Brief Overview of γαμίζω (G1061: Gamizō)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γαμίζω (transliterated as Gamizō and pronounced gah-MID-zoh) is a verb primarily meaning “to give in marriage.” The term is derived from the root γαμέω (G1060), which means “to marry.” While γαμέω typically refers to the act of marrying, γαμίζω specifically describes the action of arranging or facilitating the marriage of someone, often a daughter or another female relative. This word is frequently used in contexts where parents or guardians are responsible for giving a woman in marriage.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In the New Testament, γαμίζω is less frequently used than its root γαμέω but is still significant in the context of marriage customs and practices. According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), γαμίζω is used to express the act of giving someone in marriage, particularly from the perspective of a parent or guardian. The focus of the term is on the authority and responsibility of arranging a marriage, a practice common in ancient societies.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon echoes this understanding, noting that γαμίζω involves the formal process of betrothing or giving a daughter in marriage. The term highlights the cultural norms of the time, where marriages were often arranged by family members, reflecting their authority and social obligations.

This word is used in a key biblical passage:

• Luke 20:35: “But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead neither marry (γαμέω) nor are given in marriage (γαμίζω).”

This verse illustrates the use of both γαμέω and γαμίζω in the same context, emphasizing the distinction between marrying and being given in marriage.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, γαμίζω was used similarly to denote the act of giving someone in marriage. The word appears in various texts, reflecting the societal norms and practices surrounding marriage.

1. Herodotus’ “Histories”: In this historical work, γαμίζω is used in the context of describing alliances formed through marriage, where a king or leader would give his daughter in marriage to secure political or military alliances.
2. Euripides’ “Medea”: The term appears in discussions about the tragic consequences of arranged marriages, where γαμίζω highlights the tension between personal choice and familial duty.
3. Xenophon’s “Oeconomicus”: Here, γαμίζω is used in a more practical context, discussing the arrangements made by parents to ensure the best possible marriage for their children.

These examples demonstrate that γαμίζω was a term embedded in the cultural practices of marriage, with implications for social, political, and familial relationships.

Summary:
The word γαμίζω (Gamizō), found in the Greek New Testament and classical literature, primarily means “to give in marriage.” It reflects the cultural practices of arranging marriages, often by a parent or guardian, and is used to highlight the responsibility of ensuring a suitable match for a family member. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon emphasize its specific usage in contexts where authority figures arrange marriages. In classical Greek literature, γαμίζω appears in discussions about marriage customs and their broader social and political implications. Understanding this term provides insight into the dynamics of marriage in ancient Greek and New Testament societies, where familial duties and social responsibilities were closely intertwined.