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Marriage is one of the most important institutions established by God. It is a sacred covenant designed to reflect His love, faithfulness, and purpose for humanity. Throughout the Bible, marriage is described as a divine union between a man and a woman, serving as the foundation for family and society. This study explores various aspects of biblical marriage, including its origin, purpose, roles, and responsibilities, using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.
The Origin of Marriage
The institution of marriage was established by God at the beginning of creation. In Genesis, we see that marriage is part of God’s perfect design for mankind:
Genesis 2:18, 21-24 (NKJV) – “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”
“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This passage highlights several key principles:
- Marriage is ordained by God.
- A husband and wife are to be joined as one flesh.
- The relationship is meant to be complementary, with each spouse supporting the other.
The Purpose of Marriage
Marriage serves several important purposes according to the Bible:
Companionship
God created Eve because Adam was alone. Marriage provides emotional, physical, and spiritual companionship.
Procreation
God designed marriage as the context for bearing and raising children.
Genesis 1:28 (NKJV) – “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”
Reflection of Christ’s Relationship with the Church
Marriage is a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church, demonstrating unconditional love, sacrifice, and unity.
Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV) – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
The Covenant Nature of Marriage
Marriage is not just a social contract but a lifelong covenant before God.
Malachi 2:14 (NKJV) – “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
Roles and Responsibilities in Marriage
The Bible outlines distinct roles for husbands and wives to maintain harmony and fulfill God’s design.
The Husband’s Role
- Leader:
Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) – “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.”
- Lover and Protector:
Colossians 3:19 (NKJV) – “Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.”
- Provider:
1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) – “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
The Wife’s Role
- Helper and Supporter:
Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) – “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”
- Respectful and Submissive:
Ephesians 5:22 (NKJV) – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
- Virtuous and Diligent:
Proverbs 31:10-12 (NKJV) – “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
Biblical Principles for a Strong Marriage
Love and Respect
Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV) – “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Faithfulness
Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV) – “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
Forgiveness and Patience
Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) – “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Divorce and Remarriage
The Bible strongly discourages divorce but acknowledges circumstances where it is permitted.
Matthew 19:6 (NKJV) – “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Permissible Grounds for Divorce
Matthew 5:32 (NKJV) – “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.”
- Abandonment by an Unbelieving Spouse:
1 Corinthians 7:15 (NKJV) – “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”
Singleness
While marriage is honorable, the Bible also acknowledges that singleness can be a calling from God.
1 Corinthians 7:8 (NKJV) – “But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am.”
Conclusion
Marriage is a divine institution created by God for companionship, procreation, and as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church. The Bible provides clear guidance on the roles of husbands and wives, emphasizing love, respect, faithfulness, and forgiveness. While divorce is discouraged, the Bible does acknowledge exceptional circumstances where it may be allowed. Ultimately, God’s design for marriage is to be a lifelong covenant that glorifies Him.
By following biblical principles, couples can build strong, God-honoring marriages that reflect His love and faithfulness.