### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō, `{{G1918}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`), meaning "upon" or "in addition to," and a derivative of γάμος (gamos, `{{G1062}}`), meaning "marriage" or "wedding." Its core meaning, as indicated by its etymology and usage, is "to form affinity with through marriage," but more specifically, "to marry in a levirate way." This precise definition points to the ancient practice of levirate marriage, where a man was obligated to marry his deceased brother's widow, particularly if the brother died childless, in order to raise up an heir for the deceased. The term thus carries a very specific legal and familial connotation, distinct from general marriage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō, `{{G1918}}`) occurs exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, appearing three times in identical contexts:
* [[Matthew 22:24]]: "Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother."
* [[Mark 12:19]]: "Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother."
* [[Luke 20:28]]: "Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother."
In each instance, the word is spoken by the Sadducees, who are posing a hypothetical question to Jesus about the resurrection. Their question is predicated on the Mosaic law concerning levirate marriage, explicitly referencing [[Deuteronomy 25:5-10]]. The Sadducees present a scenario where a woman successively marries seven brothers, each dying childless, and then ask whose wife she will be in the resurrection. The use of ἐπιγαμβρεύω here precisely captures the legal obligation of the surviving brother to "marry" (in the levirate sense) his brother's widow, fulfilling the divine command to perpetuate the deceased's lineage. The word itself is central to establishing the premise of their theological challenge to Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related concept to ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō, `{{G1918}}`) is the institution of levirate marriage itself, which is deeply rooted in the Old Testament.
* **Old Testament Law:** The Hebrew concept of יָבָם (yavam, to perform the duty of a husband's brother) and יְבָמָה (yevamah, brother's wife/sister-in-law) undergirds this practice, most clearly articulated in [[Deuteronomy 25:5-10]].
* **Purpose of Levirate Marriage:** The underlying purpose was to prevent the extinction of a family line, preserve the deceased's name and inheritance, and ensure the continuation of his memory within Israel.
* **Biblical Examples:** While ἐπιγαμβρεύω does not appear in the Septuagint, the principle it describes is exemplified in narratives such as Judah and Tamar ([[Genesis 38]]) and Boaz and Ruth ([[Ruth 4]]). In the latter, Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, fulfilling a similar duty to preserve the family line and inheritance.
* **Greek Roots:** The word's components ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`) and γάμος (gamos, `{{G1062}}`) are essential for understanding its literal construction, pointing to a marriage that is "upon" or "in addition to" a prior familial relationship, specifically that of brothers.
* **Associated Concepts:** σπέρμα (sperma, `{{G4690}}`, "seed" or "offspring") is intrinsically linked to the purpose of levirate marriage – to "raise up seed" for the deceased.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō, `{{G1918}}`) is profound, primarily because it serves as the linchpin for one of Jesus' most critical teachings on the resurrection.
1. **Affirmation of Mosaic Law:** The Sadducees' use of this term, directly quoting Moses, highlights the enduring authority of the Torah in their understanding. The very existence of this specific legal term in the New Testament attests to the continued relevance of Old Testament legal frameworks in the Jewish society of Jesus' time.
2. **Premise for Eschatological Revelation:** While the Sadducees intended to trap Jesus with a legal conundrum, ἐπιγαμβρεύω becomes the textual springboard for Jesus to correct their flawed understanding of the afterlife. Jesus' response (e.g., [[Matthew 22:29-32]], [[Mark 12:24-27]], [[Luke 20:34-38]]) clarifies that in the resurrection, people "neither marry nor are given in marriage," but are "like angels" or "sons of God." This reveals a transformed existence where earthly institutions, including levirate marriage, are transcended.
3. **Nature of God:** Jesus uses the Sadducees' question, rooted in the levirate law, to declare God as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," emphasizing that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. This elevates the discussion from a legalistic hypothetical to a profound theological truth about God's ongoing relationship with His covenant people beyond death.
4. **Divine Provision and Continuity:** In its original Old Testament context, the law of levirate marriage, represented by ἐπιγαμβρεύω, reflects God's concern for the continuity of family lines, the preservation of inheritance, and the protection of vulnerable widows within the covenant community. Even as Jesus transcends its earthly application, the underlying principle of God's care for His people remains.
### Summary
ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō, `{{G1918}}`) is a highly specific Greek verb appearing only three times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels. It precisely denotes the act of "marrying" in the context of the levirate law, where a man was obligated to marry his deceased, childless brother's widow to raise up offspring for him. This term directly references the Mosaic law of [[Deuteronomy 25:5-10]]. Its singular significance in the New Testament lies in its function as the specific legal premise for the Sadducees' challenge to Jesus regarding the resurrection. Jesus' response, while acknowledging the law's earthly validity, transcends their limited understanding, revealing the nature of the resurrected life where earthly marital institutions cease to exist. Thus, ἐπιγαμβρεύω serves as a crucial linguistic bridge, connecting Old Testament legal practice to profound New Testament revelation concerning the resurrection and the eternal nature of God.
TRV