In the ancient world, the zygon was the familiar wooden frame binding oxen to a plow, and it became one of Scripture's most potent metaphors. Jesus invites the weary to take his yoke, promising it is easy and light (Matt 11:29-30) -- a deliberate contrast with the heavy yoke of legalistic burden the apostles refuse to impose (Acts 15:10). Paul warns against returning to a 'yoke of slavery' (Gal 5:1), and slaves are told to honor masters under the yoke (1 Tim 6:1). In Revelation 6:5 the word shifts to a pair of balance scales held by the third horseman, signaling famine and economic judgment. Spanish 'yugo/balanza' and French 'joug' preserve this dual range.