What Does the Bible Say About Marriage

By Pamela Rose Williams

What does the Bible have to say about marriage? When God made Adam and Eve what was the intended relationship between them? Certainly this can be a controversial subject, and we can spend lots and lots of time discussing it. But I would like to present a pretty simple view of it all because when we know God’s design for marriage, the answers are clear. Read and study for yourself and I think you and I can agree on this.

Marriage is God’s gift between man and woman that God created in His own image:

So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God created he him:

male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)

As believers, when we have a biblical worldview we will believe and practice what the Bible says about marriage. Marriage requires a faith commitment. In the Book of Matthew, we are reminded of what Jesus said:

…Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.(Matthew 19:4b-6).

Jesus’ definition of marriage gives us many important truths about what God says on this matter as follows:

• Marriage is a covenant designed by God (Matthew 19:4b).
• His biblical definition of marriage has nothing to do with our own personal perspective or the conditions of the culture, rather God designed it at the beginning of creation and has every expectation that it will continue that way “until death do us part”. (Matthew 19.4b-6).
• God created one man and one woman to be married based upon His intended biology when He created them male and female and then created the birthing process to continue that way. (Matthew 19.4b). Therefore, any other idea such as two biological men and/or two women to be married is not within God’s intended design and should never be considered (see Leviticus 18.22; 20:13-16; Romans 1.26-27; 1Corinthians 6.9-11; and 1Timothy 1.9-10).
• Sexual intercourse seals the marriage covenant and this is reserved for one husband and one wife after they have entered the holy covenant of marriage (Matthew 19.5). Sexual intercourse between two men or between two women is biologically impossible.
• God’s design is for marriage to last until the death of one of the spouses (Matthew 19.6; 22.30).

So then, we see marriage as a divinely designed biblical covenant between one man and one woman and God. It is a representation of the relationship of Christ and the Church (His Bride). We find this Divine Design all throughout the Bible in both its Old and New Testaments. (See Genesis 1.27; 2.23-24; Malachi 2.14; Song of Solomon 2.7, 16; 1 Corinthians 7.1-16; Ephesians 5.22-33; Hebrews 13.4).

Much is being promoted in favor of relationships and marriages that are contrary to that of one man and one woman. To believe that marriage is anything other than what God designed it to be is to deny that the relationship between Christ and the Church is represented in marriage. In addition, to believe what culture presents as opposite in nature, direction and meaning about marriage is to negate a biblical worldview and agree with the secular worldview on this subject. As believers we are called to agree with what the Word says; not what the “world” says (John 15:19; 1 John 2:15).

And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Take a look at these other resources about marriage at Christianity Every Day:

Written Article: Why are Christians Against Gay Marriage?

Audio Series: When God Builds a Marriage

Audio Messages: Has God Put Together Your Marriage Part 1.    

Has God Put Together Your Marriage Part 2

Pamela Rose Williams, Founder of Christianity Every Day, is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband, Dr. Michael L. Williams have served in Christian ministry since 2001. She has Master of Ministry in Biblical Counseling and bachelor’s in Christian education degrees and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Biblical Studies. Most of her time is spent as a professional editor and writer, working with many Christian authors and artists. She also uses her extensive experience in information technology providing Christ-centered teaching tools and resources for people all over the world.