ἁρμόζω
harmózō
G718 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To fit together, join, or unite parts so they form a harmonious whole; by extension, to arrange in order or to cause to be in an appropriate relationship. In figurative use, especially in the context of marriage, to betroth or espouse (cause someone to be formally joined to another in matrimony), or to arrange a marital union.
Semantic Range
to fit together, to join parts (literal); to harmonize or unify; to arrange or set in order; to betroth, to espouse, to arrange a marriage (figurative, marital context), to unite in relationship
Root / Etymology
From ἁρμός ('joint, connection'), with the verb-forming ending -όζω; this development parallels other verbs formed from physical or structural nouns.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἁρμόζω is primarily used in the sense of fitting things together—whether objects, structural parts, or abstract arrangements—reflecting both literal and metaphorical joining. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, its sense expands to social and relational arrangements, most notably in marital contexts. In the Septuagint (LXX), it commonly translates Hebrew terms for arranging or preparing, and in some contexts (e.g., Hosea 2:19-20 LXX) it expresses the act of betrothing or binding someone in marital relationship—an idea also carried into New Testament usage (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2). The core sense remains one of fitting, joining, or harmonizing, with 'to betroth' developing by metaphorical extension. English translations usually render the marital sense as 'espouse' or 'betroth,' but the broader semantic range includes 'to fit together, arrange, harmonize.' The noun ἁρμός refers to physical joints or points of connection, making the original verbal idea one of active joining.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἁρμός; to joint, i.e. (figuratively) to woo (reflexively, to betroth):--espouse.
Root Family
ἁρμόζω (harmozō) — to join, to fit, to arrange, to unite
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G718-01 |
ἡρμοσάμην | ermosamen | V AOR MID IND 1P SG |
I have betrothed | I joined for myself | I betrothed for myself | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G718-01 |
2 Corinthians 11:2 | ἡρμοσάμην | ermosamen | V AOR MID IND 1P SG |
I have betrothed | I joined for myself | I betrothed for myself |