### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gynḗ**, represented by `{{G1135}}`, serves as a foundational term for **woman** and, specifically, a **wife**. It appears **221 times** across **200 unique verses**, signifying its importance in scripture. Derived probably from the base of γίνομαι (to become), it encompasses a woman in various roles, from an individual to a marital partner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1135}}` is used in several key contexts. It defines roles and responsibilities within marriage, as seen in instructions for husbands to love their **wives** [[Ephesians 5:25]] and for **wives** to submit to their own husbands [[Ephesians 5:22]]. It identifies specific individuals, such as Zacharias's **wife** Elisabeth [[Luke 1:13]] and Lydia, a **woman** who worshipped God [[Acts 16:14]]. Jesus uses the term to address his mother [[John 2:4]] and to commend the faith of the Canaanite **woman** [[Matthew 15:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of womanhood, marriage, and origin:
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai** (to become): This word is noted as the probable base for **gynḗ**. It means "to cause to be" or "to become" and appears in the crucial phrase "made of a **woman**" [[Galatians 4:4]], linking the concept of origin to the incarnation.
* `{{G1060}}` **gaméō** (to marry): This verb relates directly to the role of a wife. It is used in discussions about divorce, stating that whosoever shall **marry** a divorced woman commits adultery [[Matthew 5:32]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to bear, beget): This term is connected to childbearing. An angel tells Zacharias that his **wife** Elisabeth shall **bear** him a son [[Luke 1:13]].
* `{{G435}}` **anḗr** (husband, man): As the direct counterpart, this word defines the marital relationship. It is used in instructions for **husbands** to love their wives [[Colossians 3:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1135}}` is significant, establishing principles for relationships and symbolic identities.
* **Marital and Ecclesial Order:** The term is central to New Testament instructions on household and church structure. Paul commands **wives** to submit to their husbands [[Ephesians 5:22]] and **women** to keep silence in the churches [[1 Corinthians 14:34]]. The relationship between Christ and the church is paralleled with that of a husband and **wife** [[Ephesians 5:25]].
* **Role in Salvation History:** A **woman** is instrumental in the incarnation, as God sent His Son "made of a **woman**" [[Galatians 4:4]]. The faith of individual women is often highlighted [[Matthew 15:28]], and women were among the earliest disciples praying together after the ascension [[Acts 1:14]].
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** In Revelation, `gynḗ` is used symbolically to represent major spiritual entities. This includes a **woman** clothed with the sun [[Revelation 12:1]], an apostate system represented by a **woman** named Jezebel [[Revelation 2:20]], and the Church, which is prepared as the Lamb's **wife** [[Revelation 19:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1135}}` is far more than a simple gender-specific term. It defines a **woman** both individually and in her role as a **wife**, forming the basis for familial and ecclesiastical relationships in scripture. From the specific instructions given to **wives** [[Colossians 3:18]] to the monumental role of a **woman** in the incarnation [[Galatians 4:4]], the word carries significant weight. Ultimately, it is elevated to a high symbolic status, representing both corrupt spiritual systems and the purified Church as the **wife** of the Lamb [[Revelation 19:7]].
TRV