The Bible provides principles about marriage, emphasizing commitment and God’s design for relationships. Today, we’ll consider how these teachings relate to the concept of common law marriages and what Scripture says about honoring marital commitments.
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What Does The Bible Say About Common Law Marriages
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of the union between a man and his wife. It highlights that marriage should involve a leaving of one’s family and a complete commitment to one’s spouse.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us that a strong foundation of commitment and unity is crucial for any marital relationship, regardless of legal recognition.
Matthew 19:4-6
“He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.””
Jesus reiterates the importance of the marital bond by referencing the creation story. He affirms the God-ordained union of man and woman, highlighting that it should not be easily dissolved by human intervention.
While common law marriages may not have the same legal recognition, this verse reminds us that the spiritual and emotional bond formed between a couple is significant and should be respected and protected.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
This verse recognizes the permanence of marriage during one’s lifetime. It states that the marital bond remains intact until death, and only then is the widow free to remarry.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the importance of commitment and fidelity within the relationship, even if it lacks legal recognition.
Ephesians 5:22-33
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 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. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. ”Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
This passage provides guidance on the roles and responsibilities within a marriage. It instructs wives to submit to their husbands, not in a subservient or oppressive manner, but as a mutual act of respect and love. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse highlights the importance of mutual respect, love, and selflessness within the relationship. Regardless of legal recognition, these qualities contribute to a healthy and strong union.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This proverb highlights the value of finding a life partner. It suggests that a spouse is a blessing from God and receiving favor from the Lord.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the significance of a committed and loving partnership, regardless of legal recognition. It emphasizes the joy and favor that can be found in a life partner.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of maintaining faithfulness within the marital relationship. It warns against sexual immorality and adultery, highlighting the need for fidelity.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the significance of honor and faithfulness within a committed relationship, regardless of legal recognition.
Mark 10:9
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Jesus reaffirms the permanence of marriage and cautions against the dissolution of the marital bond by human intervention.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse stresses the importance of honoring and preserving the committed relationship, even if it lacks legal recognition.
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
This verse highlights the central role of love in maintaining a healthy and harmonious relationship. It encourages believers to prioritize love in all aspects of life.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the crucial role of love in fostering a strong and lasting union, regardless of legal recognition.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
This verse addresses husbands and encourages them to treat their wives with understanding, honor, and respect. It emphasizes the equal value and worth of both partners in the marriage.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the importance of mutual respect and consideration within the partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
These verses describe the characteristics of love, emphasizing its selflessness, perseverance, and ability to endure challenging circumstances.
In the context of common law marriages, these verses serve as a reminder of the qualities that contribute to a strong and lasting relationship, regardless of legal recognition.
Proverbs 31:10-31
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”
This passage describes the qualities of an excellent wife, highlighting her industriousness, wisdom, and her fear of the Lord. It depicts a woman who is a blessing to her husband and family.
In the context of common law marriages, these verses remind us of the importance of mutual support, industry, and a shared reverence for the Lord within a committed partnership.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
These verses address the importance of marital intimacy and the mutual responsibility of husbands and wives in fulfilling each other’s needs.
In the context of common law marriages, these verses highlight the significance of maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship within the committed partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This proverb emphasizes the value and importance of a wise and thoughtful wife. It implies that such a wife is a gift from the Lord.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the blessings that can be found in a committed relationship, regardless of legal recognition.
1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
This verse emphasizes the divine origin of love and encourages believers to love one another. It suggests that love is a characteristic of those who have a relationship with God.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the importance of love in fostering a strong and lasting union, regardless of legal recognition.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This proverb highlights the impact of a wife on her husband’s life. It suggests that a virtuous and honorable wife is a source of pride and joy, while a dishonorable wife brings shame and decay.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and virtue within the partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of providing for one’s family, particularly members of the household. It suggests that neglecting this duty is a serious matter.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the importance of providing for and taking care of one another within the committed partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”
These verses express the strength and power of love. They describe love as an unquenchable flame, stronger than death or any earthly riches.
In the context of common law marriages, these verses remind us of the enduring nature of love within a committed relationship, regardless of legal recognition.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
This verse highlights the serious nature of marital unfaithfulness and the consequences that come with neglecting one’s marital responsibilities.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment within the relationship, regardless of legal recognition.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This proverb speaks to the impact of a wise and prudent woman on her household. It suggests that her actions can contribute to its prosperity and success, while foolishness can lead to destruction.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse underscores the importance of wisdom and prudence within the committed partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
Proverbs 31:11
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.”
This verse highlights the trust and confidence a husband has in his wife. It suggests that her role is instrumental in their collective success.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse reminds us of the importance of trust and mutual support within the committed partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.’”
This passage highlights the loyalty and commitment of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi. It portrays a deep bond formed through love and dedication.
In the context of common law marriages, this passage reminds us of the importance of loyalty and dedication within the committed partnership, regardless of legal recognition.
Matthew 5:32
“But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of divorce and suggests that remarriage after divorce, except in cases of infidelity, would lead to adultery.
In the context of common law marriages, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of commitment and fidelity within the relationship, regardless of legal recognition.