Bible Study: How Does The Bible Define Marriage?

What does the bible say about God’s original design for marriage?

When we look to the Scriptures to understand God’s original design for marriage, we must turn our hearts and minds to the very beginning – to the book of Genesis and the creation of humanity. There, in those first pages, we find the seeds of God’s plan for the union of man and woman.

In Genesis 2, we read that God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him. Yet the Lord saw that it was not good for man to be alone, and so He created woman as a suitable helper and companion. When God presented the woman to Adam, he exclaimed with joy, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). And the sacred text tells us, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

Here we see the essential elements of God’s design for marriage – the complementarity of man and woman, their equality as image-bearers of God, their call to unity and fidelity, and the fruitfulness that flows from their union. Marriage, from the very beginning, was intended to reflect the love and communion within the Holy Trinity.

This original design was marred by sin, as we know. Yet God did not abandon His plan. Throughout salvation history, He continued to reveal the beauty and sanctity of marriage. We see this in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, often described in marital terms by the prophets. And we see it perfected in the union of Christ and His Church.

In His infinite wisdom and love, God designed marriage to be a lifelong, faithful union of man and woman, open to the gift of new life. It is meant to be a school of love and virtue, where spouses help one another grow in holiness. As the Catechism teaches us, “The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC 1601).

Let us give thanks for this beautiful gift of marriage, and pray that all may come to understand and embrace God’s original design. For in it, we find a path to joy, holiness, and the fullness of life that our loving Creator intends for us.

How does Jesus define marriage in the New Testament?

When we turn to the Gospels to understand how our Lord Jesus Christ defines marriage, we find Him reaffirming and elevating God’s original plan. Jesus speaks of marriage with great reverence, emphasizing its permanence and sacred character.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter a pivotal moment when the Pharisees approach Jesus to test Him on the question of divorce. They ask, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?” (Matthew 19:3). Our Lord’s response is powerful and far-reaching. He directs them back to the beginning, to God’s original design:

“Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6)

In these words, Jesus affirms several key aspects of marriage. First, He upholds the complementarity of man and woman, created in God’s image. Second, He emphasizes the unity and indissolubility of marriage – “the two shall become one flesh.” Third, He declares that marriage is a divine institution – “What God has joined together.”

Our Lord goes even further, explaining that Moses permitted divorce only because of the hardness of people’s hearts, but that this was not God’s original intention. He states clearly, “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9).

In other passages, Jesus uses the imagery of marriage to describe the Kingdom of God. He speaks of Himself as the bridegroom and His followers as the wedding guests (Mark 2:19-20). In the parable of the ten virgins, He likens the coming of the Kingdom to a wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13).

Through these teachings, Jesus elevates marriage to a sacramental sign of His own love for the Church. As St. Paul would later expound in Ephesians 5, Christian marriage is called to reflect the sacrificial love of Christ for His bride, the Church.

Let us take to heart these words of our Lord, recognizing the great dignity and responsibility of the marital vocation. May we strive, with God’s grace, to live out this calling to faithful, fruitful, and lifelong love. For in doing so, we become living signs of Christ’s love in the world.

Is marriage defined as only between one man and one woman in Scripture?

This question touches on a matter of great importance and sensitivity in our time. As we seek to understand the Scriptural teaching on marriage, we must approach the sacred texts with humility, reverence, and a sincere desire to discern God’s will.

When we examine the Bible as a whole, we find a consistent witness to marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This begins in Genesis with the creation of Adam and Eve, and continues throughout the Old and New Testaments. The language used to describe marriage is consistently that of a man leaving his father and mother and being united to his wife (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Ephesians 5:31).

It is true that in the Old Testament, we encounter instances of polygamy among the patriarchs and kings of Israel. But these are presented as historical realities rather than ideals to be emulated. The creation account and the prophetic literature consistently uphold the one man-one woman model as God’s design. The prophet Malachi, for instance, speaks of marriage as a covenant between a man and “the wife of your youth” (Malachi 2:14-15).

