What’s the Point of Marriage According to the Bible?

Marriage is a fundamental institution in human society, and for many, understanding its purpose is crucial.

The Bible provides profound insights into the essence and purpose of marriage, which have shaped the views and practices of countless people throughout history.

If you’re curious about what the Bible says about marriage and why it’s important, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the biblical perspective on the point of marriage.

What’s the Point of Marriage According to the Bible

The Origin of Marriage

Created by God

From the very beginning, marriage was part of God’s plan.

In the book of Genesis, we find the first mention of marriage.

God created man and woman, and their union was His idea. 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.”

This verse highlights a few critical aspects:

Leaving and Cleaving: Marriage involves a new beginning. A man leaves his parents and forms a new, primary relationship with his wife.
Unity: The concept of becoming “one flesh” emphasizes a deep, physical, and spiritual unity.

Companionship

God recognized that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so He created Eve. Genesis 2:18 says:

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Marriage is designed to provide companionship.

It’s about having someone to share life’s journey with, to support and complement one another.

Reflecting God’s Love

A Picture of Christ and the Church

In the New Testament, marriage is often used as a metaphor to describe the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Ephesians 5:25-27 illustrates this beautifully:

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

Sacrificial Love: Just as Christ’s love for the Church is sacrificial, so should be the love between husband and wife.
Sanctification: Marriage is a journey of mutual growth and sanctification, helping each other become more Christ-like.

Covenant Relationship

Marriage in the Bible is more than a contract; it’s a covenant.

This covenant is a sacred, binding agreement that reflects God’s faithful love. Malachi 2:14 describes it as:

“…the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

A covenant in biblical terms is unbreakable and calls for unwavering commitment, mirroring God’s enduring faithfulness to us.

Procreation and Raising Godly Offspring

Filling the Earth

One of the first commands God gave to humanity was to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).

This mandate highlights the role of marriage in procreation.

Through marriage, God’s design is for couples to bring new life into the world and raise children within a stable, loving environment.

Raising Godly Children

Malachi 2:15 emphasizes the purpose of marriage in raising godly offspring:

“Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.”

Marriage creates a foundation for children to grow up in faith, learning to love and serve God.

Mutual Support and Partnership

Helping Each Other

The Bible speaks of marriage as a partnership where spouses support and help each other.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength of this partnership:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Support in Challenges: Marriage provides a support system, especially during tough times.
Shared Success: Working together often leads to greater accomplishments than working alone.

Complementary Roles

In marriage, each spouse brings unique strengths and perspectives.

Genesis 2:18 describes Eve as a “helper suitable” for Adam, indicating that each partner complements the other.

This complementary nature ensures balance and helps in managing the various aspects of life together.

Sexual Intimacy and Purity

Intimacy

The Bible celebrates sexual intimacy within marriage.

Proverbs 5:18-19 encourages this joy:

“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”

Joy and Satisfaction: Sexual intimacy in marriage is a source of joy and deep satisfaction.
Bonding: It strengthens the bond between husband and wife.

Purity

Marriage also provides a framework for sexual purity. 1 Corinthians 7:2 advises:

“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”

This suggests that marriage is God’s provision for a healthy, pure expression of sexual desires.

Reflecting God’s Character

Love and Forgiveness

Marriage is a space where we practice love, patience, and forgiveness, reflecting God’s character. Colossians 3:13-14 says:

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Patience and Kindness: Daily interactions in marriage are opportunities to show patience and kindness.
Forgiveness: Marriages thrive on forgiveness, mirroring God’s grace towards us.

Conclusion

Understanding the biblical perspective on marriage gives us a profound appreciation for its purpose.

Marriage is designed by God to provide companionship, reflect His love, foster procreation and raise godly offspring, offer mutual support, and uphold sexual intimacy and purity.

It’s a covenant relationship that mirrors God’s faithful love and serves as a platform for practicing love, patience, and forgiveness.

When you view marriage through the lens of the Bible, it becomes clear that it’s more than just a social construct—it’s a divine institution with deep spiritual significance.

Whether you’re married, planning to marry, or simply curious, understanding these biblical principles can enrich your perspective on this sacred union.

Key Takeaways:

God’s Design: Marriage is part of God’s original plan, providing unity and companionship.
Reflecting Christ: It symbolizes Christ’s love for the Church, calling for sacrificial love and commitment.
Raising Children: It’s a foundation for raising godly offspring.
Mutual Support: Marriage offers a partnership for mutual support and shared success.
Sexual Intimacy: It’s celebrated and encouraged within marriage.
Spiritual Growth: It’s a space to reflect God’s character through love, patience, and forgiveness.

Remember, marriage according to the Bible is about much more than personal happiness.

