A title which the Lord applies to Himself. Mt 9:15; 25:1-10; cf. Joh 3:29. It anticipates the joy of Christ, the marriage-day when He will take to Himself all that for which He suffered so much.
And Jesus said to them, The sons of the nuptial chamber cannot mourn inasmuch as the bridegroom is with them; but the days shall come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast.
Then shall the kingdom of the heavens be likened to ten virgins, who having taken their lanterns, went forth to the meeting of the bridegroom. And five of them were discerning, and five foolish. read more. Those foolish having taken their lanterns, took no oil with them. And the discerning took oil in their vessels with their lanterns. And the bridegroom delaying, they all slumbered and slept. And in the middle of the night there was a cry, Behold, the bridegroom comes; go ye forth to his meeting. Then all these virgins were aroused, and put their lanterns in order. And the foolish said to the discerning, Give us of your oil; for our lights are quenched. And the discerning answered, saying, Lest it should not suffice us and you: but go ye rather to those selling, and buy for yourselves. And they, going to buy, the bridegroom came; and they prepared, went in with him to the nuptials; and the door was locked.
He having the bride is the bridegroom: and the friend of the bridegroom, standing and hearing him, rejoices with joy for the bridegroom's voice: therefore this my joy has been completed.