What Is the Definition of Marriage According to the Bible?

What is marriage according to the Bible? This is a very good question because no one seems to know what marriage really is anymore. And it’s definitely not just about the definition of the word itself, but actually what it represents in God’s eyes.

What Is the Definition of Marriage According to the Bible?

“Marriage is a holy sacrament, instituted by God in the time of man’s innocency…. It was revealed unto Adam, who lived 930 years, that it was ordained for mankind as early as 930 before Christ. Moses found it recorded in Genesis 2:21-25.

So what is marriage according to the Bible? Does such a definition exist? Are there any verses about marriage? What does the Bible say about marriage? Yes, The Bible has a great deal to say about marriage. However, how strong is the case that can be made for biblical marriage by looking at the Holy Scriptures alone?

That definition will probably not come without some controversy. It could alienate many within the Christian community who don’t agree with certain aspects of its content—plus it might seem like an unattainable goal. But before we get into what biblical marriages looks like for Christians, let’s review what traditional definitions of marriage are so we can contrast them with the marital principles taught in the Word of God.

How Is Marriage Defined According to Secular Law?

Marriage is defined as “a legally recognized relationship, conferred by the State, between two persons who have met the legal requirements of being capable of entering into such a relationship.” Some states also include other criteria in their definition of marriage, while others do not. The Legal Dictionary, defines it as “A legally recognized union or association between two people.”

Some might point out that because divorce and remarriage is allowed for Christians according to biblical principles this means remarriage can be considered a form of Christian marriage under some circumstances. But if we read what the Bible has to say about remarriage and divorce, it also says that remarriage after divorce is adultery (Matthew 19:8-9), which would automatically disqualify remarriage as a form of Christian marriage.

Besides, if remarriage was biblical “marriage” then Jesus wouldn’t have said it is adultery—and this leads to the next question…

What Is the Biblical Definition of Marriage according to God’s Word?

In short, a man and a woman should get married only if they love one another and share a common faith in Jesus Christ. The definition for Christian marriage according to the Bible is that it’s when two people from opposite sexes fall in love—join together as husband and wife—share a common faith in Jesus Christ—and consummate their union sexually with each other.

What does God’s Word say about marriage?

The Holy Bible makes it clear that one man and one woman should become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). The Book of Proverbs explains how wisdom plays an important part in choosing your mate (Proverbs 18:22), but God also warns against marrying who has had more than just a few failed marriages (Proverbs 22:14-15). The basic biblical principle of marriage according to God’s Word is that a man and woman should marry only to the opposite sex.

What Does Marriage According to God’s Word Look Like?

What does Christian marriage according to the Bible look like? In the Book of Ephesians, the Bible teaches that marriage should be entered into with a “one-flesh” bond (Ephesians 5:31), and this includes husband and wife who are saved by Jesus Christ. This does not mean a “Christian Marriage” has to include vows or ceremonies—but it should point to an eternal relationship between one man and one woman.

What Is Biblical Submission According to the Bible?

What is biblical submission according to the Bible? The Holy Scriptures teach that it is God’s will for a man and woman who are married or plan on getting married should marry “in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39). This means they agree to respect each other as equals, but it also means that they will honor their mate’s needs.

Who Can Marry Whom According to the Bible?

Malachi 2:11-12 says “Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loves, and has married the daughter of a strange god.”  The NIV version says “the Lord is angry with Judah” because they married women who worship foreign gods. What does it mean that it was an abomination or sin for Jews (or Christians) to marry women who worshiped foreign deities? It means that God gave specific instructions regarding marriage to ancient Jewish people, not all human beings throughout history. For example, ancient Jewish men were not allowed to marry women who worship other gods. Therefore, the principle taught in these verses is that God wants Christians to only marry those who share similar beliefs and values as them.

What About Same-Sex Marriage? Is same-sex marriage ever addressed in the Bible?

According to biblestudytools.com, there are no references at all for homosexual marriages anywhere in the entire Bible—but there are numerous references condemning it as sin (Romans 1:24-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9).

Thanks for reading. God bless you.