CategoryDoctrine / Discipleship Metaphor
Modern Equivalentburden; submission; discipleship.
KJV Word TypeTheological metaphor / discipleship term
DefinitionA wooden beam used between oxen to pull a plow or cart; also a symbol of servitude, burden, oppression, submission, or discipleship.
Key Verses"By thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck." (Genesis 27:40); "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
KJV Usage NoteUsed both literally for an animal harness and figuratively for burden, servitude, submission, oppression, or discipleship.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not only an animal harness; in KJV usage it can picture burden, servitude, oppression, submission, or discipleship under Christ.
EtymologyFrom Old English geoc ("yoke"), related to joining or coupling together.