ἑτεροζυγέω

I am yoked with one different from myself

Definition

The verb ἑτεροζυγέω (heterozygeō) literally means 'to be yoked with one different from oneself.' In its sole New Testament occurrence, it carries the metaphorical sense of being 'unequally yoked' or forming an incompatible partnership. This imagery warns against forming binding alliances, whether in marriage, business, or close spiritual fellowship, with those who hold fundamentally different values or beliefs, as such a union creates strain and hinders shared purpose. The specific context in 2 Corinthians 6:14 applies this directly to relationships between believers and unbelievers.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 6:14. Paul employs it as a direct command: 'Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.' He uses this agricultural metaphor to argue against forming intimate, binding partnerships that compromise Christian identity and mission, immediately contrasting light with darkness, Christ with Belial, and the temple of God with idols.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ἕτερος (heteros, G2087), meaning 'another of a different kind,' and the noun ζυγός (zygos, G2218), meaning 'a yoke.' The compound verb thus literally means 'to yoke differently' or 'to be yoked with a different kind.' It vividly pictures two mismatched animals, like an ox and a donkey, harnessed together for plowing—a practice forbidden in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 22:10) because it was cruel and inefficient.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it grounds the principle of spiritual separation and distinctiveness for the Christian community. It underscores the incompatibility between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, teaching that core commitments shape all of life's partnerships. Understanding the Greek metaphor enriches reading by moving beyond a rule against interfaith marriage to a broader principle about any alliance that compromises one's allegiance to Christ and hinders spiritual growth and witness.

The 'yoke' was a universal symbol of partnership, labor, and submission in the ancient agrarian world. A yoke joined two animals to share a burden and move in unison. Yoking two different species was proverbial for a foolish, unworkable, and even unlawful arrangement (cf. Deuteronomy 22:10), as the animals would pull unevenly, fight, and fail at their task. Paul's original audience would have immediately grasped the futility and dysfunction such an image conveyed.

κοινωνέω (koinōneō, G2841) — emphasizes fellowship/sharing, not necessarily an unequal bond. συμφωνέω (symphōneō, G4856) — to agree or harmonize, the positive state this command avoids. μὴ γίνεσθε ἑτεροζυγοῦντες (mē ginesthe heterozygountes) — This is the full phrase from 2 Cor. 6:14, the only usage.

Word Details

Scripture References