin] iugum: a yoke, a pair of scales, a coupling, a bond, a servitude, a submission; Mt.11:29-30, Act. 15:10, Rev.6:5, Gal.5:1, 1Tim6:1, Act.15:10, Mt.23:4
Oxen yoked together
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term essentially means a pair of scales or a yoke. Plato’s Republic considered this as the character and order of the city-state. Plato stated, “And so, as time goes on, and they advance in their pursuit of wealth, the more they hold that in honor, they less they honor virtue. May not the opposition of wealth and virtue be conceived as if each lay on a scale?” The Zygos mountain range in Greece, in the east region of the Metsovo, is derived from its mountain pass which looks like a saddle. Libra is the seventh astrological sign of the zodiac. This sign is depicted by the golden scales. Justice was considered a deity.
Old Testament: This term refers to both scales and a yoke in various literal, metaphorical, and figurative senses. Scales are represented by means of division, measuring, judgment, justice, and suffering. God is often presented as the ultimate authority of justice. However, Job’s sufferings cannot be weighed. The image of the yoke is commonly found in the Old Testament. The yoke is illustrated as political control (tyranny), personal authority, nations’ control over others, morality, and liberation (deliverance). The yoke is often related to one’s personal destiny (God’s will). Then take a set of scales and divide the hair you have cut (Ezek.5:1). Who has held in a measure the dust of the earth, weighed the mountains in scales (Isa.40:12). But the words of the prudent are carefully weighed (Sir.21:25). Let God weigh me in the scales of justice (Job 31:6). You shall throw off his yoke from your neck (Gen. 27:40). Discipline your son, make heavy his yoke (Sir. 30:13). It is good for a man to bear the yoke from his youth (Lam.3:27). Long ago you broke your yoke, you tore off your bonds (Jer. 2:20).
New Testament: This term, meaning both yoke and balance, predominately occurs as a yoke. The third rider of the Apocalypse, riding on a black horse, holds a scale in his hand. This scale measures or weighs scarcity and hunger as a preliminary sign of the impending judgment. The yoke is presented as the bonds of slavery (servitude) and the restrictions placed under the Jewish law. The newly formed Christians seek to be released from the laws, regulations, and restrictions under the Mosaic Law. Jesus speaks to those other who also bear (carry) a yoke. Jesus states His yoke is light. Those who choose to carry His yoke accept the gift and faith of Jesus in His Word and person.
Scripture:
“When he broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature cry out, ‘Come forward.’ I looked, and there was a black horse, and its rider held a scale in his hand.” Rev.6:5
The third rider of the Apocalypse holds a scale which measures or weighs scarcity and hunger in the impending judgment.
“Those who are under the yoke of slavery must regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and our teaching may not suffer abuse.” 1Tim.6:1
Even slaves, under the yoke of slavery, must show respect to their masters. The slaves’ actions and behavior must be worthy of Christ.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Mt.11:29
Jesus is speaking to all those people are bearing (carrying) some form of yoke. Slaves were carrying the yoke of servitude. Many others (including Christians) were under the restrictions of the Jewish Law.
Conclusion:
Zygote, -zygeous, jugular
It was interesting to discover how a pair of scales serve to provide a comparison or a basis between one subject to another. I was already familiar with zodiac sign Libra with the scales. However, I did not know the significance of the scales.
I was quite surprised by the extensive uses of scales and yokes in the Old Testament. Both play significant roles in defining the relationships between God, man, and nations. Yokes play an important role in defining control, domination, and liberation.
It was important to learn how yokes help to define slavery, servitude, and subjection to regulations. It is significant that Jesus spoke to all those who were already carrying their own specific yokes (burdens). By comparison, Jesus show His yoke is light in following and accepting Him.
A zygote results from the fusion (joining) of the ovum and sperm cell. Terms ending in –zygous have zygotes “yoked” from a specific zygote. The Latin iugum means yoke. The iugulum is the neck upon which the yoke (collar) is placed. Hence, this where we get the jugular vein.