THE MEANING OF UNEQUALLY YOKED

The phrase “unequally yoked” comes from 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV):

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

The NASB translates it this way:

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

What Does “Yoked” Mean?

In Bible times, a yoke was a wooden bar that joined two oxen together so they could pull a load in the same direction. For the task to be done well, both oxen needed to be of equal strength and size. If one was weaker or slower, the load would be unbalanced, and instead of moving forward, the team would go in circles.

In the same way, when two people are “unequally yoked,” their goals, values, and spiritual foundations are not aligned. Rather than working together, they pull in opposite directions, creating conflict and hindering progress.

Paul’s Warning to the Corinthians

Paul urged the Corinthian church not to enter into unequal partnerships with unbelievers. He made the comparison between light and darkness, righteousness and lawlessness, Christ and Belial (a Hebrew word for worthlessness, used here as a reference to Satan). Just as Christ has nothing in common with Satan, believers should not unite themselves closely with the principles and practices of the unbelieving world.

To attempt it, Paul says, is like tying together two oxen that cannot walk in the same direction—it only leads to frustration and wasted effort.

How This Applies to Us Today

Being unequally yoked can happen in many areas of life:

• Friendships – when the company we keep pulls us away from God instead of closer to Him.

• Business partnerships – when profit is pursued at the cost of compromising Christian values.

• Marriage – the closest and most intimate form of yoking. God designed marriage as a union where two become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). When one spouse follows Christ and the other does not, the relationship is built on opposing foundations, which can lead to tension, compromise, and pain.

Why It Matters

More often than not, in an unequally yoked relationship, it is the believer who is pressured to lay aside faith and convictions for the sake of peace, growth, or profit. Instead of lifting the unbeliever up, the believer is often pulled down.

God’s desire is not to burden us with unnecessary struggle but to protect us from harm. When we walk in step with those who share our faith and values, we move forward in unity, strength, and purpose.

Final Thought

Being equally yoked means surrounding yourself with people who encourage your faith, sharpen your character, and share your commitment to Christ. Whether in marriage, business, or deep friendships, seek relationships that pull you closer to Jesus—not away from Him.