What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage? The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
Key verse: Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." — Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Marriage is the first human institution established by God. In Genesis 2:24, God declared, 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.' Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 19:4-6, adding, 'What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.' Ephesians 5:22-33 elevates marriage to a profound spiritual metaphor: the husband's love should mirror Christ's sacrificial love for the church, and the wife's respect should reflect the church's devotion to Christ. Marriage is designed for companionship ('It is not good that the man should be alone' — Genesis 2:18), procreation (Genesis 1:28), and mutual sanctification. The Bible calls the marriage bed 'undefiled' (Hebrews 13:4) and warns against adultery. 1 Corinthians 7 provides practical guidance for married life, emphasizing mutual love and devotion. While marriage involves challenges, God designed it to be a source of joy, growth, and a visible picture of the gospel to a watching world.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
Key Scripture References
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it."
"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
What Does the Bible Say About Children?
The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex and Sexuality?
The Bible presents sex as a good gift from God designed exclusively for the covenant of marriage between husband and wife.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Genesis 2:24 Commentary
In-depth study • Marriage
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Genesis. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Genesis on day 11 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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