### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gaméō**, represented by `{{G1060}}`, means **to wed** or **marry**. It appears 29 times across 25 verses in the Bible. Derived from the word for marriage (γάμος), it is used for both sexes and establishes the formal act of entering into a marital union.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G1060}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is central to Jesus' teachings on divorce, where marrying a divorced woman is equated with committing adultery ([[Matthew 5:32]]; [[Luke 16:18]]). This principle is also applied to a man who divorces his wife and marries another [[Mark 10:11]]. The word also appears in an eschatological sense, clarifying that in the resurrection, people will neither **marry** nor be given in marriage, but will be like the angels in heaven ([[Matthew 22:30]]; [[Mark 12:25]]). On a practical level, it describes everyday life, such as in the days of Noah before the flood when people were "marrying and giving in marriage" [[Matthew 24:38]]. It is also used in a parable as an excuse for not being able to come to a great supper: "I have **married** a wife, and therefore I cannot come" [[Luke 14:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help to build out the concept of marriage and its associated states:
* `{{G22}}` **ágamos** (unmarried): The direct opposite of being married, used by Paul when discussing the state of being **unmarried**. He advises that if a wife departs, she should remain **unmarried** or be reconciled to her husband [[1 Corinthians 7:11]].
* `{{G1061}}` **gamískō** (give in marriage): This word, along with its variants `{{G1547}}` and `{{G1548}}`, refers to the act of giving a daughter to a husband. It is often used in parallel with `{{G1060}}`, as in the description of the afterlife where they neither **marry** `{{G1060}}` nor are **given in marriage** `{{G1061}}` [[Mark 12:25]].
* `{{G1135}}` **gynḗ** (wife, woman): This is the most common word for **wife** and is frequently the object of the verb to **marry**. For instance, Herod had **married** his brother Philip's **wife** [[Mark 6:17]], and Paul instructs that he who is married cares for how he may please his **wife** [[1 Corinthians 7:33]].
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This verb is used metaphorically to describe the marital bond. A **wife** `{{G1135}}` is **bound** by the law to her husband as long as he lives, but if he is dead, she is at liberty to be **married** to whom she will [[1 Corinthians 7:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1060}}` is significant, particularly in its New Testament usage.
* **Sanctity of the Marital Covenant:** The use of `{{G1060}}` in the context of divorce and remarriage establishes a high standard for marital fidelity. To **marry** another after improperly divorcing a spouse is defined as committing adultery [[Matthew 19:9]], underscoring the binding nature of the marriage covenant.
* **The Nature of the Resurrection Life:** The repeated statement that believers who are accounted worthy of the resurrection will not **marry** [[Luke 20:35]] distinguishes our earthly existence from our future heavenly state. Marriage is presented as a foundational institution for this world, but not for the world to come.
* **A Godly Provision, Not a Sin:** Paul affirms that to **marry** is not a sin [[1 Corinthians 7:28]]. He presents it as a practical provision against temptation, stating it is **better** to **marry** than to **burn** [[1 Corinthians 7:9]]. Furthermore, he condemns false doctrines that involve "forbidding to **marry**" [[1 Timothy 4:3]], affirming marriage as part of God's good creation.
* **Worldly Cares vs. Heavenly Focus:** While marriage is good, Paul contrasts the concerns of the married and the unmarried. He that is **married** cares for the things of the world and how to please his **wife** [[1 Corinthians 7:33]], while the unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord [[1 Corinthians 7:34]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1060}}` is a crucial Greek verb that defines the act of getting **married**. Beyond its simple definition, it is used to frame critical theological principles regarding the permanence of marriage, the consequences of divorce, and the distinction between earthly life and the life to come. Through apostolic instruction, the act to **marry** is affirmed as a good and proper choice for many believers, serving as a guard against sin and a foundation for family life [[1 Timothy 5:14]]. It is a word that operates on both a practical, social level and a profound, theological one, shaping our understanding of relationships in this age and the next.
TRV