What is a yokefellow in the Bible?

Answer

A yokefellow is a close companion, co-worker, or mate. The term is mentioned only once in the New Testament, in Philippians 4:3. The King James Version translates the verse as follows: “And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.” More recent translations use terms like companion (NIV) or partner (NLT) instead of yokefellow. Since Paul does not specify the name of his yokefellow, we can only speculate about whom he is addressing. Some believe it was Epaphroditus or perhaps Luke. Given that Paul does not use this term elsewhere in his letters to refer to any other fellow laborers, we can infer that it was directed at someone with whom he shared a particularly strong bond. Whoever Paul’s yokefellow was, he grasped the message.

Understanding the origin of the term yokefellow helps us grasp a meaning that extends beyond our English words companion or friend. A yokefellow is literally “one of two fellows in a yoke.” Paul employs the “yoke” metaphor in 2 Corinthians 6:14 when he cautions Christians against being “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (BSB). A yoke was a heavy wooden frame that was attached across the shoulders of horses or oxen, connecting them to a wagon, plow, or cart. The animals pushed against the yoke as they advanced, pulling the load behind them. Owners aimed to pair two animals of similar size and ability so they could pull evenly. Mismatched yokefellows led to the larger animal being overworked, bearing the brunt of the load. Yokefellows in conflict also resulted in reduced productivity. A yokefellow must equally share in the common labor.

This concept of working together and unity appears to be what Paul intended when he referred to his fellow believer in Philippi as a “yokefellow.” This individual was someone who collaborated to achieve the apostle’s mission.Paul’s goals in the Philippian church were supported by a yokefellow. Paul and the yokefellow were united in service to the Lord, longing, praying, and enduring for the salvation of men and women. This individual was clearly a “close companion,” as most Bible versions describe, but a yokefellow went even further. Companions can assist us, pray for us, and uplift us, but a yokefellow stands by us in the midst of challenges. A yokefellow is willing to work alongside us. A yokefellow shares our sorrows, suffers with us, and celebrates with us, as stated in Romans 12:15. This alignment of life purposes is why Paul cautions against partnering with unbelievers as yokefellows. The divergence in beliefs and allegiances would hinder progress.

It is crucial for Christians, particularly those engaged in ministry, to have one or more yokefellows to share the burden. Feelings of isolation and exhaustion are constant dangers for those serving God. Just as Elijah discovered during his moment of exhaustion, he was not alone. God had already appointed a yokefellow for him in Elisha. When Jesus dispatched the disciples for ministry, He did not send them out individually. He paired them up, yokefellows who could support and keep each other focused, as mentioned in Mark 6:7. By nurturing deep spiritual friendships with those who comprehend our vocation, we realize that yokefellows assist us in accomplishing all that God has tasked us with.