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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical Greek, the word Νύμφη (nymphē), which appears in Matthew 10:35, refers to a “bride” or a “young woman at the time of marriage.” Understanding such words can deepen one’s insight into New Testament culture and its relationship with the concept of marriage, both in the literal and spiritual sense. The word nymphē is significant because it captures both cultural practices surrounding weddings in ancient times and metaphorical descriptions of the relationship between Christ and the Church, often depicted as the bride of Christ in Christian theology.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Νύμφη (nymphē), pronounced noom-fay.

Etymology: The word Νύμφη is derived from a root associated with “young woman” or “bride.” In broader Greek culture, nymphē could also refer to mythical nymphs, who were goddesses of nature. This root word connects to concepts of marriage, youth, and beauty, reflecting the honor associated with brides in ancient societies.

Part of Speech: Νύμφη is a feminine noun and falls under the first declension in Greek grammar. It primarily denotes a bride, but it can also refer to a daughter-in-law, as seen in certain Biblical contexts like Matthew 10:35, where it refers to familial relationships.

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Defining Meanings

1. Bride: The primary meaning of nymphē is “bride.” This is its most common use, especially in relation to marriage ceremonies and the role of a bride in ancient Jewish and Greek traditions. In Christian theology, this meaning also extends to spiritual metaphors, such as the Church being described as the bride of Christ.

2. Young Woman of Marriageable Age: In a more general sense, nymphē refers to a young woman who is ready for marriage, signifying her societal role and readiness to enter into matrimony.

3. Daughter-in-Law: In familial contexts, nymphē can also refer to a daughter-in-law, particularly in the context of family conflicts or generational divides, as in Matthew 10:35.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Νεανίς (neanis) [pronunciation: neh-an-ece]: This word refers to a young woman but is used more broadly than nymphē. While nymphē focuses on the idea of a bride, neanis refers to youth and vitality without the specific association with marriage.

2. Γυνή (gynē) [pronunciation: goo-nay]: Meaning “woman” or “wife,” gynē can refer to a woman of any marital status, whereas nymphē specifically denotes a bride or woman about to be married.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Νύμφη follows the grammatical rules of first declension Greek nouns. It primarily appears in the feminine form and changes its case endings depending on the grammatical function in the sentence.

• Case: Nominative (νύμφη), Genitive (νύμφης), Dative (νύμφῃ), Accusative (νύμφην).

• Number: Singular (νύμφη), though it could also be plural (νύμφαι) in some contexts.

• Gender: Feminine.

For more on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word Νύμφη holds a rich array of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In the New Testament, it often refers to a literal bride, but it also holds spiritual meaning in Christian theology, representing the Church as the “bride of Christ” in passages like Revelation 21:9. In ancient Greek literature, nymphē also held significance in mythology, where nymphs were divine beings associated with nature. These varied uses in religious, social, and mythological contexts give the word depth across different genres and lexicons.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 10:35: “For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a bride [νύμφη] against her mother-in-law.”

2. John 3:29: “The bride [νύμφη] belongs to the bridegroom.”

3. Revelation 21:9: “Come, I will show you the bride [νύμφη], the wife of the Lamb.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The bride [νύμφη] is taken from her home.”

Plato Symposium “Like a bride [νύμφη] awaiting her groom.”

Septuagint Genesis 24:67 “And he took Rebekah as his bride [νύμφη].”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word νύμφη (nymphē) carries deep significance both in ancient Greek culture and the New Testament. Meaning “bride,” it reflects the societal importance of marriage and family, while also holding a deeper theological role in Christian teaching as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church. Whether used literally or symbolically, νύμφη captures themes of union, covenant, and love.

Did You Know?

1. In Greek mythology, nymphs were often young maidens associated with nature, such as forests and rivers.

2. The term νύμφη was used in both Jewish and Greek weddings to signify the central role of the bride in the marriage ceremony.

3. The idea of the Church as the “bride” (νύμφη) of Christ plays a major role in the New Testament’s eschatological vision.