Lexical Summary numphios: Bridegroom Original Word: νυμφίος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom (literally or figuratively) -- bridegroom. see GREEK numphe NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom numphé Definition a bridegroom NASB Translation bridegroom (15), bridegroom's (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3566: νυμφίοςνυμφίος, νυμφίου, ὁ (νύμφη), a bridegroom: Matthew 9:15; Matthew 25:1, 5f, 10; Mark 2:19; Luke 5:34; John 2:9; John 3:29; Revelation 18:23. (From Homer down; Sept for חָתָן.) Topical Lexicon Bridegroom (νυμφίος, Strong’s Greek 3566) Biblical Background The image of the bridegroom is rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, where the covenant-making LORD presents Himself as the husband of Israel (Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:19-20; Isaiah 62:5). The New Testament develops this marital metaphor christologically: Jesus Christ is the promised Bridegroom, and the redeemed community is His bride. Occurrences in the New Testament νυμφίος appears sixteen times, concentrated in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and once in Revelation. The distribution highlights three major themes: (1) the Messiah’s present ministry, (2) the demand for readiness, and (3) final judgment and consummation. Synoptic Teaching on Fasting and Presence In Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35, Jesus identifies Himself as the bridegroom whose physical presence turns traditional mourning into joyous celebration: “Can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? … But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.” (Mark 2:19-20) The sayings affirm Christ’s authority over ritual practice, announce His forthcoming death (“taken from them”), and anticipate a future reunion that legitimizes Christian fasting as longing for His return. Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) Here νυμφίος anchors an eschatological call to vigilance. The wise and foolish virgins all expect the bridegroom, but only the prepared enter the wedding feast: “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’” (Matthew 25:6) The parable teaches personal preparedness, the suddenness of the Second Advent, and irreversible consequences once the door is shut (Matthew 25:10-12). Witness of John the Baptist (John 3:29) John identifies Jesus as νυμφίος and himself as “the friend of the bridegroom,” celebrating the fulfillment of Messianic expectation: “The bride belongs to the bridegroom… Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.” (John 3:29) John’s joy models ministerial humility and directs all honor to the Son. Bridegroom Motif in Revelation Revelation 18:23 depicts Babylon’s fall: “The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again.” The silenced marriage voices contrast starkly with the loud rejoicing in Revelation 19:7-9, where the Lamb’s marriage has come. νυμφίος thus functions both negatively (judgment) and positively (consummation). Old Testament Foundations Prophets characterized Israel’s unfaithfulness as adultery; restoration is framed as renewed betrothal (Hosea 2:19-20). Isaiah 62:5 promises, “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” These passages supply the conceptual backdrop for Jesus’ self-designation and the Apostolic proclamation. First-Century Jewish Marriage Customs A marriage involved (1) betrothal, legally binding yet preceding cohabitation; (2) the bridegroom’s procession, often at night, to fetch the bride; (3) a celebratory banquet. Jesus appropriates each stage: the Church is betrothed (2 Corinthians 11:2), He is now “preparing a place” (John 14:2-3), and He will return in procession to inaugurate the eternal feast (Revelation 19:9). Christological and Ecclesiological Implications 1. Incarnation: The Bridegroom’s presence signals the dawning of messianic joy. Pastoral and Missional Applications • Worship: Celebrate the Bridegroom’s accomplished redemption and anticipated return. Key Texts for Personal Study Matthew 9:15; Matthew 25:1-13; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35; John 3:29; Revelation 18:23; Revelation 19:7-9; Isaiah 62:5; Hosea 2:19-20; Ephesians 5:25-32. Forms and Transliterations νυμφιον νυμφίον νυμφιος νυμφίος νυμφιου νυμφίου νυμφίω numphion numphios numphiou nymphion nymphíon nymphios nymphíos nymphiou nymphíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:15 N-NMSGRK: ἐστὶν ὁ νυμφίος ἐλεύσονται δὲ NAS: as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days KJV: as long as the bridegroom is INT: is the bridegroom will come however Matthew 9:15 N-NMS Matthew 25:1 N-GMS Matthew 25:5 N-GMS Matthew 25:6 N-NMS Matthew 25:10 N-NMS Mark 2:19 N-NMS Mark 2:19 N-AMS Mark 2:20 N-NMS Luke 5:34 N-NMS Luke 5:35 N-NMS John 2:9 N-AMS John 3:29 N-NMS John 3:29 N-GMS John 3:29 N-GMS Revelation 18:23 N-GMS Strong's Greek 3566 |
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