### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb γαμέω (gaméō) `{{G1060}}` is derived from the noun γάμος (gámos) `{{G1062}}`, meaning "marriage" or "wedding." At its core, γαμέω signifies the act of "to marry," "to wed," or "to take a spouse." The base definition explicitly states it refers to "either sex," indicating that it can describe a man marrying a woman or a woman marrying a man. This word denotes the formal and legal entrance into the marital state, encompassing the social, legal, and often religious dimensions of the union. It describes the initiation of the marital covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of γαμέω `{{G1060}}` in the New Testament provide rich insight into its usage and the biblical understanding of marriage:
* **Discussions of Divorce and Remarriage**: In the Gospels, γαμέω frequently appears in Jesus' teachings on divorce and remarriage. For instance, in [[Matthew 5:32]] and [[Matthew 19:9]], Jesus states that "whoever marries (γαμέω) a divorced woman commits adultery," emphasizing the sanctity and indissolubility of the marriage bond, with a narrow exception for sexual immorality. Similarly, [[Mark 6:17]] details Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, highlighting the moral implications of such unions.
* **Temporality of Marriage**: The word is used in eschatological contexts to convey that marriage is a temporal institution, not extending into the resurrected state. Jesus declares in [[Matthew 22:30]] (and parallels in [[Luke 20:34-35]]), "For in the resurrection they neither marry (γαμέω) nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." This indicates that while marriage is significant in this life, its purposes are fulfilled or transformed in the age to come.
* **Normal Human Activity**: In passages describing the days before the flood, γαμέω is used to depict the normalcy of human life, including marriage, before a divine judgment ([[Matthew 24:38]], [[Luke 17:27]]). This illustrates marriage as a fundamental aspect of human society.
* **Pastoral Counsel on Marriage**: Paul uses γαμέω extensively in his first letter to the Corinthians, providing practical and theological guidance on marriage. In [[1 Corinthians 7:9]], he advises, "But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry (γαμέω). For it is better to marry (γαμέω) than to burn with passion." This demonstrates marriage as a legitimate and God-ordained means to avoid sexual immorality. He also affirms that "if you marry (γαμέω), you have not sinned" ([[1 Corinthians 7:28]]), debunking any notion that marriage itself is unspiritual. Furthermore, Paul instructs younger widows to "marry (γαμέω), bear children, manage their households" ([[1 Timothy 5:14]]), seeing it as a way to prevent idleness and provide for their needs.
Across these contexts, γαμέω consistently refers to the act of entering into marriage, often with significant ethical, social, and theological implications regarding the nature of the marital covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of γαμέω `{{G1060}}` is enriched by examining its relationship to other key terms and concepts:
* **γάμος (gámos) `{{G1062}}`**: The noun from which γαμέω is derived, referring to "marriage" or "a wedding feast." It denotes the institution or event itself, while γαμέω is the action of participating in it.
* **ἐκγαμίζω (ekgamízō) `{{G1571}}` / ἐκγαμίσκομαι (ekgamískomai) `{{G1572}}`**: These verbs mean "to give in marriage" (active) or "to be given in marriage" (passive). They frequently appear alongside γαμέω in passages discussing marriage in the resurrection (e.g., [[Matthew 22:30]]), highlighting the reciprocal nature of the marital process.
* **ἀνὴρ (anēr) `{{G435}}`**: "man; husband."
* **γυνή (gynē) `{{G1135}}`**: "woman; wife." These terms denote the specific parties who "marry" (γαμέω).
* **πορνεία (porneia) `{{G4202}}`**: "sexual immorality, fornication." This concept is directly linked to the discussions of divorce and remarriage, as it is often presented as the sole biblical ground for divorce.
* **μοιχάω (moichaō) `{{G3429}}`**: "to commit adultery." The act of marrying (γαμέω) a divorced person, under certain circumstances, is equated to committing adultery ([[Matthew 5:32]], [[Matthew 19:9]]), underscoring the sanctity of the original marriage covenant.
* **κλῆσις (klēsis) `{{G2821}}`**: "calling." In [[1 Corinthians 7]], Paul discusses marriage in relation to one's "calling" or state in life, suggesting that whether one marries or remains single is part of God's design for their service.
### Theological Significance
The word γαμέω `{{G1060}}`, while denoting a simple act, carries profound theological weight within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Ordinance**: The act of "marrying" is presented as part of God's original creation design for humanity. Though the verb itself describes the human action, the broader biblical context establishes marriage as a divine institution, foundational to human society and procreation. The strictures against divorce and the emphasis on fidelity underscore its sacred, covenantal nature.
* **Sanctification of Sexuality**: Paul's counsel in [[1 Corinthians 7]] demonstrates that marriage is a legitimate and honorable context for human sexuality. It is not merely a concession to human weakness but a means by which believers can live righteously and avoid sin, thereby sanctifying their desires within God's design.
* **Temporary vs. Eternal**: The discussions of marriage ceasing in the resurrection ([[Matthew 22:30]]) highlight that while marriage is deeply significant and purposeful in this present age, it is ultimately a temporal reality. Its purposes (such as procreation and mutual companionship in a fallen world) will be transcended in the eternal state, where the ultimate union is with God. This perspective elevates the eternal over the temporal without diminishing the importance of marriage in the here and now.
* **Reflection of Christ and the Church**: Although γαμέω describes the human act, the institution of marriage serves as a powerful metaphor throughout Scripture for the covenantal relationship between God and His people, culminating in the New Testament's depiction of Christ as the Bridegroom and the Church as His Bride (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:22-33]]). The act of "marrying" in the human sphere thus faintly echoes the ultimate divine union.
### Summary
The Greek verb γαμέω (gaméō) `{{G1060}}` precisely denotes the act of "to marry" or "to wed," applicable to both men and women. Derived from γάμος (gámos) `{{G1062}}`, it encapsulates the entrance into the marital covenant. Its presence in the New Testament is crucial for understanding Jesus' teachings on the sanctity of marriage, divorce, and remarriage ([[Matthew 5:32]], [[Matthew 19:9]]), as well as Paul's pastoral guidance on Christian living within the marital state ([[1 Corinthians 7:9]], [[1 Timothy 5:14]]). Furthermore, γαμέω is central to the theological concept of marriage's temporal nature, as it will not exist in the resurrection ([[Matthew 22:30]]). Theologically, γαμέω underscores marriage as a divinely ordained institution, a legitimate context for human sexuality, and a profound, albeit temporal, reflection of God's covenantal love and the ultimate union between Christ and His Church.
TRV