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γάμος

gámos

G1062 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A formal union or joining of persons in marriage; the event or ceremony of a wedding. In primary use, refers both to the state of being married (marriage) and to the wedding festivities or banquet itself. Depending on context, may denote the marriage relationship, the marriage contract, or the celebratory event marking the commencement of a union.

Semantic Range

marriage (state or institution), wedding ceremony, wedding banquet or feast, entering into matrimony, wedding festivities

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root γαμ- (gam-) meaning 'to marry, to take a wife/husband.' Related to the verb γαμέω (to marry). Not borrowed; formed within Greek from Indo-European roots.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, γάμος referred to both the institution of marriage and the wedding celebration. In Hellenistic and Koine periods, it continued to carry both senses, commonly indicating the festivities or feast associated with a wedding. In the New Testament, notably in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., Matt 22:2–10), γάμος often specifically designates the wedding banquet or festival, distinct from merely the legal state of marriage. In the Septuagint, γάμος is used to render several Hebrew terms for marriage and wedding, but the cultural institution and associated celebrations could differ from later Greek notions. In standard English translations, 'marriage' and 'wedding' may not always capture the societal and legal complexities as understood in the Greek context, where the marriage contract, family alliances, and public feasting were interwoven. Unlike terms such as συνοικία (living together as partners) or ἔρως (love, sexual desire), γάμος was formal and public, sanctioned by families and the wider community. In some metaphorical or apocalyptic contexts (e.g., Revelation), γάμος may symbolize the joining or covenant between groups or between the divine and the faithful, reflecting its formal and communal significance.

Translation Consistency

primary "marriage" 9 occurrences

‘Marriage’ is the broad, natural English noun that covers both the state/institution and the wedding event (e.g. “the marriage at Cana” or “entering into marriage”). It best fits the typical SILEX range and allows consistent rendering of both ceremony/banquet and marital status contexts.

Alternatives (7 occurrences):
"wedding celebrations" (6x) "wedding" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; nuptials:--marriage, wedding.

Root Family

γάμος (gamos) — marriage, wedding, wedding feast, nuptial union

Root γαμ- to marry, to wed

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1062-04 γάμους gamous N ACC M PL wedding feast wedding celebrations wedding celebrations 6
G1062-02 γάμος gamos N NOM M SG marriage marriage union marriage union 5
G1062-03 γάμου gamou N GEN M SG of wedding of marriage of marriage 3
G1062-01 γάμων gamon N GEN M PL wedding of marriages of marriages 2

Occurrences in Scripture

16 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1062-04 Matthew 22:2 γάμους gamous N ACC M PL wedding feast wedding celebrations wedding celebrations
G1062-04 Matthew 22:3 γάμους gamous N ACC M PL wedding feast wedding celebrations wedding celebrations
G1062-04 Matthew 22:4 γάμους gamous N ACC M PL wedding banquet wedding celebrations wedding celebrations
G1062-02 Matthew 22:8 γάμος gamos N NOM M SG wedding marriage union marriage union
G1062-04 Matthew 22:9 γάμους gamous N ACC M PL wedding wedding celebrations wedding celebrations
G1062-02 Matthew 22:10 γάμος gamos N NOM M SG wedding hall marriage union marriage union
G1062-03 Matthew 22:11 γάμου gamou N GEN M SG of wedding of marriage of marriage
G1062-03 Matthew 22:12 γάμου gamou N GEN M SG of wedding of marriage of marriage
G1062-04 Matthew 25:10 γάμους gamous N ACC M PL wedding feast wedding celebrations wedding celebrations
G1062-01 Luke 12:36 γάμων gamon N GEN M PL wedding of marriages of marriages
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