Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the deeper meanings of the Scriptures and the cultural context of the early Church. The Greek word ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygeō) is particularly significant as it deals with the concept of being “unequally yoked,” especially in relationships or partnerships. This word carries profound implications in the New Testament for how believers should relate to one another and to the broader world, emphasizing the importance of unity in faith and purpose.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygeō) [he-te-ro-zy-GEH-o]
- Etymology: Derived from ἕτερος (heteros), meaning “different” or “other,” and ζυγός (zygos), meaning “yoke.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (used in the active voice).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To be unequally yoked: To be mismatched or joined together with someone or something that is fundamentally different.
- To form inappropriate partnerships: To engage in associations that do not align with one’s values or beliefs.
- To connect with incompatibility: To bind or link with another where there is a lack of harmony or commonality.
Similar Words: ζυγόω (zygoō) [zy-GO-o], meaning “to yoke together,” emphasizes the act of joining but without the negative connotation of being unequally yoked. συζεύγνυμι (syzeugnymi) [sy-ZEU-gny-mi], meaning “to join together,” also refers to being yoked or linked, but typically in a more positive or neutral context.
Further Insights: The verb ἑτεροζυγέω is a compound word combining ἕτερος (heteros) and ζυγός (zygos). It emphasizes the importance of compatibility in relationships, particularly spiritual or moral ones. The term suggests an imbalance or disharmony when two unequal entities are bound together.
There is no declension table for this verb as it is not frequently conjugated in various forms in extant Greek literature. It is mostly found in the New Testament in its imperative form.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἑτεροζυγέω is defined as “to be unequally yoked” or “to be in a mismatched relationship.” It is used in the New Testament context to warn against forming close associations or partnerships that could compromise a believer’s faith or values.
Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἑτεροζυγέω as the act of “yoking or binding together with something that is different,” particularly in a way that creates discord or disharmony. It is noted for its application in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where believers are warned not to be yoked with unbelievers.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s highlights the metaphorical use of ἑτεροζυγέω in the New Testament to emphasize spiritual and moral incompatibility. The word suggests that such unions are fundamentally flawed and can lead to spiritual conflict or compromise.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ provides insights into the word’s usage in broader Greek literature, indicating its implication of discord or inequality in any form of partnership, not just limited to romantic or business relationships.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance describes ἑτεροζυγέω as “to yoke unequally,” referring to mismatched or inappropriate pairings that lead to an imbalance, especially in relationships involving spiritual or moral principles.
Related Scripture References
- 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked (ἑτεροζυγοῦντες) with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Politics | “One must avoid being unequally yoked (ἑτεροζυγεῖν) with those who do not share the same principles of governance.” |
| Plutarch | Moralia | “It is foolish to ἑτεροζυγεῖν (be unequally yoked) with those whose values contradict our own.” |
| Philo | On the Virtues | “The soul must not ἑτεροζυγεῖν (be unequally yoked) with passions that lead it away from reason.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs | Proverbs 22:24 | “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, lest you become unequally yoked (ἑτεροζυγῶν).” |
| Sirach | Sirach 13:15 | “Every creature loves its like; therefore, do not ἑτεροζυγεῖν (be unequally yoked) with the contrary.” |
| Jeremiah | Jeremiah 2:25 | “Keep your foot from being unshod and your throat from thirst; you have become unequally yoked (ἑτεροζυγῶν).” |
Summary of ἑτεροζυγέω (G2086)
In summary, ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygeō) is a Greek verb meaning “to be unequally yoked.” It highlights the concept of forming partnerships or relationships that are mismatched or fundamentally incompatible, especially in a spiritual or moral context. The term is primarily used in the New Testament to advise believers against binding themselves with those who do not share their faith or values, emphasizing the importance of harmony and shared purpose in all partnerships. This concept extends beyond romantic relationships to include friendships, business partnerships, and other forms of alliances.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the concept of “being unequally yoked” (ἑτεροζυγέω) is not just about relationships between individuals but also applies to broader social and cultural contexts? In ancient Greece, the idea was used to warn against any form of partnership—whether in business, politics, or education—where the fundamental values and goals were in conflict, reflecting a profound understanding of the importance of unity and harmony in all aspects of life.
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