What Does the Bible Say About Marriage? Key Verses and Teachings

Quick Answer

The Bible provides a rich tapestry of teachings on marriage, emphasizing its sacredness, commitment, and love. From Genesis to the New Testament, marriage is portrayed as a divine institution meant for companionship, procreation, and spiritual growth. The Bible suggests that marriage should be based on love, respect, and mutual submission.

What Does the Bible Teach About Marriage?

The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant designed by God. In Genesis, marriage is established as a union between man and woman, reflecting the image of God. The New Testament elaborates on this, teaching that marriage is a commitment that mirrors Christ's relationship with the Church. This relationship is characterized by love, sacrifice, and mutual respect.

One of the most citable paragraphs on this topic is found in Ephesians 5:25-28. Paul the Apostle, writing to the church in Ephesus around 60-62 AD, instructs husbands to love their wives just as Christ loved the Church. This passage not only emphasizes the depth of love required in marriage but also highlights the importance of selflessness and devotion. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless."

Key Bible Verses About Marriage

Genesis 2:24
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh."
- Authorship and Context: This verse is part of the creation narrative traditionally attributed to Moses, written around 1440-1400 BC. It describes the establishment of marriage at the dawn of humanity.
- Application: This passage suggests marriage is a profound unification, indicating that couples should prioritize their relationship, creating a new family unit that is strong and independent.
Proverbs 18:22
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."
- Authorship and Context: Attributed to King Solomon during his reign in the 10th century BC, Proverbs offers wisdom that spans various aspects of life, including marriage.
- Application: This encourages individuals to see marriage as a blessing and a source of divine favor, motivating them to cherish and nurture their marital relationships.
Matthew 19:4-6
“‘Haven’t you read,’ he replied, ‘that 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’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’”
- Authorship and Context: Recorded by Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, around 70-80 AD. Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage.
- Application: This passage reinforces the permanence of marriage, encouraging couples to work through challenges together and honor their lifelong commitment.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no