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G718 · Greek · New Testament
ἁρμόζω
Harmozo
Verb, middle
To betroth, to fit together, to join

Definition

The Greek harmozo (ἁρμόζω) means 'to fit together,' 'to join,' or in the middle voice 'to betroth' — to pledge in marriage. It comes from the same root as harmonia (harmony, fitting together). In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul uses it to describe his work of presenting the Corinthian church to Christ as a pure virgin — 'I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.'

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul's use of harmozo in 2 Corinthians 11:2 places him in the role of the father of the bride — he has betrothed the church to Christ. The church is the bride; Christ is the bridegroom; Paul is the jealous guardian of that sacred union. His fear is that the Corinthians will be led astray from 'sincere and pure devotion to Christ' as Eve was deceived by the serpent. The betrothal metaphor runs throughout Scripture — Israel is the unfaithful wife of Hosea; the church is the bride of Christ who 'has made herself ready' (Rev 19:7). Christian ministry is ultimately matchmaking: introducing people to Jesus, nurturing their love for Him, and guarding them until the wedding day. Pastors are best understood as groomsmen — servants of the Bridegroom, not celebrities in their own right.

Key Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.
Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Hosea 2:19 I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.
John 3:29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice.

Related Words

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