σύζυγος (suzugos)
suzugos
yokefellow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word suzugos literally means "yoked together," describing someone who shares the same burden or direction. Its components, syn ("with") and zugon ("yoke"), evoke the image of two animals harnessed side by side to pull a single load. In Scripture, this term is used broadly for those united in marriage, labor, study, or business, emphasizing partnership and shared purpose.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 4:3, where Paul addresses a "true yokefellow." Here, it likely refers to a close colleague who assisted Paul in spreading the gospel alongside Clement and others. The term highlights the collaborative nature of ministry, where believers work together under the same guidance, much like oxen working in unison.
While often translated as "yokefellow" or "partner," suzugos carries a deeper sense of mutual support and shared responsibility. It reminds readers that Christian service is rarely a solitary endeavor but a collective effort, where individuals are called to bear one another’s burdens and move forward together in faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word suzugos paints a vivid picture of two animals yoked together to pull a single load. It suggests that Christian work is rarely done alone. We are called to walk side by side with others, sharing the weight and the direction. This image reminds us that ministry is a team effort, grounded in mutual support and shared purpose.
In Philippians 4:3, Paul asks a yokefellow to help those who labored with him in the gospel. This shows that even apostles needed partners. It encourages you to value your own collaborators. Whether in church service or daily life, finding someone to share the burden makes the journey lighter and more effective.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- yokefellow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύζυγε,1×
Key Verses
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Philippians 4:3
Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul uses this rare term to urge a specific colleague to assist other women who had worked alongside him in spreading the Good News.