### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō, `{{G1548}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and γαμίσκω (gamískō), which itself is a form of γαμίζω (gamízō, `{{G1061}}`), meaning "to give in marriage." The prefix ἐκ (ek) here emphasizes the act of giving *away* or *out* in marriage, typically referring to the role of a parent or guardian in arranging or facilitating a marriage for their child. Semantically, it is virtually identical to ἐκγαμίζω (ekgamízō, `{{G1547}}`), sharing the same core meaning: "to give in marriage." This term specifically describes the action of bestowing someone in matrimony, rather than the act of marrying oneself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō, `{{G1548}}`) appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, always within the context of Jesus' discourse concerning the resurrection and the nature of life in the age to come. Its occurrences are limited to three passages:
* **[[Mark 12:25]]**: "For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven." Here, the passive form of ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) is used ("are given in marriage"), contrasting with the active "marry" (γαμέω, `{{G1060}}`). This verse is part of Jesus' response to the Sadducees' challenge regarding the resurrection and the levirate marriage law. Jesus asserts that the institution of marriage, as known on earth, will not persist in the resurrected state.
* **[[Luke 20:34]]**: "And Jesus said to them, 'The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage...'" In this verse, both the active "marry" (γαμέω, `{{G1060}}`) and the passive "are given in marriage" (ἐκγαμίσκω, `{{G1548}}`) describe the common practice of marriage in the present earthly existence. This sets up a stark contrast with the next verse.
* **[[Luke 20:35]]**: "...but those who are considered worthy to attain to the age to come and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage." Similar to [[Mark 12:25]], the passive form of ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) is employed to convey that in the resurrected state, individuals will not be the recipients of the act of being given in marriage.
In all three instances, the word is used to describe the cessation of marriage as an institution in the resurrected life, highlighting a fundamental transformation of human existence beyond the present age.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō, `{{G1548}}`) includes several closely related terms:
* **γαμέω (gaméō, `{{G1060}}`)**: "to marry," referring to the act of entering into marriage oneself. This is often contrasted with ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) in the New Testament passages, distinguishing between the active participation in marriage and being given in marriage.
* **γαμίζω (gamízō, `{{G1061}}`)**: "to give in marriage," often used in the passive voice, "to be given in marriage." This word is the root from which ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) is formed and shares a very similar meaning.
* **ἐκγαμίζω (ekgamízō, `{{G1547}}`)**: This is a direct synonym of ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō, `{{G1548}}`), carrying the exact same meaning and also appearing in the Synoptic Gospels in similar contexts (e.g., [[Matthew 22:30]], [[Matthew 24:38]]). The slight morphological difference does not imply a significant semantic distinction in their New Testament usage.
* **γάμος (gamos, `{{G1062}}`)**: "marriage," "wedding feast." This noun refers to the institution or event itself.
The concept of "giving in marriage" is intrinsically linked to the broader theological themes of resurrection, eschatology, and the transformed nature of human relationships in the kingdom of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō, `{{G1548}}`) is profound, despite its limited occurrences. Its exclusive use in Jesus' teaching on the resurrection directly challenges and refines human understanding of eternal life.
1. **Transformation of Earthly Institutions**: Jesus' declaration that in the resurrection "they neither marry nor are given in marriage" ([[Mark 12:25]], [[Luke 20:35]]) indicates that the earthly institution of marriage, while sacred and divinely ordained for this present age, does not extend into the age to come. This is not a denigration of marriage, but an affirmation of a radical transformation of human existence.
2. **Nature of Resurrected Life**: By stating that resurrected beings "are like angels in heaven" ([[Mark 12:25]]), Jesus implies a new mode of being where the procreative and social functions of marriage are no longer necessary or relevant. The focus shifts from human-to-human relational structures to a direct, unmediated relationship with God.
3. **Eschatological Reality**: The use of ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) underscores the qualitative difference between "the sons of this age" ([[Luke 20:34]]) and "those who are considered worthy to attain to the age to come" ([[Luke 20:35]]). It reveals that the future state is not merely an extension of the present but a fundamentally new reality, free from the limitations and structures of the current world.
4. **Divine Sovereignty and Wisdom**: Jesus' teaching reveals God's ultimate plan for humanity, transcending even the most fundamental human relationships. It points to a future glory where all needs are met in God, and earthly bonds are superseded by a higher, spiritual reality.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō, `{{G1548}}`) means "to give in marriage" and is a close synonym of ἐκγαμίζω (ekgamízō, `{{G1547}}`). Its infrequent but highly significant appearances are confined to the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Jesus' eschatological discourse concerning the resurrection. In these passages ([[Mark 12:25]], [[Luke 20:34]], [[Luke 20:35]]), the word is used to convey that the earthly institution of marriage, including the act of being given in marriage, will cease in the resurrected state. This highlights a fundamental transformation of human existence in the age to come, where individuals will live in a new mode of being, akin to angels, and earthly relational structures are transcended. Thus, ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) serves as a key term in understanding the radical nature of God's future kingdom and the transformed reality awaiting believers.
TRV