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Introduction
In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is essential for accurate interpretation and deeper theological insights. The word ἐκγαμίζω (ekgamizō) holds significance in the context of marriage, a central theme in both ancient Greek culture and the New Testament. This verb, which is relatively rare in the New Testament, appears in key passages related to marriage customs and has broader implications for understanding social and familial structures in the ancient world.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκγαμίζω (ekgamizō) [ek-ga-MEE-zo]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and γαμίζω (gamizō), meaning “to give in marriage.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (active voice, present tense)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To give in marriage: Refers specifically to the act of giving a daughter or another female relative in marriage, indicating the arrangement of a marriage by a family member.
- To marry off: Often used in a broader sense to describe the process of arranging a marriage, particularly for daughters.
Similar Words:
- γαμίζω (gamizō) [ga-MEE-zo]: A more general term meaning “to marry” or “to take a wife.” While γαμίζω can apply to both men and women, ἐκγαμίζω focuses on the act of arranging or giving in marriage, typically by a parent or guardian.
- ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi) [ek-DEE-do-mee]: Meaning “to give away,” this verb can also refer to the act of giving a daughter in marriage, but it has a broader application beyond marital contexts.
Further Insights
- Morphology: ἐκγαμίζω is a regular verb in the present active indicative form. The morphology of the word indicates that it is an action performed by a subject (e.g., a parent) upon an object (e.g., a daughter).
| Tense | Voice | Mood | Example in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | Active | Indicative | “He gives her in marriage.” |
| Future | Active | Indicative | “He will give her in marriage.” |
| Aorist | Active | Indicative | “He gave her in marriage.” |
| Perfect | Active | Indicative | “He has given her in marriage.” |
Notable Linguistic Features:
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- The prefix ἐκ- (ek-) adds a sense of completion or finality to the action, emphasizing the formal transfer of responsibility that occurs in a marriage arrangement.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐκγαμίζω as a verb specifically referring to the act of giving a woman in marriage, often used in contexts involving parental authority and social customs.
- Thayer’s: Highlights its usage in the New Testament, where it is applied to describe the marriage customs of the time, particularly in the context of arranged marriages.
- Vine’s: Emphasizes the cultural implications of the term, noting that in ancient Greek and Jewish societies, marriage arrangements were central to maintaining social order and family honor.
- LSJ: Discusses the classical usage of the word in Greek literature, where it often appears in legal and contractual contexts involving marriage.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides references to its New Testament appearances, focusing on its role in passages dealing with marriage and family life.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 22:30 – “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage (ἐκγαμίζω), but are as the angels of God in heaven.”
- Luke 20:35 – “But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage (ἐκγαμίζω).”
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἐκγαμίζω is found in various contexts, often related to marriage contracts and family arrangements.
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Demosthenes | “Against Neaera” | “He had the authority to give in marriage (ἐκγαμίζω) his daughter.” |
| Xenophon | “The Education of Cyrus” | “Cyrus arranged to give in marriage (ἐκγαμίζω) his sister to a nobleman.” |
| Plato | “The Republic” | “The laws dictated that a father must give in marriage (ἐκγαμίζω) his daughters.” |
Summary of ἐκγαμίζω (G1547: ekgamizō)
The word ἐκγαμίζω is crucial for understanding the social and familial dynamics of the New Testament and ancient Greek culture. This verb, which means “to give in marriage,” underscores the importance of marriage arrangements in maintaining family honor and societal structure. The word is used in key New Testament passages to describe the act of giving a daughter in marriage, often highlighting the parental role in these arrangements. Its classical usage further illustrates the legal and cultural significance of marriage in the ancient world.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek society, the act of ἐκγαμίζω was not just a family matter but also a public and legal one. Marriages were often arranged with the intent of securing alliances, maintaining social status, and ensuring the continuity of family lineage. The process of giving a daughter in marriage was a formal affair, often involving legal contracts and public ceremonies.
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