BRIDE (OF CHRIST) (νύμφη, γυνή, παρθένος). A term used in the NT to refer metaphorically to the Church, with Christ as the bridegroom (2 Cor 11:2; Rev 19:7; 21:2, 9; 22:17). In the OT Israel is sometimes referred to as the wife of Jehovah (Isa 54:6; Ezek 16:8; Hos 2:19, 20). The figure is used to show how close God intends the relationship between Him and His people to be. Disloyalty to Him is called harlotry.