What is the biblical definition of marriage?

Marriage, as defined biblically, is a profound and sacred institution established by God. It is a covenantal union between one man and one woman, intended to reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church. This definition is rooted in several key passages of Scripture, each of which reveals different facets of the divine purpose and nature of marriage.

The foundation of the biblical understanding of marriage is found in the creation narrative in Genesis. Genesis 2:18-24 provides the first and most fundamental description of marriage. Here, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18, NIV). God's creation of woman from man's rib symbolizes the intimate and equal partnership intended in marriage. Adam's response to Eve, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23, NIV), underscores the unity and oneness that marriage entails. The passage concludes with the statement, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24, NIV), which encapsulates the essence of marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union.

The concept of "one flesh" is central to the biblical definition of marriage. This phrase signifies not only physical union but also emotional, spiritual, and relational oneness. It implies a deep, covenantal bond that transcends mere contract or social arrangement. Jesus reaffirms this understanding in the New Testament when He cites Genesis 2:24 in His teachings on marriage. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus says, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (NIV). Here, Jesus emphasizes the divine origin and indissolubility of marriage.

The apostle Paul further elaborates on the theological significance of marriage in his letters. In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul draws an analogy between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church. He instructs wives to submit to their husbands "as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22, NIV) and husbands to love their wives "just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25, NIV). This passage highlights the reciprocal, sacrificial love that should characterize marriage. Paul concludes by quoting Genesis 2:24 and adding, "This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:32, NIV). Thus, marriage is not only a human institution but also a living metaphor for the redemptive relationship between Christ and His people.

Another important aspect of the biblical definition of marriage is its purpose. According to Scripture, marriage serves several key purposes: companionship, procreation, and mutual support. Genesis 2:18 emphasizes companionship: "It is not good for the man to be alone." The procreative purpose of marriage is highlighted in Genesis 1:28, where God blesses the first couple and commands them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it" (NIV). The mutual support aspect is evident in passages like Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which extol the benefits of partnership: "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV).

The Bible also addresses the ethical dimensions of marriage, emphasizing fidelity, exclusivity, and permanence. Adultery is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments (Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:27-28), and marital faithfulness is upheld as a virtue. The exclusivity of marriage is inherent in the "one flesh" concept, which precludes polygamy and extramarital relationships. The permanence of marriage is underscored by Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19:6: "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Christian literature throughout the ages has echoed and expanded upon these biblical themes. For instance, Augustine of Hippo, in his treatise "On the Good of Marriage," argues that marriage is a good and holy institution ordained by God for the purposes of procreation, fidelity, and the sacramental bond. Martin Luther, in his writings, emphasized the companionship and mutual support aspects of marriage, viewing it as a means of sanctification for both spouses. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his "Letters and Papers from Prison," describes marriage as a "school of love" where individuals learn to live out the self-giving love modeled by Christ.

In contemporary Christian thought, marriage continues to be viewed as a covenantal relationship that mirrors the love and commitment of Christ to His Church. Authors like Tim Keller, in his book "The Meaning of Marriage," argue that marriage is a divine institution designed to refine and sanctify individuals, teaching them the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Keller emphasizes that marriage is not primarily about personal fulfillment but about reflecting God's glory and advancing His kingdom.

In summary, the biblical definition of marriage encompasses several key elements: it is a covenantal union between one man and one woman, characterized by oneness and exclusivity, and intended to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. Marriage serves the purposes of companionship, procreation, and mutual support, and it is governed by ethical principles of fidelity, exclusivity, and permanence. This understanding is rooted in Scripture and has been affirmed and elaborated upon by Christian thinkers throughout history. In a world where the institution of marriage is often challenged and redefined, the biblical perspective offers a timeless and transcendent vision of what marriage is meant to be.