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Understanding the Context

What Does Scripture Say About Marriage?

The Bible paints marriage not as a mere human arrangement but as a sacred bond established by God Himself. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures teach that marriage is a divine institution built on mutual love, faithfulness, and mutual submission—principles that transcend time, culture, and personal preferences.

1. Genesis 2:24 — The Union of Soul and Body

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
— Webster’s Classic Translation

Key Insights

This foundational verse reveals the essence of marriage: a profound union where two individuals become “one flesh.” Unlike a simplistic notion of companionship, “one flesh” signifies a deep, spiritual integration that reflects God’s design for intimate, whole-hearted partnership. It’s not about merging into one identity but about bonding in love, purpose, and identity—forever bound.

2. Matthew 19:4–6 — Divine Intent in the Covenant

Jesus affirms the permanence and sacredness of marriage when He responds to伊sra’el’s (Israel’s) question about divorce:
"But from the beginning of creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ So as God intended, a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh—so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."
— Matthew 19:4–6 (NIV)

Jesus affirms the biblical ceiling on divorce, emphasizing that marriage is not a flexible option but a covenantal bond—so secure that separation is only justified in extreme cases. This scripture transforms how we see marital commitment: it’s not just to each other, but to God and His purpose.

3. Ephesians 5:22–33 — Mutual Love and Sacrifice

Final Thoughts

Paul’s teaching on Christian marriage sets a transformative standard:
"Wives, submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Just as the church submits to Christ, so wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, and do not treat them as property. Instead, treat them with the same reverence as Christ treats the church—himself being the sacred body of which she is a part. Honor them as you honor Christ, and never refrain from teaching godliness to your children, but make sure your teaching honors God."
— Ephesians 5:22–33

This passage redefines marital dynamics: husbands are called to leadership rooted in love, not control. Wives are invited into partnership, not subordination. Together, they mirror Christ’s love for the church—sacrificial, humble, and deeply intentional. This reshapes marriage from power struggles to mutual reverence and servant leadership.

What Changes When We See Marriage Through Scripture?

Understanding marriage via Scripture transforms perspectives in four key ways:

• Marriage is permanent and intentional. The biblical view rejects casual or temporary unions as normative—marriage is a lifelong covenant, reflecting commitment to God.
  - It’s a mutual, equal partnership. The “one flesh” metaphor and Paul’s call for mutual love redefine gender roles as collaborative rather than hierarchical.
  - It’s rooted in love and purpose, not convenience. Rejecting rejection due to fear, divorce as routine, or divorce as optional reframes marriage as a journey of growth and grace.
  - It reflects God’s heart for wholeness. Every verse points to marriage as a microcosm of God’s redemptive plan: restored relationships, unity, and dignity for all.