גרושה

A metaphor for the church's intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:25-27 compares Christ's love for the church to a husband's love for his bride: 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy.' Second Corinthians 11:2 expresses Paul's desire to present the Corinthian church 'as a pure virgin to Christ.' Revelation 19:7-9 portrays the marriage supper of the Lamb, and Revelation 21:2 describes the new Jerusalem 'prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.' The metaphor conveys covenant faithfulness, passionate love, exclusive devotion, and joyful anticipation of consummation.