Want to know who got married in the Bible? Here are biblical verses and quotations, as well as stories of marriage, that can illuminate the path of union for Christians.
Marriage is a universally accepted and revered institution that transcends cultural boundaries, weaving the threads of love, commitment, and divine purpose into the fabric of human existence.
The Bible has a beautiful embroidery of words and narratives that highlight the road to marital union. Throughout civilizations and epochs of time, the sacred covenant of marriage has stood as a monument to the shared human experience.
In this article, JanaTribe will delve into 20 biblical quotations and stories of marriages, uncovering the rich tapestry of wisdom and inspiration woven into the scriptures.
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20 verses or quotations in the Bible that talk about marriage
A Christian marriage is a marriage that has been instituted and functions according to biblical principles. God Himself designed it.
Christian marriage is the union of a baptized man and a baptized woman for life, pe Anglican History, and also a belief according to the Catholic Church. They solemnly vow to be faithful, “Till death us do part,” and the priest solemnly warns them that no man may put asunder what God joined together.
Although lots of people are married in the Bible, there are no descriptions of any ceremonies, the Anabaptist World reports. Let’s delve into the profound truths encapsulated in 20 biblical quotations and the poignant examples of marriages woven into the scriptures.
1. Genesis 2:24 – The Foundational Verse
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse from Genesis establishes the sacred covenant of marriage, emphasizing the unity and oneness that define the marital bond.
2. Ephesians 5:25 – Christ’s Love for the Church
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians provides a profound insight into the sacrificial love that husbands are called to exhibit, mirroring Christ’s love for the church.
3. Proverbs 18:22 – Finding a Good Wife
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs extols the significance of finding a virtuous and supportive partner in the journey of life.
4. Ruth 1:16 – Ruth’s Devotion
“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'” Ruth’s unwavering devotion to Naomi exemplifies the depth of commitment in marital relationships.
5. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love’s Attributes
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.” These verses in Corinthians articulate the attributes of love that form the bedrock of enduring marriages.
6. Song of Solomon 3:4 – The Seal of Love:
“Scarcely had I passed them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go.” The Song of Solomon celebrates the passion and intimacy inherent in marital love.
7. Malachi 2:16 – God’s View on Divorce
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” Malachi underscores God’s perspective on the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant.
8. Matthew 19:6 – What God Has Joined
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Jesus’ words in Matthew emphasize the divine union and discourage the dissolution of marriages.
9. 1 Peter 3:7 – Mutual Respect
“Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” Peter’s epistle advocates for mutual respect and understanding within the marital relationship.
10. Ecclesiastes 4:12 – Strength in Unity
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes emphasizes the strength found in the unity of a marital partnership.
11. Proverbs 31:10 – The Virtuous Wife
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” Proverbs extols the virtues of a capable and noble wife, emphasizing her immeasurable worth.
12. Mark 10:9 – What God Has Joined
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Jesus’ reiteration in the Gospel of Mark underscores the divine union formed in marriage.
13. Colossians 3:14 – Bond of Perfect Unity
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians emphasizes the centrality of love in knitting together the fabric of marital unity.
14. 1 John 4:7 – Love One Another
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” This verse from 1 John underscores the divine source and essence of love in marital relationships.
15. 1 Corinthians 7:3 – Conjugal Rights
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.” 1 Corinthians addresses the mutual responsibilities and intimate aspects of marital relationships.
16. Hebrews 13:4 – Honoring Marriage
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” Hebrews emphasizes the sanctity and honor accorded to the institution of marriage.
17. Proverbs 5:18-19 – Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” Proverbs celebrates the joy and delight found in marital intimacy.
18. Matthew 5:28 – Guarding Against Adultery
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 emphasize the importance of guarding one’s heart and fidelity in marriage.
19. 1 Timothy 5:14 – Manage the Household
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.” 1 Timothy underscores the role of wives in managing households and nurturing families.
20. Romans 12:10 – Outdo One Another in Showing Honor
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans encourages spouses to continually demonstrate love and honor within the marital relationship.
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10 stories of marriage in the Bible
1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 2–3): The Garden of Eden is the setting for the first union, which is the model for married partnerships and emphasizes unity, companionship, and shared responsibilities.
2. Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24): Isaac’s servant is sent by Abraham to find a wife, and the serendipitous encounter with Rebekah serves as an example of how God works through marriage.
3. Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29): Despite difficulties and dishonesty, Jacob’s love for Rachel serves as an example of the tenacity needed in married marriages.
4. Boaz and Ruth (Book of Ruth): Ruth’s devotion and Boaz’s generosity combine to create a story of love and redemption that highlights the virtue of dedication in the face of difficulty.
5. Hosea and Gomer (Book of Hosea): God’s unfailing love for His people is powerfully symbolized by Hosea’s unwavering love for the wayward Gomer.
6. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12): The narrative of Bathsheba and David’s affair serves as a warning, stressing the negative effects of adultery and the significance of reconciliation and repentance.
7. Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:18-25): Joseph and Mary, who were selected to be Jesus’ earthly parents, represent a divine marriage that is characterized by mutual devotion, obedience, and confidence in the divine plan.
8. Elkanah and Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2): Elkanah’s compassion and affection for Hannah, who battled infertility, demonstrate the kind of cooperation and support that are necessary while facing difficulties.
9. Samson and Delilah (Judges 14-16): Samson’s tragic romantic relationship with Delilah serves as a lesson in the repercussions of deviating from heavenly ideals.
10. Nabal and Abigail (1 Samuel 25): The value of humility, discernment, and making peace in a marriage is demonstrated by Abigail’s wisdom and intervention in the face of Nabal’s foolishness.
A breakdown of the disparities between biblical and legal marriage
The two main paradigms that govern marriage, which is a timeless institution, are biblical and legal.
Within the context of human relationships, legal marriages are frequently the focal point, publicly seen, and accepted by the general public. On the other hand, the biblically grounded Christian view of marriage is a component that is occasionally disregarded in the larger conversation.
The Christian interpretation of marriage has a deep spiritual value that strengthens the bond between partners, even while formal partnerships are awarded social acceptance.
Despite the apparent differences between these frameworks, their significance converges to profoundly affect the institution of marriage. Below is a breakdown of the difference between a legal and biblical marriage.
Biblical marriage: a spiritual covenant
1. Divine Origin:
- Biblical Perspective: Rooted in Genesis 2:24, biblical marriage is seen as a divine institution, with God Himself ordaining the union of a man and a woman.
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage, on the other hand, is primarily a societal contract recognized and regulated by governmental authorities.
2. Covenant and Commitment:
- Biblical Perspective: Marriage, in biblical terms, is not merely a legal agreement but a sacred covenant before God, emphasizing commitment, sacrificial love, and unity.
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage centers around contractual obligations and rights, often emphasizing the legal benefits and responsibilities conferred upon the couple.
3. Purpose and Design:
- Biblical Perspective: Biblical marriage is seen as a reflection of Christ’s love for the church, with the purpose of mutual support, companionship, and procreation.
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage is designed to provide a framework for shared property, inheritance, tax benefits, and legal recognition of familial ties.
Legal marriage: a social contract
1. Regulatory Framework:
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage involves obtaining a marriage license, adhering to specific legal requirements, and having the union officially recognized by government authorities.
- Biblical Perspective: While biblical marriage may align with legal processes, its validity is not solely contingent upon governmental recognition.
2. Rights and Responsibilities:
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage grants spouses certain legal rights, such as inheritance, healthcare decision-making, and financial benefits, while also imposing legal responsibilities.
- Biblical Perspective: Biblical marriage emphasizes mutual submission, love, and respect, with a focus on spiritual responsibilities guided by biblical principles.
3. Dissolution and Divorce:
- Legal Perspective: Legal marriage provides a structured process for divorce, allowing couples to dissolve the marriage legally and address matters such as alimony, custody, and division of assets.
- Biblical Perspective: While the Bible acknowledges the possibility of divorce in certain circumstances, its teachings emphasize the sanctity and permanence of the marital covenant.
Conclusion
Not only does the Bible contain profound principles that counsel marriages, but it also contains numerous verses and stories that reveal the complexities, difficulties, and victories of couples on their journey of commitment. The Bible is a timeless source of wisdom that never stops shining light on the path of union, offering encouragement and direction to couples seeking to build marriages based on enduring love, grace, and divine purpose.
