In the biblical context, the term "spouse" refers to a husband or wife in the covenant of marriage, a sacred institution established by God. The concept of marriage is introduced early in the Scriptures, with the creation of Adam and Eve. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong, exclusive union between a man and a woman.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings regarding the role and responsibilities of spouses. In Proverbs 31, the virtuous wife is described as a model of diligence, wisdom, and kindness, highlighting the value and honor of a godly spouse. Proverbs 31:10 asks, "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies."

The Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty and intimacy of marital love, portraying the deep affection and desire between a husband and wife. This poetic book illustrates the joy and fulfillment found in a loving marital relationship.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further illuminate the nature of the marital relationship. Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage in Matthew 19:4-6 , saying, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

The Apostle Paul provides additional guidance on the roles of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:22-33. He instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Ephesians 5:25 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This passage emphasizes mutual respect, love, and sacrifice as foundational elements of a Christian marriage.

Spiritual Significance

Marriage is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church. The Church is described as the bride of Christ, highlighting the depth of love, commitment, and unity that should characterize both the marital relationship and the believer's relationship with Christ. Revelation 19:7 proclaims, "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready."

Practical Implications

The Bible provides practical wisdom for spouses, encouraging them to cultivate love, faithfulness, and understanding. Colossians 3:18-19 advises, "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." This guidance fosters a harmonious and God-honoring marriage.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of a spouse encompasses a partnership rooted in love, respect, and commitment, reflecting the divine design for marriage as a covenantal relationship that mirrors the love of Christ for His Church.Spouse

[MARRIAGE]

(Cant. 4:8-12; Hosea 4:13, 14) may denote either husband or wife, but in the Scriptures it denotes only the latter. 1. (n.) A man or woman engaged or joined in wedlock; a married person, husband or wife.

2. (n.) A married man, in distinct from a spousess or married woman; a bridegroom or husband.

3. (n.) To wed; to espouse.

SPOUSE

spouz (kallah, "bride," "daughter-in-law"): the Revised Version (British and American) gives "bride" for the King James Version "spouse" in Songs 4:8;, and "brides" for "spouses" in Hosea 4:13 (margin "daughters-in-law").

See ESPOUSAL; MARRIAGE; RELATIONSHIPS, FAMILY.

3565. numphe -- a bride, a young woman
... law. 3565 (the root of 3567 , "bridal chamber, with the marriage-bed for sexual
relations") -- (a newly married spouse). 3565 () "signifies ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3565.htm - 7k3618. kallah -- daughter-in-law, bride
... bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. From kalal; a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's
wife -- bride, daughter-in-law, spouse. see HEBREW kalal. 3617, 3618. ...
/hebrew/3618.htm - 6k

2181. zanah -- to commit fornication, be a harlot
... less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively,
to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah ...
/hebrew/2181.htm - 6k

Come from Lebanon, My Spouse, Come from Lebanon, Come; Thou Shalt ...
... 8. Come from Lebanon, my Spouse, come from Lebanon, come; Thou shalt be crowned
from the top of Amana, from the peak of Shenir and Hermon, from the dens of the ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 come from lebanon my.htm

Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the Seventh ...
... PART II. SYNCHRONISM VI. Of the New Jerusalem, the Spouse of the Lamb, with the
Seventh Trumpet, or the Period from the Destruction of the Beast. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism vi of the new.htm

Joseph, Pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride
... No. 94 Joseph, pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride. SAINTS, St. Joseph Joseph,
pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride Te Joseph Celebrent. ...
/.../the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 94 joseph pure spouse.htm

Whether one Spouse is Bound to Pay the Debt to the Other at a ...
... OF THE THINGS ANNEXED TO MARRIAGE, AND FIRST OF THE PAYMENT OF THE MARRIAGE DEBT
(TEN ARTICLES) Whether one spouse is bound to pay the debt to the other at a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one spouse is bound.htm

A Garden Enclosed is My Sister Spouse; a Garden Enclosed, a ...
... CHAPTER IV. 12. A garden enclosed is my sister Spouse; a garden enclosed,
a fountain sealed. The holy Bridegroom becomes the eulogist ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/12 a garden enclosed is.htm

Thy Lips, O My Spouse, Drop as the Honeycomb; Honey and Milk are ...
... CHAPTER IV. 11. Thy lips, O my Spouse, drop as the honeycomb; honey and milk are
under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/11 thy lips o my.htm

Thou Hast Wounded My Heart, My Sister Spouse; Thou Hast Wounded My ...
... 9. Thou hast wounded my heart, my sister Spouse; thou hast wounded my heart with
one of thine eyes and with one tress of thy neck. ... My sister, My Spouse! ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/9 thou hast wounded my.htm

How Fair are Thy Breasts, My Sister Spouse! Thy Breasts are Fairer ...
... CHAPTER IV. 10. How fair are thy breasts, my sister Spouse! thy breasts are fairer
than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 how fair are thy.htm

Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ...
... Chapter II."Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the Virgins Sing with
Her; John the Baptist a Martyr to Chastity; The Church the Spouse of God ...
/.../chapter ii thekla singing decorously a.htm

The virgins Immediately after the Queen and Spouse.
... Discourse VII."Procilla. Chapter IX."The Virgins Immediately After the
Queen and Spouse. Moreover, we must further consider ...
/.../chapter ix the virgins immediately after.htm

Spouse (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SPOUSE. ... See ESPOUSAL; MARRIAGE; RELATIONSHIPS,
FAMILY. Multi-Version Concordance Spouse (7 Occurrences). ...
/s/spouse.htm - 9k

Sister-spouse (4 Occurrences)
Sister-spouse. Sister's, Sister-spouse. Sistra . Multi-Version
Concordance Sister-spouse (4 Occurrences). Song of Songs ...
/s/sister-spouse.htm - 7k

Espouse (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To betroth; to promise in marriage; to give as spouse. 3. (vt) To take as
spouse; to take to wife; to marry. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/e/espouse.htm - 9k

Calneh (2 Occurrences)
... Later, the chief deities of the city seem to have been Ninip, the son of Enlil,
and his spouse Nin-Nipri, "the lady of Nippur." These two divine beings ...
/c/calneh.htm - 11k

Honey-comb (9 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Song of Songs 4:11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honey-comb; honey and
milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of ...
/h/honey-comb.htm - 8k

Sister's (7 Occurrences)

/s/sister's.htm - 9k

Ointments (9 Occurrences)
... thee. (KJV JPS DBY WBS). Song of Songs 4:10 How fair is thy love, my sister,
my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and ...
/o/ointments.htm - 9k

Inclosed (12 Occurrences)
... feet. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Song of Songs 4:12 A garden inclosed is my sister,
my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. (KJV WBS). ...
/i/inclosed.htm - 9k

Fidelity (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Faithfulness; loyalty; adherence to right; careful and exact observance
of duty; as fidelity to one's spouse, or discharge of obligations. ...
/f/fidelity.htm - 10k

Emboldened (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NIV). Song of Songs 4:9 Thou hast emboldened me, my
sister-spouse, Emboldened me with one of thine eyes, With one chain of thy neck. ...
/e/emboldened.htm - 7k

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