The Bible offers clear guidance on marriage and the importance of shared faith. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about Christians marrying non-Christians and the challenges it can bring.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Christians Hurt Others
What Does The Bible Say About Christians Marrying Non Christians
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of believers being in relationships with others who share their faith. It cautions against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as there can be significant differences in values, beliefs, and priorities that can hinder spiritual growth and unity.
Being in a relationship with a non-believer can create challenges and conflicts in areas such as worship, prayer, and decision-making. It is crucial for Christians to seek partners who will support and encourage their faith, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God.
Ezra 9:12
“Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever.”
This verse is a reminder for believers to be cautious about entering into marriages or partnerships with those who do not share their faith. It advises against forming alliances that may lead to compromise or dilution of one’s beliefs.
Marriage is an intimate union that should be built on a solid foundation of shared values and beliefs. By marrying non-believers, there is a risk of diluting one’s faith and compromising the spiritual guidance within the relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of believers marrying someone who shares their faith. It highlights the principle that in the event of a spouse’s death, a widow or widower is free to remarry, but it should be to someone who belongs to the Lord.
When believers marry other believers, they can build a strong foundation of shared values, worship, and spiritual growth. This verse encourages believers to prioritize their faith when considering marriage and to seek a spouse who will journey with them in their relationship with God.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
“Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”
This verse highlights the potential spiritual dangers of marrying non-believers. By intermarrying with those who do not follow God, there is a risk that one’s children will be influenced by other belief systems and turn away from following the Lord.
God calls His people to be set apart and to worship Him alone. Marrying a non-believer can lead to divided loyalty and challenges in passing on one’s faith to future generations. It is important to prioritize a godly union that will foster spiritual growth and encourage future generations to follow God.
1 Kings 11:1-4
“King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”
This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the negative consequences of marrying individuals who do not worship the same God. King Solomon’s many foreign wives led him astray and caused his heart to drift away from wholehearted devotion to the LORD.
This story highlights the potential danger of compromising one’s faith and diverting attention and devotion from God. It emphasizes the importance of seeking a partner who shares the same commitment to the Lord to avoid drifting away from a strong relationship with Him.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14
“To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
This passage addresses the situation where a believer is already married to a non-believer. It advises against seeking divorce solely based on the spouse’s lack of faith if they are willing to live together in harmony.
God can work through the believing spouse to bring sanctification to the unbelieving spouse and their children. While it is important for believers to marry fellow believers, this passage offers hope and guidance for those already in mixed-faith marriages, encouraging them to continue nurturing their relationship and being a godly influence within the family.
1 Corinthians 7:16
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
This verse acknowledges the uncertainty of whether a believer can influence the salvation of their non-believing spouse through their marriage. It highlights the reality that the responsibility for salvation lies with each individual and is ultimately in the hands of God.
While believers should strive to be a godly influence in their relationships and marriages, this verse reminds them not to assume the role of the savior in someone’s life. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and continue living out their faith, hoping and praying that their example will have a positive impact on their spouse.
1 Peter 3:1-2
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
This passage provides guidance for wives who are married to non-believing husbands. It encourages them to focus on their conduct and character, trusting that their Christ-like behavior may contribute to the conversion and transformation of their husbands.
By practicing submission, purity, and reverence, wives can demonstrate the power of their faith and the positive effects it can have on a marriage. This passage highlights the potential impact of a godly wife, and serves as a reminder that actions often speak louder than words.
1 Corinthians 7:12-13
“But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce her. And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away.”
This verse addresses the situation where a believer is already married to a non-believer. It advises against seeking divorce solely based on the spouse’s lack of faith if they are willing to continue the marital relationship.
Even though it may present challenges, believers are encouraged to maintain the marriage as long as there is consent and a willingness from the non-believing spouse. By continuing the marriage, there is an opportunity to be a witness for Christ through the demonstration of love, patience, and grace.
1 Corinthians 7:16
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
This verse acknowledges the uncertainty that a believer can influence the salvation of their non-believing spouse through their marriage. It reminds that salvation is ultimately in the hands of God, and each individual is responsible for their personal relationship with Him.
While it is important for believers to marry fellow believers, this verse serves as a reminder not to place the burden of salvation solely on the spouse. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and continue to love and support their non-believing spouse in hopes that they may be drawn closer to Him.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of believers being cautious and intentional about who they pursue relationships with. It urges against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as there are fundamental differences in values, beliefs, and lifestyles.
A strong relationship with God should be the foundation upon which all other relationships are built. This verse highlights the incompatibility between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial. It encourages believers to seek like-minded individuals who are also committed to following Christ.
Proverbs 22:24
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.”
This verse serves as a reminder to choose friends and companions wisely. It cautions against forming close relationships with individuals who have volatile tempers or are prone to anger.
