International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

brid'-cham-ber (numphon): The room in which the marriage ceremonies were held (Matthew 9:15 Mark 2:19 Luke 5:34; compare Matthew 22:10).

See CHAMBER; MARRIAGE.

BRIDE-CHAMBER, SONS (CHILDREN) OF THE

(hoi huioi tou numphonos): These were friends or companions of the bridegroom and were usually very numerous (Matthew 9:15 Mark 2:19 Luke 5:34). Any wedding guest might be included in the expression, or anyone who took part in the bridal procession and remained for the wedding-feast (see MARRIAGE). In the above passages "the sons of the bride-chamber" are the disciples of Christ.