ELTBefore Married לקח

ELTBefore Married לקח [∞]

The church is referred to as the *bride of Christ* in Scripture, symbolizing the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers. The Hebrew word for "married" is *לקח* ('laqach'), which not only means "to take" or "to marry" but also carries the meaning of "doctrine." This dual meaning reveals a deeper connection between marriage and teaching in the biblical sense.

In marriage, the husband and wife are united in a covenant, and similarly, the church is united with Christ in a covenant of salvation. The word *laqach* reflects this union, but also points to the idea that marriage represents the oneness that we have with Christ as his Spirit indwells us.

Paul’s Instruction to Women Paul, in his letters, encourages women to learn from their husbands, particularly in the context of the church and its teachings (▸ ± Ephesians 5:22-33 , ▸ ± 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 ). But Paul says he is not speaking of marriage, but of Christ and the church. The church is to receive teaching from Christ, who is the head of the church. Christ, as the "husband" of the church, is the one who instructs and nurtures His bride through His Word.

The Church Learning from Christ Paul says that a wife learns from her husband but speaks of the church. The church learns from Christ, her "husband." This relationship emphasizes the role of Christ as the teacher and the church as the one being taught. As the church is united with Christ in this marriage, it is also bound to Him through His teachings, which guide her in truth and holiness. The church’s learning from Christ is foundational to her sanctification and spiritual growth.

In this way, *laqach* ('לקח') connects the idea of marriage to the concept of doctrine and teaching, revealing the relationship between Christ and the church. The church, as the bride, is united with Christ not only in a covenant of love but also through the learning of His doctrines, which shape and guide her in her walk of faith.

Discussion

Dual Meaning of לקח ('laqach')—Marriage and Doctrine:

The interpretation of the Hebrew word לקח ('laqach') as both "to take" or "to marry" and "doctrine" is a novel theological insight that bridges the concepts of marriage and teaching. The connection between marriage and learning deepens the understanding of the relationship between Christ and the Church. This interpretation highlights that marriage, in the biblical sense, is not just about covenant but also about learning and growing together in understanding, pointing to how Christ’s relationship with the Church is one that involves ongoing instruction through His Word.

Marriage as a Covenant of Teaching:

The idea that marriage is not only a covenant of love but also a covenant of teaching offers a new perspective on the biblical relationship between husband and wife, as well as between Christ and the Church. This view emphasizes that, much like a marriage, the Church’s union with Christ involves learning from Him and growing in doctrinal understanding. This insight extends the covenantal concept of marriage into the realm of spiritual growth and teaching, highlighting the role of doctrine in shaping the life of the Church.

Paul’s Instructions on Women Learning from Their Husbands:

The connection between Paul’s teachings on women learning from their husbands and the relationship between Christ and the Church is an important theological connection. By drawing a parallel between a wife’s learning from her husband and the Church’s learning from Christ, the interpretation offers a deeper understanding of the the symbol of marital relationship as a model for spiritual formation. This covenantal model underlines the role of Christ as the teacher and the Church as the learner, reflecting the idea that spiritual growth is a process of being guided and instructed in the truth.

Christ as the Teacher and the Church as the Learner:

The notion that Christ, as the "husband", is the teacher of His Church, mirrors the biblical teaching of Christ’s headship over the Church. This interpretation emphasizes that the Church’s relationship with Christ is not just relational (as in a marital covenant) but also educational, with the Church being taught by Christ’s doctrines. This further links the symbol of marriage with doctrine, where the Church’s learning from Christ is central to her sanctification and spiritual growth.

Spiritual Growth and Sanctification through Learning:

The idea that the Church’s learning from Christ is foundational to her sanctification and spiritual growth is a theological point that connects the concept of marriage to spiritual maturity. Just as a wife is used as a symbol, the Church is called to grow in faith and holiness by learning from Christ. This doctrinal growth shapes the Church’s walk of faith and prepares her for Christ's return.