Lexical Summary gamos: Marriage, wedding, wedding feast Original Word: γάμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance marriage, wedding. Of uncertain affinity; nuptials -- marriage, wedding. HELPS Word-studies 1062 gámos – properly, a wedding celebration; (figuratively) the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which begins with Christ glorifying all the saints (OT, NT) at His return. This eschatological celebration is described in Mt 22:2-10 and Rev 19:7-9 – "and apparently occurs at the final day of the seven-year Tribulation" (G. Archer). For more discussion, see 4394/prophēteia ("prophecy) and 110/athanasia ("the divine investiture of immortality") at the return of Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a wedding NASB Translation marriage (3), wedding (5), wedding feast (7). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1062: γάμοςγάμος, γάμου, ὁ (probably from the root, gam, to bind, unite; Curtius, p. 546f), as in Greek writings from Homer down; 1. a wedding or marriage-festival: John 2:1; Revelation 19:7 (under the figure of a marriage here is represented the intimate and everlasting union of Christ, at his return from heaven, with his church); τό δεῖπνον τοῦ γάμου, Revelation 19:9 (a symbol of the future blessings of the Messiah's kingdom); especially a wedding-banquet, a marriage-feast: Matthew 22:8, 10 (here T WH Tr marginal reading νυμφών), Matthew 22:11, 12; plural (referring apparently to the several acts of feasting), Matthew 22:2ff, 2. marriage, matrimony: Hebrews 13:4. The word γάμος (gamos) appears sixteen times in the Greek New Testament, embracing both earthly wedding celebrations and the climactic heavenly “marriage supper of the Lamb.” Whether literal or metaphorical, each occurrence underscores covenantal joy, relational fidelity, and eschatological hope. Jewish Wedding Customs as Background First-century Jewish weddings were multi-day feasts marked by formal invitations (Matthew 22:3), processions at nightfall (Matthew 25:10), and festive banquets hosted by the groom’s family (John 2:1-2). Guests wore special garments provided by the host (Matthew 22:11-12). These cultural features inform Jesus’ parables and the apostles’ imagery, illustrating honor, preparedness, and communal rejoicing. Literal Weddings in the Life of Jesus John records that “Jesus also was invited to the wedding” at Cana, where He performed His first sign by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). The miracle announced the arrival of messianic abundance and affirmed the goodness of marital celebration. Luke 12:36 pictures servants “waiting for their master to return from the wedding,” urging disciples to live in constant readiness for Christ’s return. Parables Centered on Wedding Feasts 1. Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14). The king’s invitation first rejected, then extended to “all they found, both evil and good” (Matthew 22:10), portrays the gospel call to every tribe and tongue. The guest without a wedding garment warns that profession without righteousness is unacceptable. Moral Teaching on the Sanctity of Marriage “Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4). By juxtaposing honor with judgment on immorality, the verse affirms lifelong monogamous covenant as God’s design, rooting sexual ethics in creation order and divine holiness. Eschatological Marriage of the Lamb “He has prepared His bride, and she has been given bright and pure linen to wear” (Revelation 19:7-8). The heavenly banquet completes all earlier weddings, uniting Christ and His redeemed people in everlasting fellowship. The angelic pronouncement, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9), echoes the open invitation of the gospel yet presupposes readiness and purity. Theological Implications: Covenant and Union Throughout Scripture marriage symbolizes covenant loyalty: Yahweh to Israel (Hosea), Christ to the church (Ephesians 5:25-32). The recurring wedding imagery of γάμος therefore highlights: Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Uphold marriage vows as a living testimony of Christ’s faithful love. Summary Γάμος threads through the New Testament as a tapestry of joy, holiness, and destiny—from Cana’s wine to the Lamb’s banquet. Every wedding feast, parable, and exhortation invites believers to honor earthly marriages, heed the Savior’s call, and anticipate the eternal celebration when “the bride has made herself ready.” Englishman's Concordance Matthew 22:2 N-AMPGRK: ὅστις ἐποίησεν γάμους τῷ υἱῷ NAS: who gave a wedding feast for his son. KJV: which made a marriage for his son, INT: who made a wedding feast for the son Matthew 22:3 N-AMP Matthew 22:4 N-AMP Matthew 22:8 N-NMS Matthew 22:9 N-AMP Matthew 22:10 N-GMS Matthew 22:11 N-GMS Matthew 22:12 N-GMS Matthew 25:10 N-AMP Luke 12:36 N-GMP Luke 14:8 N-AMP John 2:1 N-NMS John 2:2 N-AMS Hebrews 13:4 N-NMS Revelation 19:7 N-NMS Revelation 19:9 N-GMS Strong's Greek 1062 |
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