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.
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.
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.
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.
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