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What is Marriage in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Marriage in the Bible?

Introduction

Marriage is an essential institution within Christianity, serving as a foundational building block for families and societies. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it symbolizes the union between man and woman, reflecting God’s love and purpose for His people.

This blog post aims to explore the biblical definition of marriage, its significance, the roles and responsibilities within a marriage as outlined in the Holy Scriptures, and the challenges faced by Christian marriages in today’s society.

By understanding and embracing the biblical perspective on marriage, we can cultivate a stronger relationship with God and our spouse, promoting a thriving and enduring union that glorifies the Lord.

The Bible provides numerous examples of marriages that demonstrate God’s intentions for this sacred union. From the beginning, we see that marriage was designed by God to be a lifelong partnership between a man and a woman, reflecting His divine love and commitment.

Furthermore, Scripture reveals God’s plan for marriage to serve as a vessel for procreation, companionship, and mutual support between husband and wife. As we delve into the Word of God, let us keep an open heart and mind, seeking to understand His will and apply it to our lives.

Throughout the Bible, we see the sanctity of marriage emphasized and the importance of remaining faithful to our spouse. The New King James Version (NKJV) serves as the basis for our exploration, as it provides a clear and accurate translation of the original text.

By examining the Scriptures, we can gain a better understanding of God’s design for marriage and how we can honor Him by committing ourselves to our spouse and living out our vows in a Christ-centered relationship.

marriage in the Bible

God’s Design for Marriage

Creation of Marriage

The story of marriage begins in the book of Genesis. God created Adam, the first man, and placed him in the Garden of Eden. However, God realized that it was not good for man to be alone, so He created a suitable helper for him.

This account is found in Genesis 2:18 (NKJV), where it is written: “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'”

After creating all the animals, God brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. However, among all the creatures, there was no suitable helper for Adam. So, God created Eve from one of Adam’s ribs, and the first marriage was established.

Genesis 2:24 (NKJV) states: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This passage sets the foundation for marriage in the Bible and underscores its significance as a divine institution.

Purpose of Marriage

The Bible outlines several purposes for marriage, including procreation, companionship, and mutual support.

In Genesis 1:28 (NKJV), God commands Adam and Eve to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.” This verse reveals that one of the primary purposes of marriage is to bring forth children and raise them to know and love the Lord.

Marriage also provides companionship and support for both husband and wife. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV) highlights the value of companionship, saying, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” In this passage, the Bible emphasizes the importance of a supportive marital relationship, where both partners work together and strengthen one another.

Covenant and Commitment

In the Bible, marriage is described as a covenant, a solemn and binding agreement between a man and a woman, made before God and witnessed by others. In Malachi 2:14 (NKJV), we read, “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’

Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.” This verse highlights the importance of upholding the marriage covenant and remaining faithful to one’s spouse.

Commitment is another crucial aspect of marriage in the Bible. In Matthew 19:6 (NKJV), Jesus emphasizes the permanence of marriage, saying, “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

By entering into a marriage covenant, a couple commits to a lifelong union, reflecting the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

Roles and Responsibilities in Marriage

Husbands

The Bible provides clear instructions for the roles and responsibilities of husbands within a marriage.

Ephesians 5:25-28 (NKJV) commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.”

This passage emphasizes the sacrificial and unconditional love that husbands should have for their wives, following the example set by Christ.

Additionally, husbands are instructed to be the head of the household and to provide for their families. In 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV), it is written: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Husbands are called to lead their families with wisdom, love, and understanding, always putting the needs of their wives and children before their own.

Wives

The Bible also outlines the roles and responsibilities of wives within a marriage. Ephesians 5:22-24 (NKJV) instructs wives to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.

Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” This submission is not about servitude or inequality but rather about honoring the God-given roles within the marital relationship.

Wives are also called to love and respect their husbands. In Titus 2:4-5 (NKJV), older women are instructed to teach younger women “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”

A wife’s role is to support her husband and to create a loving, nurturing environment within the home.

Challenges for Christian Marriages in Today’s Society

Maintaining a Christ-Centered Relationship

In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, maintaining a Christ-centered relationship can be a challenge.

Couples must be intentional in setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, and spiritual growth. By keeping Christ at the center of their marriage, couples can grow together in their faith and experience the fullness of God’s plan for their union.

Upholding Biblical Values

As society’s values and attitudes shift, Christian couples may find themselves at odds with the prevailing culture. Upholding biblical values within a marriage requires courage and steadfastness.

Couples should be prepared to stand firm in their convictions, supporting one another as they strive to live out their faith in a world that may not always understand or appreciate their beliefs.

Overcoming Conflict and Forgiveness

Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but the Bible provides guidance on how to address disagreements and work towards resolution.

In Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV), the Scripture instructs, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Couples should strive to resolve conflicts quickly and practice forgiveness, following the example of Christ, who forgave us of our sins.

Conclusion

Marriage, as defined in the Bible, is a sacred union between a man and a woman, established by God and intended to reflect His divine love and purpose.

Through an understanding of the biblical definition of marriage, its significance, the roles and responsibilities within it, and the challenges faced by Christian marriages in today’s society, we can cultivate a stronger relationship with God and our spouse.

As Christians, we are called to honor the sanctity of marriage and to strive for a Christ-centered relationship that brings glory to God.

In a world where the institution of marriage is often challenged and redefined, it is crucial for believers to stand firm in the biblical teachings about marriage. By upholding God’s design for marriage, we testify to the world about His goodness, love, and sovereignty.

As we seek to live out our marriages according to God’s Word, we can find joy, fulfillment, and purpose in our relationships, all the while shining as a light to those around us.

As you continue to grow in your understanding of marriage in the Bible, may you be encouraged and challenged to honor God through your relationship with your spouse.

In doing so, you will not only experience the fullness of God’s plan for your marriage but also serve as a living testimony to the transformative power of His love and grace.

For more insights and resources on building a strong, Christ-centered marriage, explore our study on essential values for a thriving marital relationship and our compilation of inspiring Bible verses about marriage.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.