Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "mate" can refer to a companion, partner, or spouse. The concept of a mate is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of marriage and companionship, as established by God from the beginning of creation.Creation and Purpose The idea of a mate is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. God created man and recognized the need for a suitable companion. Genesis 2:18 states, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" This verse highlights the divine intention for companionship and partnership in human relationships. God's creation of Eve from Adam's rib (Genesis 2:21-22) signifies the intimate and equal relationship intended between mates. Adam's response upon seeing Eve, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23), underscores the unity and bond that marriage represents. Marriage as a Covenant The Bible presents marriage as a covenantal relationship between a man and a woman. This covenant is not merely a social contract but a sacred bond instituted by God. Malachi 2:14 refers to marriage as a covenant, stating, "The LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." The New Testament further emphasizes the sanctity of marriage. Jesus, in Matthew 19:4-6 , reaffirms the Genesis account, saying, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Roles and Responsibilities The Bible outlines specific roles and responsibilities for mates within the marriage relationship. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides guidance on the mutual love and respect that should characterize the relationship between husbands and wives. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, while wives are encouraged to respect their husbands. 1 Peter 3:7 instructs husbands to "treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." This verse highlights the importance of understanding, respect, and honor in the marital relationship. Companionship and Support The role of a mate extends beyond the marital bond to encompass companionship and support. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion. But woe to him who falls and has no one to help him up!" This passage underscores the value of having a supportive partner in life's journey. Conclusion The biblical concept of a mate is foundational to understanding God's design for human relationships. It encompasses the principles of companionship, covenant, mutual respect, and support, reflecting the divine intention for marriage as a sacred and enduring union. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The Paraguay tea, being the dried leaf of the Brazilian holly (Ilex Paraguensis). The infusion has a pleasant odor, with an agreeable bitter taste, and is much used for tea in South America.2. (n.) Same as Checkmate. 3. (a.) See Mat. 4. (v. t.) To confuse; to confound. 5. (v. t.) To checkmate. 6. (n.) One who customarily associates with another; a companion; an associate; any object which is associated or combined with a similar object. 7. (n.) Hence, specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and the care of their young. 8. (n.) A suitable companion; a match; an equal. 9. (n.) An officer in a merchant vessel ranking next below the captain. If there are more than one bearing the title, they are called, respectively, first mate, second mate, third mate, etc. In the navy, a subordinate officer or assistant; as, master's mate; surgeon's mate. 10. (v. t.) To match; to marry. 11. (v. t.) To match one's self against; to oppose as equal; to compete with. 12. (v. i.) To be or become a mate or mates, especially in sexual companionship; as, some birds mate for life; this bird will not mate with that one. Greek 3155. maten -- in vain, to no purpose ... See 3152 (). Word Origin adverb from acc. of mate (a folly) Definition in vain, to no purpose NASB Word Usage vain (2). in vain. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3155.htm - 6k 5362. philandros -- loving men, (of a wife) loving her husband Strong's Hebrew 7468. reuth -- fellow (woman)... Word Origin from raah Definition fellow (woman) NASB Word Usage another (1), another's (1), kind (1), mate (1), neighbor (2). another, mate, neighbor. ... /hebrew/7468.htm - 6k 7250. raba -- to lie stretched out, lie down 3179. yacham -- to be hot, to conceive 7453. rea -- friend, companion, fellow 5048. neged -- in front of, in sight of, opposite to Library The Stowaway Chapter vii Strengthened by Faith Isaiah's Discourse Whether it was ever Lawful to have a Concubine? How God is Jealous of Us. The Seventh Commandment These Things, Since they are Asserted Upon the Warrant of the ... The Morning Breaketh Seven "I Wills" of Christ. Thesaurus Mate (9 Occurrences)... If there are more than one bearing the title, they are called, respectively, first mate, second mate, third mate, etc. In the navy ... /m/mate.htm - 10k Match (4 Occurrences) Dove (27 Occurrences) Yoke (79 Occurrences) Yokefellow Vultures (6 Occurrences) Kites (1 Occurrence) Odd (1 Occurrence) Lad (66 Occurrences) Fellow (166 Occurrences) Resources Is there such a thing as soul mates? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian use a dating service to find a spouse? | GotQuestions.org What is a soul link? Can a soul be linked to another soul? | GotQuestions.org Mate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mate (9 Occurrences)Genesis 7:2 Genesis 30:41 Leviticus 18:23 Leviticus 19:19 Leviticus 20:16 Isaiah 34:15 Isaiah 34:16 Jonah 1:7 Nahum 2:12 Subtopics Related Terms |