[Greek] νυμφίος (nymphios), [Latin] sponsus, [Latin] vir: groom, bridegroom, young husband, son-in-law; Mt.9:15, Mt.25:1,5-6,10, Mk.2:19-20, Lk.5:34-34, Jn.2:9, Jn.3:29, Rev.18:23
The Marriage Feast at Cana: painting by Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1672).
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means groom, bridegroom, and son-in-law. Homer’s Iliad 23.223 states “As a father waileth for his son, as he burneth his bones, a son newly wed whose death has brought woe to his hapless parents, even so wailed Achilles for his comrade.” Plato’s Laws 6.783e states “The bridegroom, therefore shall apply his mind to the mind and the work of procreation, and the bride shall do likewise, especially during the period when they have no children yet born.” Aristophanes’ Birds 161 states “Why, ’tis the life of the newly-wed indeed.”
Old Testament: This term means bridegroom, husband, daughter’s husband, and son-in-law. From the time of Hosea, Yahweh and Israel have been viewed in a metaphorical marriage relationship. However, nowhere in the Old Testament is the Messiah presented as a bridegroom. Interestingly, there are frequent references for son-in-law. Exo.4:25 makes a curious reference to a ‘bridegroom of blood.’ This pertains to the notion that the marriage bond is sealed by the blood of the circumcision of the child. So He let him alone. At that time she said, ‘You are a bridegroom of blood—because of the circumcision.’”(Exo.4:26). Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, it rejoices as as strong mind to run his course (Psa.19:5). But he appeared to his sons-in-law to be jesting (Gen.19:14). And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you.” (Isa.62:5). What is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law? (1Sam.18:18).
New Testament: This term means groom or bridegroom. Jesus is the the Bridegroom to His spouse (the Church). Jesus’ proclaiming is likened to a marriage feast. It is not yet time to mourn. There will be a time for fasting when the bridegroom is taken away. The parable of the 10 virgins provides a commentary of the watchfulness or unpreparedness of the virgins waiting for the return of the bridegroom. The bridal metaphor provides a new relationship of love between God and Hi people. Jesus provides an abundant source of grace (wine). John, the best man, stands by the bridegroom Jesus.
Scripture:
“Jesus answered them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and they will fast.’” Mt. 9:15
Jesus has a covenantal marriage relationship with the Church. This relationship is celebrated with a wedding feast.
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” Mt.25:1
Some virgins are prepared and some are unprepared for the bridegroom. This parable is a commentary on how much we are prepared for Jesus’ return.
“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.” Jn.3:29
John the Baptist is the best man who decreases as Jesus increases.
The “Marriage Bed” of the Cross;
“Like a bridegroom Christ went forth from His chamber…He came to the marriage-bed of the cross, and there in mounting it, He consummated His marriage.” St. Augustine Sermo Suppositus 120
“Christ’s noble nuptial bed was the very hard wood of the Cross on which He leaped with more joy and ardor than a delighted bridegroom.” St. Mechtilde, 13th century German mystic
Catholic understanding of the priesthood: The Latin title (of the priest) Alter Christus (another Christ) reminds us that the priest stands in for Christ in the Mass. It is the priest who calls upon the Holy Spirit to change the offered bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. By extension, the priest also is a bridegroom who serves the congregation (bride).
Current events: Just recently the Synod of the Amazon sought to promote the notion of having married priests in order to serve in the Amazon because of the priest shortage and the remoteness of South America. Interestingly, this notion was promoted by the German Catholic bishops, rather than the South American Catholic bishops. The German bishops used this Synod to promote their own agenda. Also, not surprisingly, the German bishops and others have long been promoting the idea of woman priests. Many others say that the Catholic Church is discriminatory in only allowing male priests. However, they fail to understand that the priesthood is not a job, but a vocation. Critics fail to understand that the priesthood cannot be seen in terms of job that can be performed by both sexes. The notion of a female priest standing in for Jesus the bridegroom is ludicrous and nonsensical.
Conclusion:
Nuptial, spouse, virile, virility
In the Old Testament culture, the marriage relationship plays an important role. It primarily defines the relation between God and Israel. God is the groom to Israel, the bride. I was surprised by the many references to son-in law. Bridegroom of blood is a curious expression.
In the New Testament, Jesus assumes the role of bridegroom. His bride is the Church. John the Baptist is the best man at Jesus’ side. As John the Baptist decreases, Jesus increases. The parable of the 10 virgins provides a commentary on our preparedness for Jesus’ return.
Essentially, Jesus, the Bridegroom, consummates His marriage to His bride (the Church) on the cross.
The vocation of the priest must always be viewed in a spousal relationship, not as a career choice.
Make sure you keep your oil lamp lit!
Next post: Here come the brides (virgins)!