Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "bride" carries rich theological and symbolic significance, appearing in various contexts throughout Scripture. The concept of the bride is often used to illustrate the relationship between God and His people, as well as Christ and the Church.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the imagery of the bride is frequently associated with Israel. The nation of Israel is depicted as the bride of Yahweh, bound to Him through a covenant relationship. This metaphor is vividly portrayed in the prophetic books, where the faithfulness of God is contrasted with the unfaithfulness of Israel. For instance, in Hosea 2:19-20 , God declares, "And I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD." The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is another significant Old Testament text that uses bridal imagery. While it is a poetic celebration of love between a bride and groom, many Christian interpreters see it as an allegory of the love between God and His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of the bride is most prominently associated with the Church, the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, draws a parallel between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:25-27 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless." The Book of Revelation further develops this theme, portraying the Church as the Bride of Christ in the eschatological vision of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:7-8 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. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure." This imagery underscores the purity, preparation, and ultimate union of the Church with Christ at His return. Theological Significance The bride metaphor emphasizes several key theological themes. It highlights the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people, characterized by love, commitment, and faithfulness. The imagery also underscores the transformative power of Christ's love, which sanctifies and purifies the Church, preparing her for eternal union with Him. Moreover, the bride motif serves as a call to holiness and readiness, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling as the Bride of Christ. The anticipation of the marriage supper of the Lamb encourages the Church to remain faithful and vigilant, looking forward to the consummation of God's redemptive plan. In summary, the biblical concept of the bride is a profound symbol of divine love and covenant, illustrating the intimate and eternal relationship between God and His people, and between Christ and the Church. Easton's Bible Dictionary Frequently used in the ordinary sense (Isaiah 49:18; 61:10, etc.). The relation between Christ and his church is set forth under the figure of that between a bridegroom and bride (John 3:29). The church is called "the bride" (Revelation 21:9; 22:17). Compare parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A woman newly married, or about to be married.2. (n.) Fig.: An object ardently loved. 3. (v. t.) To make a bride of. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BRIDEbrid. Greek 3565. numphe -- a bride, a young woman ... a bride, a young woman. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: numphe Phonetic Spelling: (noom-fay') Short Definition: a bride, daughter-in-law ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3565.htm - 7k 3566. numphios -- a bridegroom 4352. proskuneo -- to do reverence to 3423. mnesteuo -- to espouse, betroth 1135. gune -- a woman Strong's Hebrew 3618. kallah -- daughter-in-law, bride... 3617, 3618. kallah. 3619 . daughter-in-law, bride. Transliteration: kallah Phonetic Spelling: (kal-law') Short Definition: bride. ... /hebrew/3618.htm - 6k 1330. bethulah -- a virgin 2860. chathan -- daughter's husband, bridegroom Library The Bride The Portrait of the Bride March the Third Preparing for the Bride The Bride, the Lamb's Wife The Bride's Reminiscences The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride A Love-Song of the Bride of Christ, in Early Summertide. A Prince's Bride That Christ is the Bridegroom, Having the Church as his Bride ... Joseph, Pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride Thesaurus Bride (31 Occurrences)... The relation between Christ and his church is set forth under the figure of that between a bridegroom and bride (John 3:29). ... 3. (vt) To make a bride of. Int. ... /b/bride.htm - 17k Bride-chamber (3 Occurrences) Bride-feast (4 Occurrences) Bride-price (5 Occurrences) Bride-bed (2 Occurrences) Bride's (2 Occurrences) Bride-song (1 Occurrence) Bride-tent (1 Occurrence) Bridegroom (23 Occurrences) Dowry (5 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that the church is the bride of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Landmarkism? What is “Baptist Bride” theology? | GotQuestions.org What were common marriage customs in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org Bride: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bride (31 Occurrences)Matthew 25:1 John 3:29 2 Corinthians 11:2 Ephesians 5:27 Revelation 18:23 Revelation 19:7 Revelation 21:2 Revelation 21:9 Revelation 22:17 Genesis 34:12 1 Samuel 18:25 2 Samuel 17:3 Psalms 45:9 Song of Songs 4:8 Song of Songs 4:9 Song of Songs 4:10 Song of Songs 4:11 Song of Songs 4:12 Song of Songs 5:1 Isaiah 49:18 Isaiah 61:10 Isaiah 62:5 Jeremiah 2:2 Jeremiah 2:32 Jeremiah 7:34 Jeremiah 16:9 Jeremiah 25:10 Jeremiah 33:11 Hosea 2:19 Hosea 2:20 Joel 2:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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