Brief Overview of γάμος (G1062: Gamos)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γάμος (transliterated as Gamos and pronounced GAH-mos) is a noun that primarily means “marriage” or “wedding.” This term can refer to both the institution of marriage and the specific celebration of a wedding feast or ceremony. The word γάμος is derived from the verb γαμέω (G1060), which means “to marry.” In the context of ancient Greek and New Testament usage, γάμος frequently encompasses the entire spectrum of matrimonial customs, including the engagement, the wedding feast, and the ongoing state of marriage.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In the New Testament, γάμος appears in several contexts, usually referring to a wedding feast or the state of being married. According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), γάμος can signify the formal ceremony of marriage, including the accompanying festivities, or the institution of marriage itself. This broad usage is consistent across various Greek lexicons, including Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, which also highlights the dual application of the term to both the event and the institution.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary points out that γάμος is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the relationship between Christ and the Church, likened to a marriage. This metaphorical use emphasizes the sacred and covenantal nature of marriage, as seen in passages like Revelation 19:7, where the “marriage of the Lamb” is celebrated.

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Examples of biblical passages where γάμος is used include:

• Matthew 22:2: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast (γάμος) for his son.”
• John 2:1: “On the third day there was a wedding (γάμος) at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.”

These passages illustrate how γάμος is used both literally, to describe a wedding feast, and metaphorically, to represent the kingdom of heaven.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, γάμος was widely used to denote marriage and wedding ceremonies, reflecting its importance in Greek culture. The term appears in various works, often connected to themes of family, social order, and divine favor.

1. Homer’s “Odyssey”: In this epic, γάμος is used to describe the marriages of key characters, highlighting the social and familial obligations involved in the institution of marriage.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: The term γάμος is employed to discuss alliances formed through marriage, where royal or noble marriages were often political tools.
3. Euripides’ “Medea”: γάμος is central to the plot, as the marriage of Jason and Medea serves as a catalyst for the unfolding tragedy, emphasizing the importance and potential peril of marriage.

These examples from classical literature demonstrate the cultural significance of marriage in ancient Greek society, where γάμος was not only a personal or familial event but also a public and often political affair.

Summary:
The word γάμος (Gamos), found in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, primarily means “marriage” or “wedding.” It reflects the cultural practices surrounding marriage, including the ceremony, feast, and the state of being married. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon affirm the dual application of γάμος to both the event of a wedding and the institution of marriage itself. In classical Greek literature, γάμος appears frequently, underscoring its importance in both personal and political spheres. Understanding this term enriches our comprehension of how marriage was perceived and portrayed in ancient Greek and early Christian contexts, where it symbolized not only a personal union but also a reflection of broader social and divine relationships.