The Bible does not directly address the modern concept of prenuptial agreements. However, there are some principles and examples in Scripture that can provide wisdom for Christians considering a prenuptial agreement.
Marriage is a covenant relationship
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant before God (Malachi 2:14). Unlike modern legal contracts that focus on protecting individual rights, a covenant focuses on commitment, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love. This covenantal view suggests mutual trust and faith in God’s provision should supersede the perceived need for legal protections.
However, even in biblical times, marriages did involve property rights and financial considerations (Genesis 24:53, Exodus 22:16-17). So practical wisdom is still required when entering into marriage.
Unity in marriage
The Bible emphasizes the “one flesh” unity that God intends in marriage (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:6). This ideal unity seems contrary to entering marriage with a prenuptial contract that prepares for potential division. However, even united couples can still engage in wise preparation.
The purpose of marriage
Christian marriage is intended for mutual companionship and godly offspring (Genesis 2:18, Malachi 2:15). worldly motives like status, wealth or convenience are discouraged. To the extent a prenup elevates worldly motives, it could distract from the biblical purpose and blessing of marriage.
Roles and responsibilities
Husbands and wives have distinct roles and responsibilities in biblical marriage. The husband is called to sacrificially love and provide for his wife (Ephesians 5:25). And the wife is called to loving, respectful submission to her husband’s leadership in the home (Ephesians 5:22-24). Biblical marriage should be marked by mutual care and service, not contractual stipulations.
Trust and communication
A successful Christian marriage requires developing trust, understanding and mutual submission over a lifetime (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). These things cannot be contractually guaranteed. Entering marriage with suspicion rather than openness makes building trust and intimacy more difficult.
The permanence of marriage
Jesus emphasized God’s intention for marriage to be a lifelong union (Matthew 19:6). Seeking an “exit strategy” via prenup seems to undermine the commitment to permanent marriage. However, wisdom and counsel can strengthen marriages against the risk of divorce.
Faith in God’s provision
Ultimately Christians are called to seek God’s kingdom above earthly concerns like wealth (Matthew 6:24-34). Trusting God to provide and protect is emphasized over legal guarantees (Philippians 4:19). This faith can guide decisions about prenuptial agreements.
Examples in the Bible
There are some examples in the Bible that relate to topics covered in prenups:
- Dowries – Brides were given property upon entering marriage (Genesis 24:53, Exodus 22:17). This provided financial protection.
- Inheritance – Laws helped ensure property stayed within families (Numbers 27:1-11). Prenups can designate inheritance.
- Divorce terms – Certificate of divorce decreed property rights (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). Prenups stipulate these rights.
- Exempt property – Priests kept ancestral property in jubilee years (Leviticus 25:28-34). Prenups can exempt assets.
Potential benefits of prenuptial agreements
When entered into with prayerful wisdom, prenups may offer some benefits:
- Encourage thorough financial transparency and discussion before marriage.
- Clarify respective property rights that could become contentious during separation.
- Help provide for children and former spouses.
- Allow focus on the marriage rather than on material disputes if separation occurs.
- Protect family assets and interests like a business.
Cautions regarding prenuptial agreements
There are also important cautions Christians should consider:
- A prenup may enable unhealthy motives for marriage like status or money.
- Planning for divorce seems contrary to the covenant of marriage.
- Prenups require predicting the future which Christians cannot control.
- The stronger party may pressure the other to forfeit rights in a prenup.
- Prenups can erode trust, intimacy and self-sacrifice in marriage.
- Focusing on preserving individual rights opposes the oneness of marriage.
Seeking godly counsel
Given the complexity of this issue, Christians considering a prenuptial agreement are wise to seek counsel:
- Pray – Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance about motivations and decisions.
- Pastors – Gain insight and accountability from church leaders.
- Mentors – Learn from those with biblical wisdom and life experience.
- Financial planners – Understand the legal and financial implications.
- Counselors – Address any relationship difficulties or unhealthy dynamics.
Questions to reflect on
Here are some questions Christian couples should reflect on when considering a prenuptial agreement:
- What are my motivations for marriage and for wanting a prenup?
- Does this help or hinder the covenant unity of marriage?
- Could a prenup introduce suspicion or selfishness into the marriage?
- How does this impact trust and intimacy between us?
- Does a prenup distract from godly marriage priorities like faith, friendship, and family?
- Does this protect or take advantage of the financially weaker partner?
- Have we sought wise counsel about this decision?
- Can I proceed with a clear conscience before God?
Conclusion
The Bible does not prohibit prenuptial agreements outright, but it does emphasize principles for marriage that seem contrary to contractual stipulations. With wisdom and sound counsel, prenups may be an appropriate measure in some circumstances. However, Christians should prioritize their covenant relationship with God and their spouse over temporal concerns. Biblical faith and unconditional love are far more important to a Christian marriage than legal protections.