What does the Bible say about marriage? While the Bible is a story about God and not about us, it does tell us about how we relate to God, and in the telling, it has something to say about marriage. So, with that in mind, and if you want scripture to inform your relationship with each other, here are ten practical principles on marriage:
God instituted monogamous marriage as a core relationship.
Marriage is part of God’s created order.
“At the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’” Matthew 19:4-5.
Marriage is a voluntary consensual union between a man and a woman.
Marriage is a spiritual and physical complementary oneness.
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” Genesis 2:24.
God joins a married couple together.
Marriage is a divine and sacred institution.
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” Mark 10:8-9.
God is a witness to the marriage vows.
Marriage promises are made in the presence of God.
“… the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth” Malachi 2:14.
Marriage is a lifelong binding covenant.
Marriage is a permanent relationship between a husband and wife.
“… who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind” Psalm 15:4.
Marriage exists for procreation and for helping each other serve God.
Married couples should have children and care for the earth as God’s representatives.
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” Genesis 1:28.
Sexual intimacy should be confined to marriage.
Marriage is sexual restrictedness and fidelity to one’s spouse.
“You shall not commit adultery” Exodus 20:14. “So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful” Malachi 2:15&16.
Love and respect should characterize marriage.
Marriage is a commitment to hold each other in high esteem.
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33.
Marriage requires voluntary submission.
Marriage is humbly and mutually putting your spouse before yourself.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” Ephesians 5:21.
Everyone should honour marriage.
Marriage intimacy between a husband and wife is reserved for that couple alone.
“Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral” Hebrews 13:4.
What does the Bible say about marriage? There are many more verses about wives, husbands, newlyweds, engaged couples and marriage. Please share your favourite Bible verses on marriage in the comments.
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Summary
What does the Bible say about marriage? This article explores biblical principles on marriage, offering ten practical truths rooted in Scripture. It highlights marriage as a sacred covenant designed by God, emphasizing its permanence, unity, and spiritual significance. Key principles include honouring vows in God’s presence (Malachi 2:14), the complementary oneness of spouses (Genesis 2:24), and the call to love, respect, and submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21, 33). The article addresses Christian marriage values, such as fidelity, procreation, and mutual support in serving God (Genesis 1:28).
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Soli Deo Gloria
