About…
marriage in the Bible

Marriage was instituted in the Paradise of the Garden of Eden, when man was in innocence (Genesis 2:18-24). Here we have its original charter, which was confirmed by our Lord, as the basis on which all regulations are to be framed (Matthew 19:4-5).

Monogamy vs. polygamy

It is evident that monogamy was the original law of marriage.

…the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh —Mark 10:8 —also Matthew 19:5; 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31

This law was violated in after times, when corrupt usages began to be introduced (Genesis 4:19; 6:2). We meet with the prevalence of polygamy and concubinage in the patriarchal age (Genesis 16:1-4; 22:21-24; 28:8,9; 29:23-30, etc.).

Polygamy was acknowledged in the Mosaic law and made the basis of legislation, and continued to be practiced all down through the period of Jewish history to the Captivity, after which there is no instance of it on record.

• If bigamy is sinful, why did King Solomon have so many wives? Answer

Arranged marriages

It seems to have been the practice from the beginning for fathers to select wives for their sons (Genesis 24:3; 38:6). Sometimes also proposals were initiated by the father of the maiden (Exodus 2:21). The brothers of the maiden were also sometimes consulted (Genesis 24:51; 34:11), but her own consent was not required. The young man was bound to give a price to the father of the maiden (31:15; 34:12; Exodus 22:16-17; 1 Samuel 18:23,25; Ruth 4:10; Hos. 3:2) On these patriarchal customs the Mosaic law made no change.

Marriage customs

In the pre-Mosaic times, when the proposals were accepted and the marriage price given, the bridegroom could come at once and take away his bride to his own house (Genesis 24:63-67). But, in general, the marriage was celebrated by a feast in the house of the bride’s parents, to which all friends were invited (29:22, 27); and on the day of the marriage the bride, concealed under a thick veil, was conducted to her future husband’s home.

Our Lord corrected many false notions then existing on the subject of marriage (Matthew 22:23-30), and placed it as a divine institution on the highest grounds.

The apostles state clearly and enforce the nuptial duties of husband and wife (Ephesians 5:22-33; Col. 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7).

Marriage is said to be “honorable” (Hebrews 13:4), and the prohibition of it is noted as one of the marks of degenerate times (1 Timothy 4:3).

Marriage Symbolism

The marriage relation is used to represent the union between God and his people (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:1-14; Hos. 2:9, 20).

In the New Testament the same figure is employed in representing the love of Christ to his saints (Ephesians 5:25-27). The Church of the redeemed is the “bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Rev. 19:7-9).

Answers to frequently asked questions

• TRUE LOVE—What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer
• What does it mean to be “the husband of one wife?” Answer
• BIGAMY—If bigamy is sinful, why did King Solomon have so many wives? Answer
• OBSELETE?—Is formalized marriage becoming obsolete? Answer
  Many people are convinced that traditional marriages don’t work and that this practice should be abandoned. What does the Bible say about marriage?
• REMARRIAGE—Under what conditions may Christians divorce and remarry? Answer
• ETERNAL MARRIAGE—Is marriage eternal? Answer
  What about the Mormon claim that LDS temple marriage is forever, not “till death do us part”?
• EXTRAMARRITAL SEX—Why should I save sex for marriage? Answer
• GAY MARRIAGE—What does the Bible say about same sex marriages? Answer

More information

• For a follower of Christ, what is love—a feeling, an emotion, or an action?
• What is true love and how do you know when you have found it?
• Purity—Should I save sex for marriage?
• What is sexual immorality?
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• Sexual lust outside of marriage—Why does God strongly warn us about it?
• What does the Bible reveal about Adultery?
• Is there a way to overcome illicit and excessive lust for sex?
• Temptations—How can I deal with them?
• Consequences—What are the consequences of sexual immorality?
• Marriage Obsolete?—Is formalized marriage becoming obsolete?
  Many people seem convinced that traditional marriages don’t work and that this practice should be abandoned. What does the Bible say about marriage?
• Is inter-ethnic marriage biblical?
• Learn how to make your love the best it can be. Christian answers to questions about sex, marriage, sexual addictions, and more. Valuable resources for Christian couples, singles and pastors.