It’s about fulfilling God’s purpose and reflecting His love and commitment to the world.

FAQs: What’s the Point of Marriage According to the Bible?

What is the biblical definition of marriage?

Marriage in the Bible is a covenant relationship between a man and a woman, instituted by God.

It involves leaving one’s family to form a new union, becoming “one flesh” in a bond of unity, love, and mutual support (Genesis 2:24).

Why is marriage important according to the Bible?

Marriage is significant in the Bible because it:

Reflects God’s Design: It’s part of God’s original plan for companionship and unity (Genesis 2:18-24).
Symbolizes Christ’s Relationship with the Church: It mirrors the sacrificial love and commitment Christ has for His Church (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Provides a Foundation for Family: It’s the context for procreation and raising godly children (Genesis 1:28, Malachi 2:15).
Supports Mutual Growth: It offers mutual support, companionship, and a platform for personal and spiritual growth (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

What does “one flesh” mean in the context of marriage?

The term “one flesh” signifies the deep, intimate union between husband and wife.

It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual unity, emphasizing that they are no longer two individuals but one entity in marriage (Genesis 2:24).

How does the Bible describe the roles of husband and wife?

The Bible outlines complementary roles for husbands and wives:

Husbands: Called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loves the Church, and to lead with kindness and integrity (Ephesians 5:25-33).
Wives: Encouraged to respect their husbands and to be supportive partners, working together for mutual benefit (Ephesians 5:22-24, Proverbs 31:10-31).

What is the purpose of sexual intimacy in marriage according to the Bible?

Sexual intimacy in marriage is celebrated as a source of joy, bonding, and satisfaction.

It’s meant to strengthen the marital bond and provide a pure expression of love and desire within the secure context of marriage (Proverbs 5:18-19, 1 Corinthians 7:2).

How does marriage reflect God’s relationship with His people?

Marriage symbolizes the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church.

Just as Christ is devoted to and sacrifices for the Church, spouses are called to love and commit to each other unconditionally (Ephesians 5:25-27).

What is the role of marriage in raising children?

Marriage provides a stable and nurturing environment for raising children.

It’s intended to be a foundation for teaching and modeling godly values, helping children grow in faith and character (Malachi 2:15, Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

How does marriage contribute to spiritual growth?

Marriage serves as a context where individuals practice and develop virtues such as love, patience, forgiveness, and humility.

It’s a journey of mutual sanctification, helping each other grow closer to God and become more Christ-like (Colossians 3:13-14, Ephesians 4:2-3).

Is marriage a requirement for Christians?

While marriage is highly valued and encouraged in the Bible, it’s not a requirement for all Christians.

The Apostle Paul, for instance, speaks about the benefits of singleness in serving God without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:7-8).

The key is to follow God’s calling, whether to marriage or singleness.

How can couples strengthen their marriage according to biblical principles?

Couples can strengthen their marriage by:

Cultivating Love and Respect: Show unconditional love and respect to each other (Ephesians 5:33).
Communicating Openly: Engage in honest and loving communication (James 1:19).
Praying Together: Seek God’s guidance and pray together regularly (Philippians 4:6).
Practicing Forgiveness: Forgive each other as God forgives (Colossians 3:13).
Investing in Each Other: Spend quality time together and support each other’s growth (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

What does the Bible say about divorce?

The Bible presents marriage as a lifelong covenant.

Divorce is generally discouraged but is allowed in specific circumstances, such as marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9).

The emphasis is on reconciliation and upholding the sanctity of the marriage covenant wherever possible.

How can single people honor the biblical view of marriage?

Single people can honor the biblical view of marriage by:

Living Pure Lives: Upholding sexual purity and respecting the sanctity of marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Preparing for Future Marriage: Developing character and qualities that contribute to a strong marriage.
Supporting Married Couples: Encouraging and supporting the marriages around them through prayer and practical help.

Does the Bible provide guidance on choosing a marriage partner?

Yes, the Bible offers principles for choosing a marriage partner:

Shared Faith: Seek a partner who shares your faith and values (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Character and Integrity: Look for qualities like kindness, patience, and a heart for God (Proverbs 31:10-12).
Mutual Support: Choose someone who supports and complements you (Genesis 2:18).

Can marriage bring happiness according to the Bible?

Yes, marriage can bring profound joy and fulfillment.

However, the Bible also teaches that marriage is about more than personal happiness.

It’s about reflecting God’s love, raising godly offspring, and growing together in faith and character (Proverbs 5:18-19, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Understanding the biblical purpose of marriage provides a deeper appreciation for this sacred institution.

Whether you’re married, considering marriage, or simply exploring, these insights can enrich your perspective and guide your journey.