Marriage is one of the oldest and most important institutions in human history.
It’s a relationship that touches every part of life, from love and companionship to responsibility and faith.
But what does the Bible really say about marriage?
In this article, we’ll explore how the Bible views marriage, the roles within it, and how it can reflect a deeper relationship with God.
We’ll take a close look at different Bible verses and see how they shape our understanding of marriage today.
The Foundation: Marriage in Genesis
The very first mention of marriage in the Bible occurs in Genesis, right at the beginning of creation.
In Genesis 2:24, it says, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This simple but powerful verse lays the foundation for the biblical understanding of marriage.
Marriage, according to the Bible, is a union between a man and a woman, meant to be lifelong and deeply intimate.
The phrase “one flesh” signifies the depth of the bond in marriage—two people coming together to form a new, united life.
This relationship is not just about companionship or partnership.
It reflects a deep connection, one where two individuals support and complete each other.
It’s also significant that this command comes right after God created Eve from Adam’s rib.
In this story, God specifically designed a woman for Adam, showing that marriage is part of His divine plan.
Marriage as a Covenant
In the Bible, marriage is seen not just as a social arrangement but as a covenant.
A covenant is a serious agreement, often with spiritual significance.
In Proverbs 2:17, it speaks of a woman who “has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.”
This shows that marriage, in the Bible, isn’t just between two people—it’s also made before God.
The idea of a marriage covenant underscores how serious and sacred marriage is.
It’s more than just a promise to love and care for each other.
It’s a commitment that is meant to reflect God’s faithfulness and love.
The Bible constantly uses marriage as a metaphor for God’s relationship with His people, showing just how highly it views the marriage bond.
Love and Sacrifice: Ephesians 5
One of the most famous passages about marriage is found in Ephesians 5:22-33.
In these verses, Paul talks about the roles of husbands and wives in marriage.
He begins by saying, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22).
At first glance, this verse can seem controversial or outdated.
But Paul isn’t saying that women are lesser than men.
Instead, he’s pointing to the importance of respect and support in a marriage.
He goes on to instruct husbands, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
This shows that husbands are called to a deep level of love and sacrifice for their wives.
Just as Christ gave everything for the church, husbands should be willing to give everything for their wives.
So, while wives are encouraged to respect their husbands, husbands are called to love and serve their wives in an equally deep and selfless way.
Marriage, in this passage, is a picture of Christ’s love for the church—a love that is both sacrificial and life-giving.
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Living together before marriage, or cohabitation, has become a common practice in today’s society.
However, the Bible provides clear guidance about relationships, marriage, and how believers should live in a way that honors God.
While the Bible doesn’t directly mention the modern practice of living together before marriage, it offers principles that can guide this decision.
In Hebrews 13:4, it says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse highlights the importance of keeping marriage and its commitments sacred.
Marriage is a covenant, and the Bible emphasizes that it should be entered into with respect and commitment.
Living together before marriage can sometimes blur the lines of commitment, making it difficult to uphold the distinctiveness of the marriage covenant.
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This passage reminds Christians that their lives and actions should reflect a commitment to honor God.
For many Christians, waiting until marriage to live together reflects a desire to honor God’s design for relationships and commitment.
By reserving the full expression of life together for after the wedding, couples can enter marriage with a strong foundation of trust and shared faith.
In today’s world, it can be challenging to live counter-culturally, but choosing to follow biblical principles can strengthen relationships and bring God’s blessings into the marriage.
Marriage Reflects God’s Love for His People
Throughout the Bible, marriage is used as a symbol of God’s relationship with His people.
In the Old Testament, God often refers to the nation of Israel as His bride.
For example, in Isaiah 54:5, it says, “For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name.”
This image shows that God’s love for His people is personal and covenantal, much like a marriage.
In the New Testament, the relationship between Christ and the church is also described as a marriage.
In Revelation 19:7, it says, “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”
Here, the “bride” is the church, and the “Lamb” is Christ.
This passage points to a future event when Christ and the church will be united forever, like a bride and groom at a wedding.
This means that marriage on earth is meant to be a reflection of the ultimate relationship between God and His people.
When a husband and wife love each other, sacrifice for each other, and stay faithful to each other, they are reflecting God’s love and faithfulness to the world.