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms this understanding of marriage. When questioned about divorce, He points back to God’s original plan: “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5). Here, our Lord clearly speaks of marriage in terms of one man and one woman.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, consistently refers to marriage as a union between husband and wife. In Ephesians 5, he develops a powerful theology of marriage as an image of Christ’s relationship with the Church, again using the language of husband and wife.

At the same time, we must approach this teaching with pastoral sensitivity and compassion. Many in our world today experience same-sex attraction or struggle with questions of gender identity. As followers of Christ, we are called to welcome all with love and respect, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person created in God’s image.

While affirming the Scriptural teaching on marriage, we must also acknowledge the complex realities of human experience and the need for pastoral accompaniment of all God’s children. Let us strive to create communities of love and acceptance where all can encounter the merciful face of Christ.

As we reflect on these matters, let us pray for wisdom and discernment, always seeking to uphold the truth of God’s word while extending His love and mercy to all.

What does the Bible teach about the roles of husband and wife in marriage?

As we consider the biblical teaching on the roles of husband and wife in marriage, we must approach this topic with both fidelity to Scripture and sensitivity to our contemporary context. The Word of God offers us timeless principles, yet we must also be attentive to how these principles are lived out in the diverse circumstances of our world today.

In the creation account of Genesis, we see that man and woman are created as equal bearers of God’s image, called to shared dominion over creation (Genesis 1:27-28). This fundamental equality and partnership forms the basis for understanding marital roles. At the same time, Scripture speaks of a complementarity between husband and wife, each bringing unique gifts to the union.

The New Testament provides further guidance on marital roles, particularly in the writings of St. Paul. In Ephesians 5, he presents a vision of Christian marriage that is both challenging and beautiful:

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:22-25).

These verses have sometimes been misinterpreted to justify domination or inequality within marriage. But when read in the context of Christ’s self-sacrificing love, we see a call to mutual submission and self-giving love. The husband’s headship is modeled on Christ’s servant leadership, laying down His life for His bride, the Church.

St. Paul goes on to say, “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28). This emphasizes the powerful unity of husband and wife, and the care and nurture that should characterize their relationship.

In 1 Peter 3, we find similar teachings, with wives called to respect their husbands and husbands urged to honor their wives as “heirs with you of the gracious gift of life” (1 Peter 3:7). This underscores the spiritual equality of husband and wife before God.

As we apply these teachings today, we must recognize that the specific expressions of marital roles may vary across cultures and individual couples. The essential principles, But remain constant: mutual love and respect, shared commitment to Christ, and a willingness to serve and sacrifice for one another.

Let us pray for all married couples, that they may grow in love and holiness, supporting one another on the path to salvation. May their unions be living witnesses to Christ’s love for His Church, bringing light and hope to our world.

How is marriage used as a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people?

The use of marriage as a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people is one of the most beautiful and powerful themes running through Sacred Scripture. This imagery speaks to the intimate, covenantal love that our Creator has for humanity, a love that seeks communion and calls forth a response of fidelity and devotion.

We first encounter this metaphor in the Old Testament, particularly in the writings of the prophets. The prophet Hosea, for instance, dramatically enacts God’s faithful love for unfaithful Israel by marrying a prostitute. God speaks through Hosea, saying, “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy” (Hosea 2:19). Here we see God portrayed as the faithful husband, continually seeking to win back His wayward bride, Israel.

The prophet Isaiah also employs this imagery, declaring, “For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name” (Isaiah 54:5). And in Jeremiah, God recalls Israel’s early devotion, saying, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride” (Jeremiah 2:2). These passages reveal the tender, passionate nature of God’s love for His people, a love that perseveres despite human infidelity.

In the New Testament, this marital imagery finds its fullest expression in the relationship between Christ and the Church. Jesus refers to Himself as the bridegroom (Mark 2:19-20), and in the parable of the ten virgins, He likens the Kingdom of Heaven to a wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13).

St. Paul develops this theme most fully in Ephesians 5, where he speaks of the mystery of marriage as reflecting the union of Christ and the Church. He writes, “This mystery is powerful, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). Here, earthly marriage is seen as a living sign of Christ’s sacrificial love for His bride, the Church.

The Book of Revelation brings this imagery to its eschatological fulfillment, depicting the final union of Christ and His Church as the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). The New Jerusalem is described as “the Bride, the wife of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9), adorned for her husband.

