Marriage
The sacred covenant between husband and wife instituted by God
Overview
Marriage stands as God's first human institution, established in Eden before the fall. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). This foundational relationship pictures an even greater reality—Christ's love for His church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Marriage is thus both practically significant and profoundly symbolic.
Scripture defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman for life. Jesus affirmed this creation pattern: "From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female" (Mark 10:6). This exclusive, permanent union reflects God's faithful love and provides the context for sexual intimacy, procreation, and companionship. "Marriage is honourable in all" (Hebrews 13:4).
God assigns complementary roles within marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church—leading with gentleness, providing protection, and caring for her needs (Ephesians 5:25-28). Wives are called to respect and submit to their husbands, supporting their leadership and helping them fulfill their calling (Ephesians 5:22-24, 33). These roles do not imply inequality but reflect God's beautiful design for unity in diversity.
Christian marriage requires continual cultivation: communication, forgiveness, prayer, service, and renewed commitment. Divorce, while permitted in certain circumstances, was never God's intent—"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matthew 19:6). A godly marriage glorifies God, blesses the couple, provides stability for children, and witnesses to the world of gospel realities.
Subtopics
God's Design
Marriage as God intended
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Genesis 2:24
— Leave and cleave, one flesh
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
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Matthew 19:4-6
— What God hath joined together
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
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Hebrews 13:4
— Marriage is honourable
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
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Proverbs 18:22
— Findeth a wife findeth a good thing
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Husbands and Wives
Roles in marriage
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Ephesians 5:25
— Husbands, love your wives
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
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Ephesians 5:22
— Wives, submit unto your husbands
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
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Colossians 3:19
— Love your wives, be not bitter
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
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1 Peter 3:7
— Dwell with them according to knowledge
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Christ and the Church
Marriage as gospel picture
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Ephesians 5:31-32
— A great mystery: Christ and church
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
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Revelation 19:7
— Marriage of the Lamb
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
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2 Corinthians 11:2
— Espoused to one husband
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
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Isaiah 54:5
— Thy Maker is thine husband
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
Study Guidance
Topical study benefits from reading verses in their broader context. Click any reference above to view the complete passage and surrounding verses. Consider comparing how different biblical authors address the same theme across various contexts and time periods.
Cross-reference study deepens understanding. Many verses listed here connect to other passages—use the cross-references provided on individual verse pages to trace theological themes throughout Scripture.