Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the marriage covenant is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a foundational element of human relationships as ordained by God. The marriage covenant is not merely a social contract but a sacred bond that reflects the divine intention for unity, fidelity, and love between a husband and wife.
Biblical FoundationThe institution of marriage is established in the early chapters of Genesis. In
Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "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 covenantal nature of marriage, highlighting the leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh as essential components of the marital bond. The "one flesh" union signifies a profound, inseparable connection that transcends mere physical union, encompassing emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions.
Covenantal LanguageThroughout Scripture, marriage is depicted using covenantal language, emphasizing its solemn and binding nature.
Malachi 2:14 addresses the faithlessness of Israelite men who dealt treacherously with their wives, stating, "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant." Here, the term "marriage covenant" explicitly affirms the sacred and binding nature of the marital relationship, with God Himself as a witness to this covenant.
Reflecting Divine LoveThe marriage covenant is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. In
Ephesians 5:25-32 , the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the love of Christ for the church and the love a husband should have for his wife: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her... This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." This passage highlights the sacrificial, selfless love that should characterize the marriage covenant, reflecting the divine love and commitment of Christ to His bride, the church.
Permanence and FidelityThe marriage covenant is intended to be a lifelong commitment. Jesus reaffirms this in
Matthew 19:6 , saying, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This underscores the permanence of the marriage covenant, which is not to be dissolved by human decision but is to be honored and upheld as a divine ordinance.
Roles and ResponsibilitiesWithin the marriage covenant, Scripture outlines distinct roles and responsibilities for husbands and wives, promoting harmony and mutual respect.
Ephesians 5:22-33 instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This mutual submission and love create a balanced and nurturing environment where both partners can thrive and fulfill their God-given roles.
ConclusionThe marriage covenant, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred and binding agreement that mirrors the relationship between Christ and the church. It is characterized by unity, fidelity, love, and mutual respect, serving as a testament to God's divine plan for human relationships.
Topical Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Topicalbible.orgRomans 7:2
For the woman which has an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
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Matthew 19:6
Why they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.
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Library
TheCovenant of Grace
... This is amarriage covenant. "I am married to you, saith the Lord." Jeremiah
3:14.... Before themarriage-covenant there must be a divorce....
Questions and Answers
... is equal to the responsibility, and as long as they continue to love each other
they will never have the slightest disposition to break thatmarriage covenant....
Letter xviii.Marriage.
... 2. That themarriage covenant should be cemented by a principle of a peculiar kind,
will appear from the superiority of the soul over the body....
Covenant Duties.
...Covenant, present themselves before him.[257] In themarriage covenant husband and
wife bind themselves in the presence of God to the duties of that relation....
Dorrelites.
... Those who are raised are free from all civil laws; are not bound by themarriage
covenant; and the perfect have a right to promiscuous intercourse....
In those Years I Taught Rhetoric, And, Overcome by Cupidity...
... one, remaining faithful even to her; in whom I in my own case experienced what
difference there is betwixt the self-restraint of themarriage-covenant, for the...
Christ the Best Husband: or an Earnest Invitation to Young Women...
... Jesus Christ, my dear sisters, doth choose you merely by his free grace; it is freely
of his own mercy, that he brings you into themarriage covenant: You, who...
Jesus as a Friend.
... "For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health," runs the
marriage covenant. Thecovenant in all true friendship is the same....
The First Commandment
... After choice themarriage-covenant follows. As... God looks upon it as breaking
themarriage-covenant, to go after other gods. Therefore...
What Jesus Says of the Meaning of his Miracles
... hierarchy: "An evil and adulterous generation (that is, according to prophetical
phraseology; a generation which apostatized from themarriage covenant with God...
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 •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