This rich biblical metaphor teaches us powerful truths about God’s love and our relationship with Him. It speaks of God’s initiative in seeking us out, His faithfulness despite our failings, and His desire for intimate communion with us. It calls us to respond with love, fidelity, and wholehearted devotion.

For married couples, this imagery invites them to see their union as a living sign of Christ’s love for the Church. For all believers, it reminds us of the depths of God’s love and the glorious destiny to which we are called – eternal union with our Divine Bridegroom.

What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?

The Bible’s teaching on divorce and remarriage reflects both God’s high view of marriage and His mercy toward human frailty. Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke clearly on this matter, reaffirming God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong union. When asked about divorce, Jesus responded by pointing to Genesis: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9).(Dodaro, 2014)

Jesus taught that divorce was permitted by Moses because of the hardness of people’s hearts, but that this was not God’s original intention (Matthew 19:8). He stated that whoever divorces and remarries commits adultery, with a possible exception for cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32, 19:9).(Dodaro, 2014)

The Apostle Paul echoed Christ’s teaching, instructing that married believers should not separate, but if they do, they should remain unmarried or be reconciled (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).(Dodaro, 2014) Paul also addressed situations where a believer is married to an unbeliever, counseling them to remain married if possible, but allowing for separation if the unbelieving spouse leaves (1 Corinthians 7:12-15).

But we must approach these teachings with pastoral sensitivity. The Church, while upholding the ideal of lifelong marriage, recognizes that there are situations of grave difficulty where living together becomes practically impossible. In such cases, separation and even civil divorce may be tolerated as a last resort.(Dodaro, 2014)

Regarding remarriage after divorce, the Church has traditionally held that this is not possible if the first marriage was valid. But there is ongoing reflection on how to pastorally accompany those in complex situations, always balancing fidelity to Christ’s teaching with the mercy and compassion He showed to those struggling with sin and brokenness.

We must remember that God’s law is given out of love, to protect the dignity of marriage and family life. At the same time, we are called to accompany with love those who have experienced the pain of divorce, helping them to remain part of the ecclesial community and to grow in faith and love of God.(Dodaro, 2014)

Let us pray for all married couples, that they may find in Christ the strength to live out their vocation faithfully. And let us reach out with compassion to those wounded by divorce, showing them the Father’s unfailing love and mercy.

What are the biblical qualifications for marriage?

The Scriptures present marriage as a sacred union instituted by God Himself. From the very beginning, in the book of Genesis, we see that God created human beings male and female, and established marriage as the foundation of human society (Genesis 1:27-28, 2:24).(Winters, 2016)

The biblical qualifications for marriage, then, flow from this divine origin and purpose. marriage is to be between one man and one woman. This complementarity of the sexes is fundamental to God’s design, reflecting the image of God and allowing for the procreation of children.(Hoffman, 2018; Stanley et al., 2013)

Secondly, marriage is to be a covenant relationship, not merely a contract. It involves a total self-giving of each spouse to the other, mirroring God’s covenant love for His people. This covenant is to be exclusive and lifelong, as Jesus affirmed when He said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9).(Keller & Keller, 2011)

The Bible also teaches that believers should marry other believers. The Apostle Paul instructs that we should not be “unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14), and that a widow is free to remarry, but “only in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). This is not mere prejudice, but a recognition that shared faith is crucial for the deepest unity in marriage.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

Scripture presents certain character qualities as essential for a godly marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the Church (Ephesians 5:25). Wives are called to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33). Both are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).(Hoffman, 2018)

The Bible also speaks of the importance of sexual purity before and within marriage. Premarital sexual relations are consistently portrayed as sinful, while the sexual union within marriage is affirmed as good and holy (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5).(Keller & Keller, 2011)

These qualifications are not arbitrary rules, but reflect God’s wisdom and love. They are given for our flourishing, to protect the dignity and beauty of marriage as God intended it.

At the same time, we must approach these teachings with humility and compassion. None of us perfectly fulfills God’s ideal. We are all sinners in need of God’s grace. The Church is called to uphold these biblical standards while also being a place of healing and restoration for those who fall short.

