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Introduction
Understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is crucial for accurate biblical interpretation. The Greek language offers a depth of meaning that can significantly impact how we understand the text. The word ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) is one such word, related to the concept of marriage. This verb appears in contexts that speak to the cultural and societal norms of marriage in ancient Greek and Jewish culture. Its usage helps us to grasp the role and significance of familial arrangements in the biblical narrative, offering insights into how marriage was perceived and practiced.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐκγαμίσκω (ekgamískō) [ek-ga-MEE-sko]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning “out of,” and γαμίσκω (gamískō), a variant of γαμίζω, 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: The primary meaning involves the act of arranging or giving a daughter or another female relative in marriage, a practice that was customary in ancient societies where marriage arrangements were often made by the heads of families.
- To marry off: This term can also be used more broadly to describe the process of arranging a marriage, specifically from the perspective of the person doing the arranging, typically a father or guardian.
Similar Words:
- γαμίζω (gamízō) [ga-MEE-zo]: This term is more general and refers to the act of marrying or taking a wife. While γαμίζω can apply to both men and women, ἐκγαμίσκω specifically refers to the act of giving someone else in marriage.
- ἐκδίδωμι (ekdídōmi) [ek-DEE-do-mee]: Also means “to give away,” often used in the context of giving a daughter in marriage. It is broader in application, not exclusively tied to marriage.
Further Insights
- Morphology: ἐκγαμίσκω is a regular verb in the present active indicative form. It is conjugated in various tenses and voices, indicating the action performed by a subject (e.g., a father) 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-) intensifies the action, suggesting a completed or finalized act of marriage arrangement, which was a significant social transaction in the ancient world.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐκγαμίσκω as a verb specifically denoting the act of giving someone, typically a daughter, in marriage, emphasizing the authority and role of the parent or guardian in this process.
- Thayer’s: Highlights the verb’s application within the New Testament, where it reflects the cultural norm of arranged marriages, often conducted by the patriarchal head of the family.
- Vine’s: Discusses the social and legal implications of ἐκγαμίσκω in the context of marriage customs, noting its significance in maintaining family alliances and social status.
- LSJ: Explores the classical usage of the term in Greek literature, where it often appears in legal texts related to marriage contracts and dowries.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes the occurrences of ἐκγαμίσκω in the New Testament, emphasizing its role in passages discussing marriage arrangements.
Scripture References:
- There are limited references to ἐκγαμίσκω in the New Testament, but the concept it embodies is central to understanding biblical views on marriage.
Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, ἐκγαμίσκω appears in legal and social contexts related to marriage. The following table outlines some examples:
| Author | Work | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Demosthenes | “Against Neaera” | “He had the authority to give in marriage (ἐκγαμίσκω) his daughter.” |
| Xenophon | “Cyropaedia” | “Cyrus arranged to give in marriage (ἐκγαμίσκω) his sister to a nobleman.” |
| Plato | “The Republic” | “The laws dictated that a father must give in marriage (ἐκγαμίσκω) his daughters.” |
Summary of ἐκγαμίσκω (G1548: ekgamískō)
The term ἐκγαμίσκω is vital for understanding the social and familial dynamics in both the New Testament and ancient Greek culture. It signifies the act of giving someone in marriage, a process deeply embedded in the social fabric of the time. This verb not only reflects the cultural expectations of marriage arrangements but also underscores the authority and responsibility placed upon family heads in arranging marriages. Understanding this term provides valuable context for interpreting New Testament passages related to marriage and family life.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek society, the act of ἐκγαμίσκω was more than just a family affair; it was a legally binding contract. Marriages were often arranged with considerations for political alliances, social standing, and economic benefits, making the process of “giving in marriage” a significant event that could shape the future of families and even entire city-states.
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