γαμέω (gameō)
gameō
to marry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb gameō denotes the act of marriage, covering both taking a wife and being given in marriage. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the teachings of Jesus and Paul’s letters, such as when discussing the nature of marriage in the age to come (Matthew 22:30) or offering practical advice for single believers (1 Corinthians 7:9).
Its usage distinguishes between active and passive roles depending on context. For men, it typically means to take a wife, often appearing with a direct object. For women, the sources note it can function in the middle voice, emphasizing the act of entering into the marital bond. This linguistic flexibility allows the word to describe the institution itself rather than just the legal contract.
A notable feature is its application to both sexes in absolute constructions. Paul uses this neutral form when instructing those who are married to remain united (1 Corinthians 7:10), highlighting that the state of being wed applies equally to husbands and wives. The word anchors discussions on family, divorce, and social order in first-century culture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word gameō simply means to marry, covering the act of taking a wife or entering into the marital bond. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ teachings on divorce and in Paul’s practical advice for believers. It is not a word loaded with cultural prestige but one that describes a real, tangible commitment between two people.
For many Christians, this word offers comfort in its clarity. Marriage is a gift from God, yet it carries responsibilities. Paul notes that those who marry care for the things of the world, while the unmarried can focus more wholly on the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:34). Neither state is superior; both are valid ways to serve God. The word reminds us that marriage is a covenant, not just a social contract.
Whether you are married or single, gameō points to the importance of faithfulness. Jesus taught that in the resurrection, there is no marrying (Matthew 22:30), showing that our ultimate hope lies beyond earthly relationships. This perspective helps us value marriage for what it is—a temporary, holy institution—while keeping our eyes fixed on eternity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shall marry4×
- marrying3×
- having married3×
- to marry,2×
- to marry2×
- marry2×
- having been married2×
- do they marry2×
- you shall marry,1×
- were marrying,1×
- to marry.1×
- to be married,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γαμοῦσιν4×
- γαμήσῃ3×
- γαμῶν2×
- γαμήσας2×
- γαμεῖν,2×
- ἔγημα1×
- ἐγάμουν,1×
- ἐγάμησεν·1×
- γήμῃ1×
- γήμας1×
- γεγαμηκόσιν1×
- γαμῆσαι.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 22:30
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.
This verse defines the eschatological limit of marriage, showing it is specific to this age and not present in the resurrection.
-
Luke 20:34
Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and are given in marriage.
Jesus contrasts the current age where people marry with the age to come, grounding the word in temporal reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gameō mean in the New Testament?
Is marriage considered a sin according to this word?
Does this word apply only to men?
Why does Jesus say people will not marry in heaven?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 6 verses
but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and…
Matthew 19:9I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he…
Matthew 19:10His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
Matthew 22:25Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother.
Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.
Matthew 24:38For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until…