Lexical Summary agamos: Unmarried Original Word: ἄγαμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance unmarried. From a (as a negative particle) and gamos; unmarried -- unmarried. see GREEK a see GREEK gamos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and gamos Definition unmarried NASB Translation unmarried (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 22: ἄγαμοςἄγαμος, (γάμος), unmarried: 1 Corinthians 7:8, 32; used even of women, 1 Corinthians 7:11, 34 (Euripides, Hel. 690 (and elsewhere)), where the Greeks commonly said ἄνανδρος. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Ἄγαμος designates someone who is not bound by marriage ties. In 1 Corinthians 7 Paul distinguishes the ἄγαμος from both the married and the widowed, treating singleness as a legitimate and even advantageous life condition for certain believers. Context in 1 Corinthians 7 • 1 Corinthians 7:8: “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am.” Paul addresses a congregation grappling with questions about marriage in a climate of distress (7:26) and impending persecution. He presents singleness neither as a command nor as a universal ideal but as a strategic option “because the present form of this world is passing away” (7:31). Theological Emphasis 1. Undivided Devotion: Singleness offers freedom from certain earthly responsibilities, enabling an intensified focus on “the interests of the Lord” (7:32-35). Historical and Cultural Background Greco-Roman society valued marriage for legacy and social standing, while Judaism stressed procreation as covenantal duty. Paul’s affirmation of voluntary singleness was counter-cultural, highlighting the kingdom’s reordering of priorities. Early Christian communities, influenced by this teaching, welcomed household arrangements that included widows, virgins, and traveling evangelists who remained unmarried for ministry. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Equipping Singles: Congregations should support unmarried believers in discovering and exercising their spiritual gifts without pressuring them toward marriage as a mark of maturity. Biblical Models of God-Honoring Singleness Jeremiah (Jeremiah 16:2), John the Baptist (Matthew 11:18), and Jesus Himself exemplify prophetic and redemptive ministry unmarred by marital obligations. Their lives authenticate Paul’s counsel and encourage modern believers who live singly for the kingdom. Practical Reflection for Today The church honors Christ by valuing both marriage and singleness. The unmarried believer is a visible reminder that ultimate fulfillment lies not in human partnership but in communion with the Lord. As society alternates between idolizing romance and marginalizing commitment, the ἄγαμος Christian showcases contentment and purposeful service grounded in the gospel. Related Themes Gift of celibacy (Matthew 19:12), devotion to the Lord (Romans 12:1), the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9), temporal versus eternal concerns (Colossians 3:1-4). Forms and Transliterations αγαμοις αγάμοις ἀγάμοις αγαμος άγαμος ἄγαμος agamois agámois agamos ágamosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 7:8 N-DMPGRK: δὲ τοῖς ἀγάμοις καὶ ταῖς NAS: But I say to the unmarried and to widows KJV: therefore to the unmarried and INT: moreover to the unmarried and to the 1 Corinthians 7:11 N-NFS 1 Corinthians 7:32 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 7:34 N-NFS Strong's Greek 22 |
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