Read Genesis 2:18-25

What does the Bible say about marriage?

Wow! It says quite a bit…and these 400 words are supposed to summarize all of that? Well, we certainly won’t address every detail, but let’s bullet point a few of the biggest takeaways. Whether you are married, single and wishing you were married, or have influence in the lives of others fitting into the above two categories, God’s word provides some important insights. Here we go!

Not everyone should marry! That may seem like an unusual place to start, but it is important to understand. Both Paul and Jesus point out that single life can be leveraged for the sake of singular focus of service for God and His kingdom (Matt. 19:11, 12; 1 Cor. 7:8, 9, 25-38). If you feel like you are missing out on something because you are not married or in a romantic relationship, you may actually be uniquely positioned to serve God and others.

Marriage involves a man and a woman! The Lord created men and women as beings with gender defined by anatomy. Beyond telling the story of the first marriage in this passage, Moses also draws out a principle for all time. Within marriage, a man and a woman leave and cleave (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5).

Marriage is the context for sexual expression! Indeed, God created men and women as individuals capable of sexual intimacy. But the One who created this intimacy also defined the context for its expression. The appropriate context is in a marriage relationship between a husband and a wife (1 Cor. 6:12-7:5).

Marriage requires love and respect! Both Paul and Peter outline the importance of those qualities for the marriage relationship. Just as in the relationship between Christ and the church, husbands are to love unconditionally and sacrificially. Wives are to demonstrate respect (Eph. 5:21-33; 1 Pet. 3:1-7).

Marriage was intended for a lifetime! That is part of the “one flesh” relationship. As we have often heard repeated in marriage ceremonies, “What God has joined together, let no one separate!” Divorce was never intended as an option for people. In fact, it is often a reflection of hardened hearts (Matt. 19:1-12).

The Bible makes some bold statements that define God’s intentions for marriage the way He designed it. There is blessing in pursuing His design!

Steve Kern