Brief Overview of σύζυγος (Strong’s G4805: suzugos)

Strong’s G4805: A compound adjective used as a noun, combining σύν (with) and ζυγός (yoke), meaning “yoke-fellow” or “companion.” In Philippians, it likely refers to a close ministerial colleague of Paul, emphasizing the shared burden and partnership in gospel work.

U – Unveiling the Word

Σύζυγος beautifully captures the concept of partnership in ministry. As a compound word, it literally means “one who is yoked together with another,” drawing from the agricultural image of oxen sharing a common yoke. In Philippians 4:3, Paul uses this term to address a trusted co-worker, highlighting the intimate nature of their shared mission. Early church fathers expanded this concept to describe the deep fellowship between believers united in service to the Messiah. Today, it continues to illustrate the importance of genuine partnership and mutual support in Christian ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σύζυγος, suzugos, /SOOD-zoo-gos/
• Pronunciation: SOOD-zoo-gos (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective used as Noun

Etymology:

• σύν (syn): prefix meaning “with” or “together”
• ζυγός (zugos): root noun meaning “yoke”
  The combination creates the concept of being yoked together

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Yoke-fellow
2. Co-worker
3. Partner in labor
4. True companion

For compound words:

• σύν (syn): indicates joint connection
• ζυγός (zugos): implies shared burden or purpose
  Together they express the concept of two working as one

Translation Options:

1. “True companion” – Emphasizes the relational aspect
2. “Yoke-fellow” – Preserves the agricultural metaphor
3. “Partner” – Captures the collaborative nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συνεργός (sunergos) /soon-ER-gos/ – emphasizes working together. See G4904
• κοινωνός (koinōnos) /koy-no-NOS/ – stresses fellowship or partnership. See G2844
• μέτοχος (metochos) /MET-oh-khos/ – focuses on sharing together. See G3353

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an adjective/noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples of case endings:

• Nominative: σύζυγος
• Genitive: συζύγου
• Dative: συζύγῳ
• Accusative: σύζυγον

Cross-references:

• Verb form: συζεύγνυμι (suzeugnumi)
• Abstract noun: συζυγία (suzugia)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use as a term of close association in ministry. Thayer’s notes its connection to shared labor. LSJ provides examples from partnership contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in Philippians for ministerial partnership. Strong’s connects it to the concept of a joined pair. LEH discusses its usage in partnership contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its use in business partnerships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Philippians 4:3 “Yes, I ask you also, true [companion] {σύζυγος}, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, it appears only in Philippians 4:3.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σύζυγος exemplifies the beauty of Christian partnership in ministry. It reminds us that the good news of King Jesus is best advanced through collaborative effort and mutual support. Like oxen joined by a yoke, believers are called to work together in harmony, sharing burdens and celebrating victories as we advance the Kingdom of our Lord.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in marriage contexts to describe the intimate partnership of husband and wife.
2. Ancient business contracts used this term to describe equal partners in commercial ventures.
3. Early church liturgies incorporated this word in ordination services for ministry partnerships.

Strong’s G4805: A compound adjective used as a noun, combining σύν (with) and ζυγός (yoke), meaning “yoke-fellow” or “companion.” In Philippians, it likely refers to a close ministerial colleague of Paul, emphasizing the shared burden and partnership in gospel work.

Part of speech: Adjective used as Noun

Tags: partnership, ministry, companion, yoke-fellow, co-worker, philippians, paul, christian-service, collaboration, teamwork, fellowship, gospel-work​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​