Let us pray for all those preparing for marriage, that they may grow in understanding of God’s design and in the virtues necessary for a strong and lasting union. And may all of us, whether married or single, strive to reflect God’s faithful love in all our relationships.

How does the Bible portray marriage as a covenant?

The Bible presents marriage not merely as a human contract, but as a sacred covenant established by God Himself. This covenant nature of marriage is woven throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, and reflects the very character of God and His relationship with His people. The Bible’s take on true love is one that is selfless, sacrificial, and enduring, as demonstrated in the love between Christ and His Church. This understanding of marriage as a covenant reflects the biblical teaching that love is not merely a feeling, but a commitment to honor and cherish one another. This perspective on marriage challenges us to seek God’s guidance and strength in living out this covenant in our own relationships. From a biblical perspective, the covenant of marriage also extends to how spouses handle their finances. The Bible teaches that financial stewardship is an important aspect of a healthy marriage, and that couples are called to manage their resources wisely and in accordance with God’s principles. This biblical perspective on finances and marriage emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and unity in financial decision-making within the marriage covenant. Seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in financial matters can strengthen the bond between spouses and promote harmony in their relationship.

In the creation account, we see God bringing Eve to Adam, establishing the first marriage. Adam’s response, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23), expresses a powerful unity and commitment that goes beyond a mere legal arrangement. The text continues, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This “leaving” and “uniting” speaks of a covenant bond that takes precedence even over family ties.(Burke-Sivers, 2015)

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s covenant relationship with Israel is often described in marital terms. The prophets, particularly Hosea, use the metaphor of marriage to illustrate God’s faithful love for His people despite their unfaithfulness. This analogy deepens our understanding of both divine and human covenants as relationships of steadfast love and fidelity.(McBrien, 1994)

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the covenant nature of marriage by quoting Genesis 2:24 and adding, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matthew 19:6). Here, Jesus emphasizes both the unity created by the marriage covenant and its permanence as established by God.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

The Apostle Paul further develops this theme in Ephesians 5, where he compares the relationship between husband and wife to that between Christ and the Church. He quotes Genesis 2:24 and then says, “This is a powerful mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). This reveals that marriage is not only a covenant between man and woman, but also a living symbol of the covenant between Christ and His people.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

The covenant nature of marriage is also reflected in the language used to describe marital unfaithfulness. Adultery is not merely breaking a contract, but breaking faith with one’s spouse and with God (Malachi 2:14). This underscores the spiritual dimension of the marriage covenant.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

Understanding marriage as a covenant has powerful implications. It means that marriage is not based merely on feelings or mutual benefit, but on a solemn commitment made before God. It involves a complete giving of oneself to the other, mirroring God’s self-giving love. This covenant bond is intended to be exclusive, permanent, and characterized by faithfulness and sacrificial love.

At the same time, we must remember that this high view of marriage as a covenant is not meant to condemn those who have experienced the pain of divorce or marital difficulties. Rather, it should inspire us to seek God’s grace to live out our marital vows, and to extend compassion to those struggling in their marriages.

Let us pray for all married couples, that they may daily renew their covenant love, drawing strength from God’s unfailing love. And may the Church always be a place where the beauty of the marriage covenant is both celebrated and supported.

What does Scripture say about sex within marriage?

The Scriptures speak of sexual intimacy within marriage as a beautiful gift from God, to be cherished and enjoyed. From the very beginning, in the creation account, we see that God created human beings as sexual creatures and blessed their union (Genesis 1:27-28). This divine blessing on marital sexuality is a theme that runs throughout the Bible.(Winters, 2016)

Contrary to some misconceptions, the Bible does not view sex as dirty or shameful when expressed within the covenant of marriage. In fact, the Song of Solomon celebrates the joys of marital love and physical intimacy in poetic language. This book affirms the goodness of sexual desire and pleasure within the context of committed love.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks frankly about the importance of sexual relations within marriage. He instructs husbands and wives not to deprive each other, recognizing that sexual intimacy is a mutual gift and responsibility (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). This teaching affirms the equality of husband and wife in the sexual relationship, a radical concept in the ancient world.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

