from λύω; a loosening, i.e. (specially), divorce:--to be loosed.
Transliteration:lýsis
Pronunciation:loo'-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun λύσις (lýsis, `{{G3080}}`) is derived directly from the verb λύω (lyō, `{{G3089}}`), which fundamentally means "to loose," "to untie," "to release," "to dissolve," or "to destroy." Consequently, λύσις inherently carries the core semantic range of "a loosening," "a release," or "a dissolution." While the broader range of λύω can encompass various forms of unbinding, the specific usage of λύσις in the New Testament is narrowed to a particular and significant application: the dissolution of the marital bond, i.e., "divorce." This specialized meaning underscores the legal and social act of untying a covenantal relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λύσις (lýsis, `{{G3080}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In [[1 Corinthians 7:27]], Paul writes: "Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek λύσις. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife." The context of this verse is Paul's extensive discourse on marriage, celibacy, and the various states of marital status within the Christian community. Here, λύσις unequivocally refers to the act of divorce. Paul's instruction, "Do not seek λύσις," serves as a direct admonition against initiating the dissolution of a marriage for those who are already bound. This counsel aligns with the broader New Testament teaching on the sanctity and permanence of marriage, as articulated by Jesus Himself (e.g., [[Matthew 5:31-32]], [[Matthew 19:3-9]], [[Mark 10:2-12]], [[Luke 16:18]]). The parallel structure in the verse, contrasting "bound to a wife" with "loosed from a wife," highlights the two primary states of marital relation and Paul's guidance within each.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding λύσις (lýsis, `{{G3080}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **λύω (lyō, `{{G3089}}`):** The foundational verb from which λύσις is derived. Its meaning of "to loose" or "to untie" directly informs the noun's specific application to divorce as the "untying" of a marital knot.
* **δέω (deō, `{{G1210}}`):** This verb means "to bind" or "to tie." It stands as the direct antonym to λύω and is used in the immediate context of [[1 Corinthians 7:27]] ("bound to a wife"), forming a clear conceptual pair with λύσις.
* **ἀπολύω (apolýō, `{{G630}}`):** A related verb meaning "to release," "to send away," or specifically "to divorce." This verb is frequently employed in the Gospels when discussing the act of divorcing one's spouse (e.g., "to send away his wife"). While ἀπολύω describes the action of divorcing, λύσις denotes the outcome or the act of "loosening" as a noun.
* **χωρίζω (chōrizō, `{{G5563}}`):** Meaning "to separate" or "to put asunder." This term is used in marital contexts, such as in [[1 Corinthians 7:10-11]] regarding separation within marriage, and in Jesus's teaching: "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate (χωρίζω)."
* **Marriage (γάμος, gamos, `{{G1062}}`):** The sacred institution that λύσις represents the breaking of.
* **Covenant:** In biblical theology, marriage is often understood as a covenantal bond established by God. λύσις signifies the human act of breaking or dissolving this divine covenant.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of λύσις (lýsis, `{{G3080}}`) in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the Christian understanding of marriage. Paul's unequivocal instruction in [[1 Corinthians 7:27]], "Do not seek λύσις," serves as a clear pastoral directive against the initiation of divorce. This injunction reinforces the high regard for the sanctity and permanence of the marital bond within Christian teaching, echoing the Lord Jesus's own emphasis on the indissolubility of marriage as a divine institution.
Theologically, λύσις represents a human act of undoing what God has joined together (cf. [[Matthew 19:6]], [[Mark 10:9]]). It highlights the tension between human desires and divine design. While the New Testament acknowledges the reality of divorce in a fallen world and offers guidance for those impacted by it (e.g., the so-called "exception clauses" in Matthew or the principle of desertion in 1 Corinthians 7), the overarching theological thrust is to uphold marriage as a lifelong commitment. The term λύσις itself, meaning "a loosening," implicitly contrasts with the divine act of "binding" or "joining," underscoring the gravity of breaking such a sacred union. It underscores the Church's historical and theological commitment to the permanence of marriage as a reflection of God's faithfulness and covenantal love.
### Summary
The Greek noun λύσις (lýsis, `{{G3080}}`), stemming from λύω (lyō, `{{G3089}}`), fundamentally conveys the meaning of "a loosening" or "a release." Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, found in [[1 Corinthians 7:27]], specifically denotes "divorce" or the dissolution of the marital bond. In this context, the Apostle Paul's instruction, "Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek λύσις," serves as a direct and firm admonition against initiating divorce, thereby upholding the sacred and enduring nature of marriage as a divine institution. This term stands in stark contrast to the concept of being "bound" in marriage (δέω, `{{G1210}}`) and underscores the theological gravity of a human act that seeks to undo a covenant established by God.
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