The Biblical Understanding of Marriage
Marriage is a sacred and foundational institution that has been integral to human society since the very beginning of creation. In the Bible, marriage is portrayed as more than just a cultural tradition or a legal contract; it is a covenant relationship between a man and a woman, instituted by God for companionship, procreation, and the fulfillment of His divine purpose on earth. The Bible speaks extensively about marriage, providing clear guidance on its purpose, responsibilities, and sanctity. This article will explore the biblical understanding of marriage, highlighting key scriptures that speak to its design, the roles of spouses, and its deeper spiritual significance.
Marriage as a Divine Institution
From the very beginning, marriage is depicted as a divine institution ordained by God. In the Book of Genesis, God establishes the first marriage between Adam and Eve, demonstrating the intended purpose and function of marriage. Genesis 2:18-24 records:
“Then the Lord God said, ‘it is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’ Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him.So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.’ For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:18-24, NASB 1995)
Here, we see that God created marriage for companionship and mutual support. The term “helper suitable” (Genesis 2:18) conveys the idea that the woman was created to complement the man, not to dominate or be subjugated by him. She was designed to be his equal partner. The union of Adam and Eve exemplifies the concept of “one flesh,” symbolizing the profound unity and intimacy that marriage was intended to foster. Jesus later reaffirms this foundational understanding of marriage in Matthew 19:4-6, stating:
And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined 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 no man separate.” (Matthew 19:4-6, NASB 1995)
In these passages, the Bible emphasizes that marriage is not merely a social construct but is established by God Himself. It is a sacred union designed to reflect God’s image, promote unity, and bring about His purposes for humanity.
The Purpose of Marriage
The Bible outlines several important purposes for marriage, many of which are interwoven with God’s larger plan for humanity. Some of these purposes include companionship, procreation, and the demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness.
- Companionship: The first purpose of marriage, as seen in Genesis 2:18, is companionship. God created the woman to be a helper suitable for the man. Marriage provides a context for deep emotional, physical, and spiritual companionship. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 echoes this idea, stating:
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NASB 1995)
This passage underscores the mutual support, care, and strength that marriage provides. It also hints at the idea that marriage is meant to be a partnership where both individuals support and lift each other up in times of difficulty.
- Procreation: Another key purpose of marriage is procreation—creating and nurturing new life. This is stated clearly in Genesis 1:28, where God blesses Adam and Eve, saying:
God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28, NAASB)
Marriage provides the proper context for raising children and fulfilling God’s command to multiply and fill the earth. The nurturing of children in a loving, stable home reflects God’s desire for families to be a source of blessing to future generations.
- Spiritual Growth and Reflection of Christ’s Relationship with the Church: The New Testament elaborates on marriage’s spiritual significance. Ephesians 5:25-32 speaks of the relationship between husband and wife as a reflection of Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:25-32, NASB 1995)
This passage highlights that the husband’s role is to love his wife sacrificially, just as Christ loves the Church. Marriage, therefore, is not only about personal fulfillment or societal function, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of Christ’s love for His people. The love in a marriage is meant to reflect God’s unconditional love and faithfulness.
The Roles of Husband and Wife
The Bible also outlines specific roles for husbands and wives within the marriage relationship. These roles are designed to promote love, respect, and mutual submission.
- Husbands: The primary responsibility of the husband is to love his wife sacrificially, as stated in Ephesians 5:25-28. He is called to be the spiritual leader of the household, loving his wife as Christ loved the Church. This means serving her, protecting her, and being willing to lay down his own desires for her well-being. In Colossians 3:19, husbands are further instructed:
Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. (Colossians 3:19, NASB 1995)
This emphasizes the importance of gentleness and kindness in the husband’s role. He is not to dominate or treat his wife harshly, but to care for her with tenderness and respect.
- Wives: The role of the wife is also clearly defined in the Scriptures. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands as the head of the household:
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:22-24, NASB 1995)
This passage has often been misinterpreted to suggest that wives are inferior to their husbands. However, the submission described here is not about inferiority but about a voluntary yielding to the husband’s leadership, just as the Church submits to Christ. It is an act of respect and trust, acknowledging the husband’s responsibility to love and serve his wife. Wives are also called to love their husbands and children, as seen in Titus 2:4-5.
- Mutual Respect and Submission: While the roles of husband and wife are distinct, the Bible also calls for mutual respect and submission. Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21, NIV) This calls for both spouses to honor and serve each other in love. Marriage is a partnership of equality, with each person bringing unique gifts and roles to the relationship, but both ultimately seeking to glorify God and support one another.
Marriage as a Reflection of God’s Covenant
Marriage, as a covenant, reflects the greater covenant that God has made with His people. In the Old Testament, the marriage relationship between Israel and God is often used as a metaphor for God’s covenant faithfulness. In the New Testament, the church is described as the “Bride of Christ” (Revelation 19:7-9), underscoring the deep, unbreakable bond between Christ and His followers. Just as God’s covenant with His people is unshakable, so too is the commitment expected in marriage.
Malachi 2:14 speaks to the covenantal nature of marriage:
Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. (Malachi 2:14, NASB 1995)
God is presented as the witness to the marital covenant, emphasizing that marriage is a sacred vow before God and should be honored and preserved. Divorce is strongly condemned in Scripture, and Jesus reiterates this in Matthew 19:6, stating:
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. (Matthew 19:6, NASB 1995)
Conclusion
Marriage, according to the Bible, is a sacred, God-ordained institution that reflects His divine purposes for humanity. It is a covenant designed for companionship, procreation, and spiritual growth, with the relationship between husband and wife serving as a mirror of the relationship between Christ and the Church. By understanding the biblical principles of marriage, spouses can build a relationship founded on love, respect, and mutual submission, honoring God’s design for marriage.