Meaning of Marriage in the Bible

The concept of marriage is central to the Bible’s overall message and narrative. From the first chapters of Genesis to the closing pages of Revelation, the scriptures use marriage imagery to convey theological truths about God’s relationship with humanity.

A Biblical View of Marriage

According to the Bible, marriage was instituted by God at creation as the lifelong union of one man and one woman (Genesis 2:18-24). The opening chapters of Genesis reveal key aspects of God’s design for marriage:

1. Companionship: “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). As an antidote to loneliness, God created woman as a helper and companion suitable for man. This speaks to the relational nature of marriage.
2. Unity: “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Marriage is the closest of human relationships, uniting two persons in an intimate bond. The “one flesh” union involves shared identity, goals, resources, and physical intimacy.
3. Exclusivity: The “one flesh” union is to be exclusive to both partners. This is seen in God’s bringing Eve to Adam, not additional wives (Genesis 2:21-22). Monogamy is upheld throughout Scripture as the marital norm.
4. Permanence: “What God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). God’s marital design does not include divorce, which was permitted later only due to “the hardness of heart” (Matthew 19:8). His ideal is lifelong union between husband and wife.

Marital Roles and Responsibilities

Husbands and wives have distinct roles and responsibilities in biblical marriage. While fully equal in essence, value and dignity, they are called to different functions (Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 11:3).

Husbands are charged with leadership, provision and protection for their wives and families (Genesis 3:16-20; Ephesians 5:23; 1 Timothy 5:8). This leadership is to follow Jesus’ model of servant leadership, characterized by humility and sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-30; Mark 10:45).

Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands’ leadership, respect them and serve as their “suitable helpers” (Genesis 2:18; Ephesians 5:22-24; Titus 2:3-5). This submission does not make them inferior, but acknowledges the God-given responsibility of husbands to lead.

Marriage as an Illustration of Divine Truths

Beyond revealing God’s marital design, the Old and New Testaments use marriage as an illustration of divine truths. These metaphors powerfully convey theological realities about God’s relationship to His people.

Christ as Groom, Church as Bride

The New Testament builds on this metaphor – with Christ occupying the groom role to the Church, His pure and spotless bride (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7). Marriage speaks of the beauty of Christ’s sacrificial, covenant relationship with those who love and follow Him.

Human Marriage as Mystery

Paul calls human marriage between husband and wife “a profound mystery” because it symbolically represents “Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:32). God intentionally designed marriage between fallible humans to provide a living picture of His eternal love for His people.

Marriage and Spirituality

Biblical marriage is intended to enhance – not hinder – one’s relationship with God. It affords companionship, protection from sexual sin, and a safe context for raising children (1 Corinthians 7). However, Paul recognizes that singleness also has spiritual benefits, as it fosters undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).

Both marriage and singleness are seen as good and godly callings. Service in God’s kingdom – not marital status – is what matters most.

Keys to a Lasting, God-Honoring Marriage

1. Make Christ the Center: Couples must keep their focus on Jesus, seeking to love and honor Him above all in their marriage. A Christ-centered marriage is rooted in servanthood, sacrifice and submission to God’s Word.
2. Commit for a Lifetime: Marriage is to be permanent, with divorce only permitted – not commanded – under a limited set of circumstances. Enduring love mirrors God’s unconditional love (Matthew 19:1-12; 1 Corinthians 13:7).
3. Cultivate Oneness: Daily nurturing intimacy and transparency leads to emotional, intellectual and spiritual oneness. This includes godly sexuality which cements the “one flesh” bond (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:3-5).
4. Communicate and Resolve Conflict Biblically: Couples must foster honest, loving communication and use Scripture as their guide for handling differences and disputes in a constructive manner (Ephesians 4:15; 26-27; Matthew 18:15-17).
5. Support and Respect Your Spouse: Husbands and wives must treat one another with compassion, empathy, honor and grace. Each should seek to build up their marriage and their spouse, not tear them down by improper criticism (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Peter 3:1-2, 7).
6. Pursue Mutual Submission: Following the pattern of God’s humility in Christ, couples are to voluntarily limit their own autonomy out of reverence for the Lord and a desire to serve their spouse. This applies to both husband and wife (Ephesians 5:21).

Conclusion

Marriage is a profoundly spiritual institution – one that God uses to vividly represent the amazing intimacy we can share with Him by faith. When husbands and wives follow biblical principles, they act out the gospel. This not only honors the Lord but testifies powerfully to our fallen world about the redeeming love of Christ.