σύζυγος
sýzygos
G4805 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Companion joined together with another, one who is bound or coupled with another in a shared task or partnership. The term may refer generally to someone closely associated (such as a colleague, fellow worker, or partner), or more specifically to a 'yokefellow' (one paired as with a yoke for labor). In rare cases, the word may function as a proper name, especially where the context suggests an individual addressed directly, as in Philippians 4:3. The primary sense is of joined partnership—whether literal, figurative, or as a designation of identity.
Semantic Range
joined companion, yokefellow, partner, colleague, spouse, one coupled or associated with another; possibly a proper name
Root / Etymology
From the compound συζεύγνυμι (to yoke together), itself from σύν ('with, together') + ζεύγνυμι ('to yoke, join'). The etymological sense relates to being paired under the same yoke.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σύζυγος is an adjective meaning 'yoked together, joined or coupled,' often used to describe animals or pairs of things/people. In the Koine period, the word could function substantivally as a noun meaning 'partner, companion, spouse,' or even 'wife' in some secular texts. In the New Testament (Philippians 4:3) it appears as a direct address, which may refer to an unnamed individual regarded as Paul's close associate or potentially as a proper name ('Syzygus'). English translations such as 'yokefellow' reflect the literal root, but may obscure the breadth of possible reference: the term can neutrally denote any close associate, not only someone in a marital or animal context. The sense of 'fellow laborer' or 'colleague' is supported by Jewish and non-Jewish Koine usage for partners in toil or shared enterprise. The context dictates whether the nuance is simply partnership or if a literal joining (as in marriage or work-pairing) is implied. Septuagint use is rare, but the semantic field overlaps with terms denoting partnership or joint labor. Later translation tradition, especially influenced by the King James Version, popularized 'yokefellow' as the English rendering.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from συζεύγνυμι; co-yoked, i.e. (figuratively) as noun, a colleague; probably rather as a proper name; Syzygus, a Christian:--yokefellow.
Root Family
σύζυγος (syzygos) — joined together, paired, coupled, yoked companion
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4805-01 |
σύνζυγε | sunzuge | ADJ.S VOC M SG |
companion | O yoked-partner | Syzygos | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4805-01 |
Philippians 4:3 | σύνζυγε | sunzuge | ADJ.S VOC M SG |
companion | O yoked-partner | Syzygos |