Brief Overview of ἐπιγαμβρεύω (Strong’s G1918: epigambreúō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies, as it provides deeper insights into the context, culture, and meaning behind the scriptures. The Greek word ἐπιγαμβρεύω (transliterated as “epigambreúō”) is particularly significant because it pertains to familial relationships and marriage customs. This verb is important for interpreting New Testament passages where legal or familial obligations, particularly those concerning marriage and family ties, are discussed. Understanding ἐπιγαμβρεύω sheds light on the societal norms and familial responsibilities of ancient Greek culture, enhancing comprehension of biblical narratives and their cultural backdrop.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō) [eh-pee-gahm-BREH-oo]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and γαμβρός (gambrós), meaning “son-in-law” or “brother-in-law.” The verb form ἐπιγαμβρεύω translates to “to marry into a family” or “to enter into a relationship by marriage.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, Active Voice
• Grammatical Details: Present tense, active voice, indicative mood, first person singular. The verb describes the action of entering into a familial relationship by marriage, especially in the context of marrying a brother’s widow (leverate marriage).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “To marry into a family”
• “To enter into a relationship by marriage”
• “To become a brother-in-law”
• “To enter into marriage with a relative’s spouse”
• “To contract a marriage within the family”

Similar Words:
The Greek word συνοικέω (synoikéō) [soo-noy-KEH-oh], meaning “to live together” or “to cohabit,” is somewhat related to ἐπιγαμβρεύω. However, while συνοικέω emphasizes the living arrangement or cohabitation aspect of marriage, ἐπιγαμβρεύω focuses on the legal and familial aspect of becoming part of a family through marriage. Another related word is γαμέω (gaméō) [gah-MEH-oh], meaning “to marry,” which broadly refers to the act of marriage without necessarily implying a specific familial or legal context.

Further Insights:
As an active verb, ἐπιγαμβρεύω refers to the act of marrying into a family, often under specific legal or cultural obligations. It is a term that might appear in discussions of leverate marriage customs, where a man would marry his deceased brother’s widow to provide offspring for his brother’s lineage. In the Greek grammatical structure, the verb is conjugated in various tenses and voices, but its usage in the New Testament is primarily in the context of familial duties and marriage customs. Since it is an active verb, its use implies a deliberate and culturally significant action.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπιγαμβρεύω as “to marry into a family,” specifically to “take the widow of a deceased brother as a wife,” underscoring its use in the context of familial obligations and leverate marriage.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπιγαμβρεύω as “to marry into a family” or “to become related by marriage,” highlighting its usage in New Testament passages to indicate an action taken to uphold family honor and lineage.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπιγαμβρεύω under verbs related to marriage and family obligations, particularly focusing on the legal aspects of entering a family through marriage, as practiced in ancient Jewish and Greek cultures.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a broad overview of ἐπιγαμβρεύω as a verb meaning “to marry into a family” or “to make a connection by marriage.” It appears in classical Greek literature to denote the act of entering into familial relationships through legal or customary marriage.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπιγαμβρεύω as a verb meaning “to marry,” specifically in the context of entering into a marriage that establishes or reinforces familial ties. It is particularly relevant in discussions of inheritance, lineage, and family duties.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 20:28: “Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take (ἐπιγαμβρεύω) his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιγαμβρεύω (G1918)

The Greek verb ἐπιγαμβρεύω (epigambreúō) is a significant term in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, capturing the concept of “marrying into a family” or “entering a relationship by marriage.” Its primary meanings revolve around the idea of taking on familial duties through marriage, especially in contexts such as leverate marriage, where the aim is to uphold a deceased brother’s lineage. In the New Testament, ἐπιγαμβρεύω appears in discussions regarding marriage customs and obligations, providing a glimpse into the legal and familial frameworks that shaped ancient Greek and Jewish society. Understanding ἐπιγαμβρεύω is essential for appreciating the narrative details, social expectations, and cultural practices described in ancient texts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπιγαμβρεύω is used in Luke 20:28 when the Sadducees questioned Jesus about the practice of leverate marriage, where a man is obligated to marry his brother’s widow to maintain the family lineage? This term reflects the strong emphasis on family continuity and duty in ancient Jewish and Greek societies.