ἐπιγαμβρεύω

I marry a deceased brother's wife

Definition

The verb ἐπιγαμβρεύω specifically means to marry a deceased brother's wife, a practice known as levirate marriage. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it describes the action prescribed by Mosaic Law in Deuteronomy 25:5-10, where a man was obligated to marry his brother's widow if the brother died without children. The purpose was to raise up offspring for the deceased brother, preserving his name and lineage within Israel. This law is the basis for the hypothetical scenario presented by the Sadducees to Jesus in Matthew 22:24.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 22:24. It appears in the context of a theological challenge posed by the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection. They cite the law of Moses, saying, 'Teacher, Moses said, “If a man dies having no children, his brother must ἐπιγαμβρεύω (marry) his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.”' The usage is entirely within a debate about the implications of the resurrection, using a specific legal custom as a test case.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') combined with a root related to marriage, likely from γαμβρός (gambros), meaning 'a relative by marriage' or 'son-in-law.' The compound suggests the idea of entering into a marriage relationship upon or in addition to an existing familial connection, precisely fitting the levirate marriage context where one marries into a brother's existing marital bond after his death.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors the Sadducees' challenge about the resurrection in Matthew 22:23-33. Understanding this specific term clarifies the legal and social premise of their argument, which Jesus masterfully refutes by explaining that marriage is an institution for this age, not the resurrection life. The word highlights Jesus' authority in interpreting Scripture and his revelation about the nature of eternal life, moving the discussion beyond a legal technicality to the power of God.

This term is deeply embedded in the ancient Near Eastern and Israelite practice of levirate marriage (from Latin 'levir,' meaning 'husband's brother'). Its primary function was social and economic: to provide an heir for a deceased man, thereby preserving his family line, name, and property inheritance within the clan. This was a serious legal and familial duty, not merely a personal choice, which is why the Sadducees use it as an airtight logical puzzle for Jesus.

γαμέω (gameō, G1060) — the general verb 'to marry,' without the specific levirate obligation.

Word Details

Scripture References