8.22.2010

Let κοιτη be αμιαντος!

"κοιτη" - koite {N-NSF} - the marriage bed, sexual intercourse, coitus.
"αμιαντος" - amiantos {A-NSF} - undefiled, unsoiled, free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigor impaired.
Hebrews 13:4 τιμιος ο γαμος εν πασιν και η κοιτη αμιαντος

"Let marriage be held in honor in all respects, and let the marriage bed be undefiled..."
How is marriage honored in all respects? When we act in accordance with all of the godly purposes for which marriage was instituted, and intentionally contrary to none of them. How is the marriage bed kept undefiled? When the one-flesh union is kept free of things by which its very nature is deformed and debased, or its force and vigor impaired (e.g. contraception).

The Large Catechism explanation of the Sixth Commandment (¶207) mirrors this verse as follows:
Therefore, He also wishes us to honor marriage and to maintain and conduct it as a divine and blessed estate because, in the first place, He has instituted it before all others, and therefore created man and woman separately, as is evident, not for lewdness, but that they should live together legitimately, be fruitful, beget children, and nourish and train them to the honor of God.

4 comments:

Robert said...

I think that you're going to love a new Bible study from CPH: http://bit.ly/dq9M3a.

Robert at bioethike.com

Anonymous said...

Robert,

Is that designed for youth?

Even confident youth need teaching and support to take the important step into marriage.

This young man's concerns are hard to read but what our ministry to youth need to address:

http://www.thinkinghousewife.com/wp/2010/08/radically-traditional-male-and-young/#more-14343

Erich Heidenreich, DDS said...

Rev. Baker,

Thanks for the tip! I wouldn't expect I'd like it if it weren't for the fact that you are the senior editor of adult Bible studies at CPH. :-)

Robert said...

All: This new DVD-based Bible study is perfect for congregational study (youth and adults) of marriage, pre-marital counseling, and marriage retreats. It combines both video vignettes of couples and singles sharing their insights, as well as in-depth studies of key Bible passages pertaining to marriage. Key Greek and Hebrew words are transliterated and defined for a lay audience. Look for more information on a special Marriage by God's Design Web page tomorrow (Monday, Aug. 23). In the meantime, the entire first session is available for viewing, free of charge, here http://bit.ly/bRhAPo. Just click on the "look inside" feature immediately under the thumbnail of the front cover.Study is available September 1.