Topical Encyclopedia
The term "bride-feast" refers to the celebratory meal or banquet associated with a wedding, a significant cultural and religious event in biblical times. The concept of the bride-feast is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of ancient Israel and is frequently used as a metaphor in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths.
Biblical Context and Cultural SignificanceIn ancient Jewish culture, weddings were elaborate events that often lasted several days, with the bride-feast being a central component. The feast was a time of great joy and celebration, marking the union of the bride and groom. It was customary for the groom's family to host the feast, providing food, drink, and entertainment for the guests. The bride-feast symbolized not only the joining of two individuals but also the joining of two families and, by extension, the community.
Old Testament ReferencesWhile the term "bride-feast" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Old Testament, the concept is evident in various narratives and laws. For example, the wedding of Jacob and Leah, followed by Rachel, involved a week-long celebration (
Genesis 29:22-28). The account of Samson's wedding also includes a feast lasting seven days (
Judges 14:10-12). These accounts highlight the importance of the bride-feast as a time of festivity and covenantal significance.
New Testament Parables and TeachingsIn the New Testament, Jesus frequently used the imagery of a wedding feast to convey spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God. One of the most notable parables is the Parable of the Wedding Banquet (
Matthew 22:1-14), where Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son. The invitation to the feast symbolizes God's call to salvation, and the rejection by some guests illustrates the consequences of ignoring this divine invitation.
Another significant reference is the Parable of the Ten Virgins (
Matthew 25:1-13), where the bridegroom's arrival and the subsequent feast represent the coming of Christ and the joy of eternal fellowship with Him. The preparedness of the virgins underscores the necessity of spiritual readiness for believers.
The Marriage Supper of the LambThe ultimate fulfillment of the bride-feast imagery is found in the Book of Revelation, where the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is described.
Revelation 19:7-9 states, "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." The marriage supper signifies the consummation of the relationship between Christ (the Lamb) and His Church (the bride), celebrating the eternal union and the victory over sin and death.
Theological ImplicationsThe bride-feast serves as a powerful metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes themes of covenant, joy, and divine invitation. The imagery of the bride-feast invites believers to anticipate the future glory and joy of being united with Christ, encouraging a life of faithfulness and readiness.
In summary, the bride-feast in biblical literature is a rich symbol of celebration, covenant, and divine promise, pointing to the ultimate hope and joy found in the eternal union with Christ.
Concordance
Bride-feast (4 Occurrences)Matthew 22:9
Go then to the cross-roads, and get all those whom you see to come to thebride-feast.
(BBE)
Luke 12:36
And be like men who are looking for their lord, when he comes back from thebride-feast; so that when he comes to the door, it will be open to him quickly.
(BBE)
Revelation 19:9
And he said to me, Put in the book, Happy are the guests at thebride-feast of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true words of God.
(BBE)
Genesis 29:27
Let the week of thebride-feast come to its end and then we will give you the other in addition, if you will be my servant for another seven years.
(BBE)
Thesaurus
Bride-feast (4 Occurrences)Bride-
feast. Bride-chamber,
Bride-
feast. Bridegroom . Multi-Version
Concordance
Bride-
feast (4 Occurrences). Matthew
...Bride-chamber (3 Occurrences)
Bride-chamber. Bridechamber, Bride-chamber.Bride-feast . Int.... (ASV WBS YLT).
Bridechamber, Bride-chamber.Bride-feast . Reference Bible.
Bridegroom (23 Occurrences)
Bridal (4 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:27 Let the week of thebride-feast come to its end and then we will give
you the other in addition, if you will be my servant for another seven years...
Cross-roads (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cross-roads (2 Occurrences). Matthew 22:9 Go then to the
cross-roads, and get all those whom you see to come to thebride-feast. (BBE)...
Addition (112 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:27 Let the week of thebride-feast come to its end and then we will give
you the other in addition, if you will be my servant for another seven years...
Quickly (254 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:36 And be like men who are looking for their lord, when he comes back from
thebride-feast; so that when he comes to the door, it will be open to him...
Younger (39 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:27 Let the week of thebride-feast come to its end and then we will give
you the other in addition, if you will be my servant for another seven years...
Guests (43 Occurrences)
... true faith. (BBE). Revelation 19:9 And he said to me, Put in the book, Happy
are the guests at thebride-feast of the Lamb. And he...
Happy (143 Occurrences)
... Revelation 19:9 And he said to me, Put in the book, Happy are the guests at the
bride-feast of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true words of God....
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Wedding Feast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were common marriage customs in Bible times? | GotQuestions.orgAre there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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