Divorce: What Does the Bible Say?
While the Bible holds marriage in high regard, it also acknowledges that not all marriages last.
Divorce is addressed several times in Scripture, and it’s clear that it is not God’s original intention.
In Matthew 19:6, Jesus says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus points to the original design of marriage—two people becoming one and staying united.
However, Jesus also acknowledges that divorce happens due to human sin and brokenness.
In Matthew 19:8, He says, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”
While divorce is allowed in certain circumstances, such as infidelity (Matthew 19:9), it is not encouraged in the Bible.
The emphasis is always on reconciliation, forgiveness, and keeping the marriage covenant whenever possible.
Roles in Marriage: A Partnership
While the Bible does talk about specific roles for husbands and wives, it’s important to remember that these roles are meant to reflect partnership, not hierarchy.
In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter writes, “Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
Here, husbands are reminded to be considerate and respectful, recognizing that their wives are equal heirs in God’s kingdom.
This partnership is also emphasized in Genesis, where God creates Eve as a “helper” for Adam (Genesis 2:18).
The word “helper” doesn’t imply inferiority—it actually implies someone who complements and strengthens.
In fact, the same word is often used to describe God Himself as a “helper” to His people (Psalm 54:4).
Marriage is not about one partner dominating the other.
It’s about two people working together, each bringing their own strengths to create a united and strong bond.
Communication and Conflict Resolution
One of the keys to a successful marriage, according to the Bible, is good communication.
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse shows the power of words in a marriage.
The way spouses communicate with each other can either build up the relationship or tear it down.
Ephesians 4:26-27 also speaks to the importance of resolving conflicts quickly.
It says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
This passage encourages couples to deal with their disagreements promptly and not let anger fester.
Forgiveness is also a crucial part of resolving conflict in marriage.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
In a marriage, both spouses will make mistakes and hurt each other at times.
Forgiveness allows the relationship to heal and grow stronger after conflict.
Marriage as a Lifelong Commitment
The Bible emphasizes that marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment.
In Mark 10:9, Jesus says, “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This highlights the seriousness of the marriage covenant.
It’s not something to be entered into lightly or to be broken easily.
Marriage requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to work through challenges together.
In 1 Corinthians 13:7, Paul writes, “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This kind of love is what sustains a marriage through the ups and downs of life.
It’s a love that keeps going, even when things are difficult.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage in Heaven?
One question that often arises when thinking about marriage from a biblical perspective is, “Will we still be married in heaven?”
The Bible offers some insight into this topic, though it may not be the answer we expect.
In Matthew 22:30, Jesus speaks directly to this issue when He says, “At the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
This verse suggests that marriage, as we know it on earth, will not continue in heaven.
Jesus is explaining that earthly relationships, including marriage, will be transformed in heaven.
Our focus in heaven will shift from earthly relationships to a perfect relationship with God.
While this might be surprising or even difficult to understand for some, it points to the idea that heaven will be a place of complete fulfillment in God’s presence.
The relationships we have on earth, including marriage, are part of God’s design for our lives now, but they serve a different purpose in the eternal life to come.
Marriage on earth is a reflection of God’s covenantal love and commitment, but in heaven, we will experience the fullness of that love directly from God.
This doesn’t mean that we won’t know or love our spouses in heaven, but rather that the nature of relationships will be different.
Our joy, peace, and love will be perfected, and our ultimate union will be with God Himself.
The Bible teaches that heaven will be a place of perfect joy and community, where earthly concerns and relationships, as we know them, are transformed.
Though marriage may not exist in the same way, the love and connection we share with others will be even greater in the presence of God.
Final Thoughts: Marriage as a Gift from God
Marriage, according to the Bible, is not just a human institution—it’s a gift from God.
It’s meant to be a reflection of God’s love and faithfulness, a partnership where both spouses support and encourage each other.
Marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
It’s not always easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling relationships in life.
As you think about what the Bible says about marriage, remember that it’s a journey, not a destination.
Each day is an opportunity to grow closer to your spouse and to God, reflecting His love in your marriage.
Whether you’re married, thinking about marriage, or simply curious about what the Bible says, understanding God’s design for marriage can help you build stronger, more loving relationships.