A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 34. Of this phrase, Marriage is honourable.

Verse 4.

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

FRom the duties which are to be performed to others, the Apostle proceedeth to such as concern themselves: and declareth such duties as grace their profession, together with the contrary vices which disgrace the same.

The first grace that he commends is Chastity, comprized under the means of preserving it, which is, Marriage. This the Apostle here highly com∣mendeth.

Of Marriage; I have largely treated in Domesticall Duties, Treat. 2. Part. 1. §. 1, &c.

Marriage is here commended by the honour thereof, Marriage is ho∣nourable.

a 1.1 The Greek word signifieth that which is of high account or esteem.

It is attributed sometimes to Persons. For where it is said that Gamal•…•…el was had in reputation (Act. 5. 34.) The Greek useth the same word that is here translated honourable.

Sometimes also it is attributed to things; as to the fruit of the earth, Iam. 5. 7. and to such stones as of all earthly things are most valuable; called precious stones; and joyned with silver, gold, pearls, and other things of great worth, Revel. 18. 12. yea it is attributed to Divine Promises (2 Pet. 2. 4.) And to Christs blo•…•…d (1 Pet. 1. 19.) In all these places it is translated pretious.

This word being thus applied to marriage, sheweth that it is an estate highly to be accounted of, and in that respect styled honourable.

In what respect Marriage is honourable hath been distinctly shewed in the fore∣said book of Domest. Dut. Treat. 2. Part. 1. §. 23, &c.

The Verb [18] in the original is not expressed word for word, it is thus, Marri∣age honourable. Hereupon some understand a Verb of the b 1.2 Imperative mood, which implieth a charge, but that is not so fitly understood.

• 1. It is most usual in Greek, when the Verb is not expressed, to understand the Indicative Mood rather then the Imperative. So the c 1.3 Greek Fathers that have written upon this place, yea and the d 1.4 Latine Fathers too: and e 1.5 Protestant Di∣vines: Yea and many f 1.6 Popish Expositors, do here understand the Indicative, as we in our English have expressed it. The g 1.7 Syriack doth expresse the Indica∣tive Mood.
• 2. The opposition betwixt this clause, and the last clause of the verse, shew, that this is rather a commendation of marriage, that it is honourable, then an In∣junction to make it honourable. For what consequence or dependance is this, Let marriage be honourable, and a bed undefiled, but adulterers God will judge. The later clause should rather be a reason of the injunction, thus, Let marriage be honou∣rable, for God will judge adulterers.
• 3. Marriage is here prescribed as a remedy against uncleannesse, and in that respect thus commended [is honourable] as the best remedy that can be pre∣scribed.
• 4. Marriage is positivevely declared to be honourable, as well as to be a bed undefiled.
• 5. That which an injunction expresseth, will by necessary consequence follow upon the commendation of marriage. For it being granted, that marriage is ho∣nourable, it followeth, that it must be used as an honourable thing: chastly, hollly, modestly, temperately, seasonably, so as it may prove to be a bed undefiled.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• c 1.3

  Chrys. Theod. Oecum.
• d 1.4

  Hierom. Com∣ment. in Mat. 13. August. contr. Petag. & Coe∣lest. l. 2. c. 34.
• e 1.5

  Calv. Beza, aliique.
• f 1.6

  Anselm. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• g 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Est.