ὑποζύγιον (hupozugion)
hupozugion
donkey
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hupozugion literally means "under the yoke," referring to any beast of burden used for carrying loads. In the New Testament, it serves as a general term for an ass or donkey, highlighting the animal’s role in daily labor and travel rather than its status or breed. This usage reflects the common reality of the ancient Near East, where such animals were essential for transportation and work.
Its most famous appearance occurs in Matthew 21:5, where the Gospel writer quotes Zechariah to describe Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey’s colt. By using this specific term, the text emphasizes humility and service, contrasting royal pomp with a king who identifies with the lowly and the working class. The word also appears in 2 Peter 2:16, describing Balaam’s donkey as a silent beast of burden that rebukes its master, reinforcing the theme of an animal recognizing divine truth when humans fail to do so.
The etymology is straightforward: it combines hupo ("under") and zugion (from zugon, "yoke"). This root connection underscores the animal’s primary function—submission to labor. Translators typically render it simply as "donkey" or "ass," capturing its humble, utilitarian nature without adding theological weight beyond what the context provides.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupozugion literally describes an animal under the yoke, highlighting a life of service and labor. In the ancient world, this was not a creature of status but one of necessity, carrying loads that enabled daily life to continue. When we encounter this term in Scripture, we are reminded that God often chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His purposes.
In Matthew 21:5, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on such an animal, fulfilling prophecy and embracing a posture of humility rather than royal pomp. This image invites us to consider how our own lives might reflect a willing submission to God’s direction. Even in moments of unexpected silence or stillness, as seen in the story of Balaam’s donkey in 2 Peter 2:16, God can use the most unlikely vessels to speak truth and correct our path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of a beast of burden.1×
- [by] a donkey1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑποζύγιον1×
- ὑποζυγίου.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:5
“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This verse applies the term to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing His humility and fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy.
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II Peter 2:16
but he was rebuked for his own disobedience. A speechless donkey spoke with a man’s voice and stopped the madness of the prophet.
Here the word identifies Balaam’s donkey, which spoke with a human voice to rebuke its master for disobedience.