Συζεύγνυμι means to yoke together, particularly used of joining in marriage. Jesus uses this verb in both Matthew and Mark when teaching about divorce: 'What God has joined together, let not man separate.' The imagery of yoking evokes two oxen bound together to pull a load, emphasizing the permanent, functional unity marriage is designed to be. God himself is the one who joins husband and wife, creating a bond that transcends human contracts or social customs. The verb stresses divine action in creating marital union and the resulting indissolubility of that bond.