Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and OriginMarriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, instituted by God. It is designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. The foundational scripture for marriage is found in
Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong union.
Biblical PrinciplesThe Bible outlines several key principles for the marriage relationship:
1.
Unity and Oneness: The concept of "one flesh" signifies a deep, intimate bond that transcends physical union.
Ephesians 5:31-32 reiterates this, stating, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church."
2.
Love and Respect:
Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." Similarly,
Ephesians 5:33 advises, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." These verses highlight the reciprocal nature of love and respect in marriage.
3.
Mutual Submission:
Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This principle emphasizes humility and service within the marriage relationship.
4.
Faithfulness: The Bible strongly advocates for fidelity within marriage.
Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."
5.
Partnership and Support:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 illustrates the importance of partnership: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion."
Roles within MarriageThe Bible delineates specific roles for husbands and wives, emphasizing both leadership and partnership:
·
Husbands: Called to lead with love and sacrifice, as Christ leads the church.
Ephesians 5:23 states, "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior."
·
Wives: Encouraged to support and respect their husbands.
Proverbs 31:10-12 describes the virtuous wife: "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life."
Challenges and RestorationThe Bible acknowledges that marriage can face challenges, including conflict and sin. However, it also provides guidance for restoration and reconciliation:
·
Forgiveness:
Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
·
Reconciliation:
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 encourages reconciliation: "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."
ConclusionThe marriage relationship, as outlined in the Bible, is a profound and sacred covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church. It is characterized by love, respect, unity, and mutual submission, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for both husbands and wives. Through challenges, the Bible offers a path to forgiveness and reconciliation, underscoring the enduring nature of this divine institution.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 5:31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Topicalbible.org2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
Topicalbible.org
Greek
5563. chorizo -- to separate, divide... 5563 ("vacate"), as in the papyri, refers to a
marriage partner who the
relationship in soul or body (cf. Moulton-Milligan, 696).
...Library
Whether SpiritualRelationship is an Impediment toMarriage?
... for it precedes it. Therefore with much more reason can a spiritual
relationship hindermarriage than bodilyrelationship does....
Marriage and Celibacy.
... It was at this time that Christianity entered into the world, and while it added
fresh dignity and significance to themarriage relationship, it at the same...
Whether a Tie that is an Impediment toMarriage is Contracted...
... On the contrary,Relationship is an impediment tomarriage.... Therefore they do
not cause arelationship that is an impediment tomarriage....
Whether LegalRelationship is Contracted Only Between the Adopting...
... Objection 2: Further, therelationship that impedesmarriage is a perpetual
impediment. But there is not a perpetual impediment...
Whether SpiritualRelationship is Contracted by Baptism Only?
... power, for which reason it is not conferred on women, and consequently no impediment
tomarriage can arise therefrom. Hence this kind ofrelationship does not...
Whether SpiritualRelationship Passes from Husband to Wife?
...relationship will not reach her, because she is not a fit subject, and not because
spiritualrelationship cannot pass from husband to wife throughmarriage....
OfMarriage Between Blood-Relations, in Regard to which the...
... generations diverge, and become distantrelationship, or cease to berelationship
at all, religiously endeavored to limit it by the bond ofmarriage before it...
Whether a Person Contracts Affinity through theMarriage of a...
...Marriage makes a new kind of connection,. While birth makes a new degree,. because,
to wit, the person begotten is in the same kind ofrelationship, but in a...
Whereas the SpiritualRelationship is Greater than Fleshly...
... Whereas the spiritualrelationship is greater than fleshly affinity; and since it
has... must, in the first place, desist from this unlawfulmarriage, and then be...
TheMarriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign...
... [1714] [1715] It almost seems as if therelationship of Husband and Bride... Thus the
bridal pair on themarriage-day symbolised the union of God with Israel....
Resources
What is the definition of marriage? | GotQuestions.orgWhat constitutes marriage according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is God's design for marriage? | GotQuestions.orgMarriage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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