Scripture also teaches that sex within marriage serves multiple purposes. It is a means of expressing and deepening the “one flesh” union between husband and wife (Genesis 2:24). It is for procreation, as seen in God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). And it is for mutual pleasure and comfort, as celebrated in the Song of Solomon and affirmed in Proverbs 5:18-19.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

Marital sexuality is presented in Scripture as a safeguard against temptation. Paul advises that “because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2). This recognizes the reality of sexual desire and provides for its proper expression within marriage.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

While the Bible affirms the goodness of sex within marriage, it also calls for self-control and mutual respect. Sexual intimacy is to be an expression of love and unity, not selfishness or domination. The biblical ideal is a sexual relationship characterized by tenderness, consideration, and a desire for the other’s good.(Keller & Keller, 2011)

At the same time, we must approach this topic with pastoral sensitivity. Many people struggle with issues related to sexuality, whether due to past hurts, physical limitations, or other factors. The Church is called to offer compassionate support and guidance, always pointing to God’s grace and healing power.

Let us also remember that while sexual intimacy is an important aspect of marriage, it is not the entirety of it. A truly Christian marriage is built on the foundation of shared faith, mutual love and respect, and a commitment to grow together in Christ.

May all married couples find in their sexual relationship a source of joy, intimacy, and deepening love. And may they always remember that their union is a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church, a love that is faithful, self-giving, and eternal.(Ellison, 2024; Keller & Keller, 2011)

What are some examples of marriages in the Bible that illustrate God’s design?

The Bible provides us with various examples of marriages that, while not perfect, illustrate different aspects of God’s design for this sacred union. These stories, with their joys and challenges, offer us insights and inspiration for our own marital journeys.

We have the example of Adam and Eve, the first married couple. Their union, established by God Himself, sets the pattern for all marriages to follow. In their relationship, we see the fundamental complementarity between man and woman, and the deep unity expressed in Adam’s words, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). Though they faced trials and sin entered their relationship, they remained united, illustrating the permanence of the marriage bond.(Ellison, 2024)

Abraham and Sarah provide an example of a marriage characterized by faith and perseverance. Despite facing infertility and the challenges of nomadic life, they remained committed to each other and to God’s promises. Their story reminds us that marriage is a journey of faith, where couples are called to trust God together through life’s uncertainties.

The story of Ruth and Boaz illustrates how God can bring beauty out of difficult circumstances. Ruth, a widow and foreigner, found love and security with Boaz, a man of noble character. Their marriage, which bridged cultural divides, foreshadows the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom and reminds us of the redemptive power of covenant love.

In the New Testament, we see glimpses of the marriage of Priscilla and Aquila. This couple worked together in their tent-making business and in ministry, partnering to advance the gospel. Their example shows how marriage can be a powerful platform for shared mission and service to God.

Mary and Joseph, though their marriage was unique due to the virgin birth of Jesus, exemplify trust in God’s plan and mutual support in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Their faithfulness in raising Jesus offers a model of parental devotion within marriage.

The Bible also presents examples of marriages that fell short of God’s ideal, such as David’s multiple wives or Solomon’s hundreds of wives and concubines. These serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the consequences of deviating from God’s design for marriage.

Even in the imperfect marriages portrayed in Scripture, we often see God’s grace at work, bringing redemption and growth. The prophet Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, though marked by infidelity, becomes a powerful illustration of God’s faithful love for His people.

These biblical examples remind us that marriage, as designed by God, is meant to be a relationship of exclusive commitment, mutual support, shared faith, and collaborative purpose. They show us that marriage can be a context for personal growth, a testimony to God’s faithfulness, and a means of blessing to others.

At the same time, these stories remind us that no marriage is without its challenges. Even couples who seek to follow God face trials and temptations. This should encourage us to rely not on our own strength, but on God’s grace and the support of the faith community.

Let us learn from these biblical examples, drawing inspiration from their faith and perseverance. And let us remember that every marriage, with its unique story, has the potential to reflect God’s love and to be a witness to His grace in the world.

May all married couples find in Scripture both encouragement and guidance for their own marital journeys. And may they, like the faithful couples of old, leave a legacy of love and faith for future generations.