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γάμος (gamos)

gamos

wedding

G1062 · Greek · New Testament · 16 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
16 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun gamos refers to a wedding or marriage festival, specifically highlighting the celebratory feast rather than just the legal union. In the New Testament, it appears sixteen times, often describing the joyous occasion itself. Jesus uses this term in the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22, where servants are sent to invite guests to the feast (Matthew 22:8-10). Similarly, the Gospel of John records Jesus attending a wedding at Cana, emphasizing his participation in the social celebration (John 2:1-3).

While it can simply mean marriage, as seen in Hebrews 13:4 regarding the honor due to the marital bed, its primary biblical usage leans toward the communal aspect of the event. The Book of Revelation employs the word to describe the ultimate joy of the Lamb’s wedding (Revelation 19:7). This distinction separates the festive gathering from the private covenant, pointing to a shared experience of celebration and community.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word gamos points us toward the joy of a shared celebration rather than just a legal contract. In Scripture, it often describes a feast where community gathers in honor of a union. When Jesus attended the wedding at Cana, He showed that ordinary human joys are sacred spaces where God chooses to be present.

This imagery extends beyond earthly events to describe our ultimate hope. The New Testament uses this concept to picture the final gathering of believers with Christ, described as the wedding of the Lamb. It reminds us that our faith is not a solitary journey but a communal anticipation of a great feast prepared for us.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • wedding feasts,2×
  • wedding feast.2×
  • wedding feast,2×
  • marriage2×
  • wedding.1×
  • wedding hall1×
  • wedding feast1×
  • of wedding?1×
  • of wedding1×
  • marriage [be]1×
  • a wedding feast1×
  • a wedding1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • γάμος5×
  • γάμους,3×
  • γάμους.2×
  • γάμου2×
  • γάμων,1×
  • γάμους1×
  • γάμου;1×
  • γάμον.1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 22:8
    “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.

    This verse highlights the readiness of the invitation, emphasizing that the celebration is fully prepared and awaiting guests.

  • John 2:1
    The third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.

    Here the term grounds Jesus' ministry in real human community, showing His participation in a local wedding celebration.

  • Revelation of John 19:7
    Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.”

    This occurrence shifts the focus to the eschatological joy of the church united with Christ, framing history's end as a festive union.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gamos and other words for marriage?

While some Greek terms focus on the legal covenant or the state of being married, gamos specifically emphasizes the wedding feast or the celebratory aspect of the union. It points to the communal joy and the event itself rather than just the private agreement between two people.

Why does Jesus use wedding imagery in His parables?

Jesus used familiar cultural events like weddings to illustrate spiritual truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. By referencing a wedding feast, He communicated ideas of invitation, preparation, and joyful community that His original audience would immediately understand as significant social milestones.

How is this word connected to Christian hope?

The New Testament uses gamos to describe the future union between Christ and His church. This connection encourages believers by framing their ultimate destiny not as a distant judgment, but as a joyful celebration where they are invited guests at the Lamb's wedding supper.

Every Occurrence (16 verses across 5 books)

Matthew 9 verses
Matthew 22:2

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding feast for his son,

Matthew 22:3

and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.

Matthew 22:4

Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle…

Matthew 22:8

“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy.

Matthew 22:9

Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’

Matthew 22:10

Those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding…

Matthew 22:11

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing,

Matthew 22:12

and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.

Matthew 25:10

While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and…

Luke 2 verses
John 2 verses
Hebrews 1 verse
Revelation of John 2 verses