Marriage is a sacred union ordained by God between a man and a woman. The Bible provides foundational truths about marriage that serve as an invaluable guide for married couples. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles concerning marriage:
Marriage was instituted by God
The Bible makes it clear that marriage was established by God at creation, before the fall of man. Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Marriage is part of God’s original design for human relationships and society.
Marriage is between one man and one woman
God’s intentional design for marriage was between one man and one woman. Genesis 2:24 describes the man leaving his parents and becoming “one flesh” with his wife. Jesus affirmed this understanding of marriage in Matthew 19:4-6, quoting from Genesis 1:27 and 2:24. Any sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant between a man and a woman is sinful.
Husbands are called to sacrificial love and leadership
The Bible calls husbands to love their wives with the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This love calls husbands to serve, care for, honor and protect their wives. The Bible also calls husbands to loving, humble leadership in the relationship. Ephesians 5:23 states, “The husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church.”
Wives are called to respectful submission
Wives are instructed in Scripture to submit to their husbands’ loving leadership. Ephesians 5:22-24 states, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord…as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” This submission is not demeaning, but instead recognizes the husbands’ responsibility to lead and provide for the family.
Marriage reflects Christ’s relationship to the church
A key theme in the New Testament is that marriage between a man and woman reflects Christ’s sacrificial, covenant relationship with the church. Ephesians 5 makes this parallel explicit. As human marriage mirrors this divine mystery, it takes on transcendent meaning. Marriage becomes a living witness to the gospel.
Marriage must be kept sacred and pure
Because marriage is holy and designed by God, the marriage bed must also be kept holy and pure. Hebrews 13:4 declares, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.” God condemns all sexual activity or lust outside of marriage. Faithfulness between husband and wife honors the faithfulness of Christ.
Unity and intimacy are key purposes of marriage
An important biblical purpose of marriage is the unity and intimacy it creates between husband and wife. Genesis 2:24 speaks of the “one flesh” union. This intimacy points to the way marriage builds deeper levels of intimacy and connection. It provides a safe, sacred place for vulnerability, openness and sharing between spouses.
Marriage provides companionship and partnership
The first chapters of Genesis portray marriage as a companionship where the woman complements and completes the man. Genesis 2:18 states, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” God designed marriage so the man and woman could fulfill their calling together in partnership, love and mutual support.
Procreation is a purpose of marriage
While not the sole purpose, an important function of biblical marriage is procreation and raising godly children. Malachi 2:15 states that an essential purpose of marriage is to “seek godly offspring.” Children are a blessing from God, and marriage provides the appropriate context for rearing the next generation.
Marriage is permanent and exclusive
Marriage is intended to be a lifelong, permanent covenant between husband and wife. Jesus said, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6). The commitment of marriage is secured by an exchange of solemn vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Marriage also requires exclusivity. Adultery is sternly condemned in Scripture (Exodus 20:14). Faithfulness to one’s spouse honors the marriage covenant.
Divorce is discouraged, but permitted in some situations
Because marriage is intended to be permanent, Scripture discourages divorce. Malachi 2:16 states that God hates divorce. However, because of human sinfulness, the Bible permits divorce in certain situations. Jesus said porneia (sexual immorality) could be legitimate grounds for divorce (Matthew 5:32). Paul also permitted divorce if an unbelieving spouse abandons a marriage (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Marriage takes effort and negotiation
Though marriage is a beautiful gift from God, it requires constant work and sacrifice. Ephesians 5 calls husbands and wives to mutually submit to each other. Amos 3:3 asks, “How can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Wise couples must talk through disagreements and conflicts while extending grace and understanding.
Marriage should be honored by all
Because the marital relationship is honorable before God, all people should honor and esteem marriage. Married couples deserve encouragement, support and prayer. Hebrews 13:4 calls all Christians to hold marriage in high regard and keep the marriage bed pure.
God blesses and sanctifies marriages
Scripture promises that when couples commit their marriage fully to God, He will bless their union in special ways. 1 Corinthians 7:14 tells believers that their spouse is sanctified through their faith. Couples who put Christ at the center of their marriage are enriched and guided by Him.
Marriage illustrates God’s covenant faithfulness
Beyond reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church, marriage also illustrates God’s covenant faithfulness. In the same way that God unconditional keeps His promises, husbands and wives must unconditionally give themselves to each other in lifelong covenant commitment. Marriage is a living example of the gospel.
Believers should marry only fellow believers
While marriage between a believer and unbeliever is not forbidden in Scripture, it is generally discouraged. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against being “unequally yoked.” Marriage has profound spiritual implications, and unity on core values is hugely beneficial. Marriage to a fellow believer allows for a deep spiritual connection.
Marriage requires mutual sacrificial service
Marriage is not designed simply to meet one’s own needs and desires. Rather, like Christ’s relationship with the church, it thrives when spouses humbly serve each other. Each spouse should seek to outdo one another in love and service. As Galatians 5:13 says, “Through love serve one another.”
God designed sexual intimacy solely for marriage
The Bible consistently restricts all forms of sexual activity to within marriage between husband and wife. Passages like 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 teach that regular sexual intimacy in marriage is a key part of God’s design. It distinguishes marriage from other relationships and fosters oneness, joy and fulfillment.
In summary, the Bible provides abundant guidance for marriage relationships. It teaches that marriage is sacred, designed by God, and serves many important purposes. When rooted in biblical principles, marriage is a beautiful avenue for intimacy, companionship, partnership and godly discipleship.