When it comes to marriage, compatibility in faith is one of the most crucial aspects of a strong and healthy relationship. By choosing to marry a non-believer, there can be significant differences in values, priorities, and decision-making processes, which may lead to turmoil and strife. It is important to cultivate relationships with those who share our faith and will support the growth of our relationship with God.
Genesis 24:3
“I want you to swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living.”
In this verse, Abraham asks his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac, emphasizing the importance of choosing a spouse from the same faith and not from the Canaanites. Abraham understood the significance of marrying within their community and faith to maintain their relationship with God.
When it comes to marriage, believers should consider the spiritual compatibility of a potential spouse. Marrying someone who shares the same faith and values can provide a strong foundation for a God-centered relationship, supporting spiritual growth and unity.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes that when a widow considers remarriage, it should be to someone who belongs to the Lord. It indicates the importance of marrying a fellow believer to ensure the continued spiritual growth and unity within the marriage.
When seeking a new partner after the loss of a spouse, it is essential for believers to prioritize their faith and find someone who shares their commitment to the Lord. By marrying a fellow believer, they can build a relationship grounded in God’s love, principles, and values.
Ezra 9:12
“Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever.”
This verse advises against intermarriage with those who do not share the same faith. It warns against forming alliances or close relationships with individuals whose values and beliefs may endanger the spiritual well-being and heritage of believers.
Introducing different belief systems into a marriage can lead to conflicts and challenges in areas such as worship, raising children, and prioritizing spiritual growth. Believers are called to maintain their commitment and fidelity to God by seeking relationships with those who will support their faith journey.
1 Kings 11:1-2
“King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love.”
This passage recounts how King Solomon’s marriages to foreign women led him away from wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Despite God’s warning against intermarriage, Solomon allowed a compromise in his faith for the sake of love.
It serves as a cautionary example and a reminder of the potential dangers of marrying someone who does not share the same faith. Building a strong and godly union requires choosing a partner who will actively support and encourage one’s relationship with God, rather than leading them astray.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
“Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.”
This verse warns against intermarriage with those who do not worship the one true God. It emphasizes that marrying outside the faith can lead to the spiritual downfall of one’s children and provoke God’s anger.
By sharing life with someone who does not follow God, there is a higher risk of compromising one’s faith, values, and relationship with the Lord. Believers are called to prioritize their commitment to God and seek partners who will share and support their faith in a marriage.
Nehemiah 13:23-27
“Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah. I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God’s name and said: ‘You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves. Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women. Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?'”
In this passage, Nehemiah confronts the Israelites who had married foreign women. He was concerned about the danger of intermarriage leading to the dilution and erosion of their culture, language, and, most importantly, their faith.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of marrying within one’s faith community. Marrying someone who does not share the same religious beliefs can result in a disconnection from one’s spiritual heritage and pose challenges in passing on the faith to future generations.
Joshua 23:12-13
“But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the LORD your God has given you.”
This verse warns against turning away from faithful obedience to God and forming alliances through intermarriage with those who do not worship Him. It cautions that such alliances can lead to spiritual compromise and become stumbling blocks that hinder God’s favor and blessings.
Marrying outside the faith can introduce conflicting beliefs, practices, and priorities into a relationship, causing division and hinderance in one’s spiritual journey. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to follow God and seek relationships with fellow believers.
Exodus 34:15-16
“Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.”
In these verses, God warns the Israelites against forming alliances and marrying into other nations who worship false gods. He cautions that marrying those who engage in idolatry will lead their children astray, causing them to follow after other gods.
These verses emphasize the influence and impact that a spouse can have on one’s faith and the importance of choosing a partner who shares the same beliefs and commitment to worshiping the one true God.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Although this verse does not directly address marriage, it encourages believers, regardless of age, to set an example to fellow believers in various aspects of their lives, including their conduct and purity.
In the context of marriage, believers are called to set an example for their spouses in their commitment to God, faith, and purity. By prioritizing a relationship with God and pursuing Christ-like virtues, believers can positively influence their spouses and nurture a godly marriage.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”
Although Ruth was not an Israelite by birth, she wholeheartedly embraced the God of Naomi and her people, making a commitment to remain with Naomi and adopt her faith as her own.
This passage exemplifies the importance of having a shared faith in a marriage, where both partners are willing to wholeheartedly commit to each other and to God. It demonstrates the strength and unity that can come from a shared commitment to follow God.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing inner qualities and character, such as a reverence for the Lord, over external attributes like charm or physical beauty. It emphasizes that a woman who fears the Lord is worthy of honor and praise.
In the context of marriage, seeking a partner who fears the Lord and possesses godly character is of utmost importance. Physical attractiveness may fade over time, but a person’s devotion to God and their character will have a lasting impact on the relationship and the family that is built together.