Marriage is an ancient and powerful institution with many meanings and implications. For many, marriage is a mark of commitment and a sacred bond that unites two individuals in love. But what exactly does the Bible say about marriage? To answer this question, it is important to look at both the Old and the New Testament.
The Old Testament speaks of marriage as a relationship of love and respect between a man and a woman. It is seen as a covenant between the two individuals and God. Marriage is meant to be a physical and spiritual expression of love and faithfulness, and a sign of devotion. In particular, Genesis 2:24 says God created a helper for Adam that is suitable for him, and from here is seen the idea of marriage as a blessing from God.
The New Testament takes on a more modern view of marriage, with a number of verses outlining the importance of the institution. For example, Ephesians 5:31-33 talks about being devoted to one’s spouse, and how the union should be of an excellent quality. Corinthians 7:2-3 also encourages couples to love and respect one another, and to remain pure and faithful to one another. Additionally, 1 Peter 3:7 speaks of the husband’s responsibilities to care and love his wife, while 1 Corinthians 7:10 talks of the need to remain in a marriage even if the couple is not in love.
Overall, the Bible paints marriage as a loving, selfless and devoted union between two people. It speaks of marriage as a covenant between the two individuals, God and the Church. It also outlines the various roles, responsibilities and expectations of the husband and wife and calls on couples to remain in their respective marriages.
Sacred Nature Of Marriage
The Bible speaks of the sacred nature of marriage and its importance as God’s will. In Malachi 2:14, the Bible says that a true marriage takes place when one is joined to “his wife, and those the Lord has joined together”. This speaks to the sacred qualities of marriage that should not be trifled with. Indeed, a marriage is a sacred bond between two individuals and is seen as a holy and blessed union that is only to be shared between two people.
Moreover, the Bible speaks of the marriage ceremony itself being blessed by God. In Genesis 24:8, it states that a wedding should be “done with God’s blessing” and that those involved should ask God to “grant them joy and peace”. This speaks to the spiritual significance of marriage that is present in the bible.
Marriage and Family
The Bible also speaks of the importance of marriage in forming and upholding the family unit. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God instructs parents to keep his commandments in order to set a godly example to their children.
Moreover, the Bible values children and encourages couples to establish a strong, loving and nurturing relationship for their children. In Proverbs 22:6, it states that “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:4 it states that parents should bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”, showing how important it is for marriage to be strong and loving in order to create a solid foundation for children in the family.
Marriage and Fidelity
Additionally, the Bible speaks of the importance of fidelity and faithfulness in marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6, it states that marriage is connected to a single partner and should remain so, with no room for adultery or any other kind of infidelity. Similarly, the Ten Commandments forbid adultery and thus protect the marriage covenant.
Additionally, in 1Thessalonians 4:3-5 it states that couples are required to “abstain from fornication” and to “ guard the holiness of their marriage beds”, showing how marriage is an exclusive and sacred relationship that must be respected and upheld.
Gender Roles in Marriage
In terms of roles within marriage, the Bible upholds traditional gender roles within the union. According to Ephesians 5:22-23, the husband is seen as the head of the household, while the wife is supposed to respect him. Similarly, in 1 Peter 3:7 the wife is seen as the helper and partner of her husband and is supposed to submit to him.
However, this view of gender roles is slightly varied in other parts of the Bible. In Galatians 3:28, it is stated that in Christ, there is no male or female and that emphasis should not be placed on gender but rather, on being part of the Kingdom of God. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 11:11-12, Paul states that women are not subordinate to their husbands, but rather, both man and woman are “one in Christ”.
Marriage and Divorce
The Bible also speaks of divorce and how it relates to marriage. In Deuteronomy 24:1-4 it states that one should not take back his former spouse after a divorce, except if the second husband had died. It also states that the couple should not be blamed if the marriage ended in death. Similarly, Matthew 5:31-32 states that a man should not divorce his wife except in cases of “sexual immorality”.
This speaks to the understanding of divorce in the Bible, which is seen as a last resort if a marriage is not working. The Bible also speaks of remarriage and has certain requirements for it. For example, in 1 Corinthians 7:39 it states that, if a divorced person wishes to remarry, it should be within the Lord. This means that remarriage should remain within the same faith and should not include divorcing one’s spouse for a person outside the faith.
Rights of the Married Couple
Lastly, the Bible outlines the basic rights of a married couple, such as the rights to children, to intimacy and to companionship. For example, in Exodus 21: 10-11, it states that the “wife of a man has a right to her husband’s protection”, as well as the right to land, food and clothing. Similarly, in Ephesians 5:28-29, the Bible speaks of the husband’s responsibilities to his wife, such as being devoted and loving her.
In summary, the Bible speaks of marriage in various ways, with both the Old and the New Testament providing insight into this ancient institution. It speaks of marriage as a union between two individuals and God, as well as the need to be devoted and faithful. Moreover, the Bible emphasizes the need to have children, as well as the rights of the couple in terms of protection, land and clothing. Ultimately, the Bible offers a powerful view of marriage that emphasizes the sacredness of the institution and its importance in forming strong and loving families.
