Marriage is a sacred covenant, and the Bible offers wisdom about when and how to enter into it. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about early marriage and the principles that guide a strong and lasting union.
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What Does The Bible Say About Early Marriage
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse highlights the sacred union of marriage and the bond between husband and wife. It emphasizes the importance of leaving one’s parents and cleaving to one’s spouse, symbolizing the commitment and unity in marriage.
Marriage is a lifelong covenant that signifies the intertwining of two lives into one, both spiritually and physically. It is a sacred institution designed by God for companionship, love, and procreation.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”
This verse emphasizes the blessings and favor that come from finding a virtuous wife. It recognizes the importance of a godly partner in bringing joy, happiness, and favor into one’s life.
Marriage is not just a social or personal choice, but it can also be a spiritual blessing from the Lord. A godly marriage can bring spiritual and emotional fulfillment, mutual support, and a strong foundation for a family.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
This verse acknowledges the different circumstances and temptations faced by individuals regarding marriage. It advises those who are single or widowed that it is good to remain unmarried, but if they struggle with sexual desires, it is better to marry than to give in to temptation.
Marriage is a divine solution for those who are unable to remain celibate and provides a healthy outlet for sexual desires within the confines of a committed relationship.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse acknowledges that material possessions can be inherited, but a wise and virtuous wife is a precious gift from the Lord.
It reminds us that the qualities of a good spouse, such as wisdom, discernment, and faithfulness, are not solely determined by human effort but are ultimately bestowed by God. Developing a strong marital relationship requires seeking God’s guidance and relying on His grace.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“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. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This passage emphasizes the value of companionship and unity in the journey of life. It highlights the support, strength, and protection that comes from having a partner by your side.
Marriage provides a solid foundation for facing life’s challenges together. It is a partnership where two individuals can lean on each other, comfort each other, and mutually encourage and uplift one another.
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the divine institution of marriage, emphasizing its permanence and the sacredness of the union.
Marriage is not a human invention but a reflection of God’s design for companionship and partnership. It is a commitment that should not be taken lightly, and once joined together by God, it is His desire that no one should seek to separate what He has established.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse highlights the value and worth of a virtuous and noble wife. It recognizes the importance of character and integrity in a marriage partner.
A noble wife is a rare find, someone whose worth surpasses material possessions. She embodies qualities such as wisdom, kindness, strength, and honor, making her an invaluable asset to her husband and family.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This passage provides instructions for both husbands and wives in a marriage relationship. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and love.
Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, not in a demeaning or subservient way, but in a manner that aligns with God’s design for marriage. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loves the Church, treating them with kindness, tenderness, and understanding. This mutual submission and love foster a healthy and harmonious marital bond.
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.”
This verse encourages young believers to set a positive example in their lives, including their relationships and marriages. It reminds them not to let their age hinder their ability to live out their faith.
Marriage at a young age can present unique challenges, but with a strong foundation of faith, young couples can exhibit godly character, maturity, and purity within their relationship. By setting an example of love, commitment, and faithfulness, they can inspire others and glorify God.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This well-known passage describes the characteristics of true love. It serves as a guide for how couples should treat one another within the context of marriage.
Love in marriage goes beyond mere feelings; it is a choice and a commitment. It is patient, kind, and selfless, demonstrating humility, forgiveness, and perseverance. True love seeks the well-being and flourishing of the other person and is rooted in God, who is love. These qualities are essential for building a strong and lasting marital relationship.
Ephesians 5:22-23
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own 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.”
This verse addresses the role of wives within the marriage relationship. It calls for wives to submit to their husbands, recognizing the husband as the head of the household, just as Christ is the head of the church.
Submission, in this context, does not imply inferiority or subjugation but rather a willingness to respect and partner with the husband in fulfilling the responsibilities of leadership. It also highlights the symbolism of Christ’s sacrificial love for the church, which should inspire husbands to love and lead their wives with selflessness, grace, and compassion.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse addresses husbands’ responsibilities in marriage. It calls for husbands to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor, recognizing them as co-heirs of the blessings of life.
Husbands are instructed to value their wives and to listen to their needs, concerns, and opinions. By doing so, they maintain a healthy and harmonious marital relationship that allows their prayers to be unhindered.
Matthew 19:6
“So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse reiterates the divine intention of marriage and declares that once two individuals are joined together by God, they become one flesh.
Marriage is an unbreakable bond, and it is God’s desire that no one should seek to separate what He has joined together. This verse emphasizes the importance of commitment, perseverance, and the recognition that marriage is a lifelong covenant.
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.'”
This passage highlights the loyalty, commitment, and sacrificial love demonstrated by Ruth towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth’s words express her determination to remain by Naomi’s side and her adherence to the God of Israel.
Ruth’s commitment serves as an example of the kind of dedication and selflessness that should characterize marriage. It illustrates the importance of loyalty, mutual support, and the willingness to sacrifice for one another.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Similar to Matthew 19:6, this verse emphasizes the sacredness and indissolubility of the marital union. It echoes the declaration that what God has joined together, no human being has the authority to separate.
Marriage is a divine institution that should be honored, protected, and preserved. It calls for commitment, selflessness, and a recognition of God’s role in joining two individuals together.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse addresses the topic of sexual relations within the bounds of marriage. It affirms that sexual intimacy is appropriate and encouraged within the confines of a husband and wife relationship.
Marriage provides a safe and holy context for the expression of sexual desires and the deepening of intimacy between spouses. This verse highlights the importance of faithfulness, exclusivity, and mutual consent within the marital relationship.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of maintaining purity within the marital relationship. It warns against adultery and sexual immorality, reminding believers that God will judge those who violate the sacredness of marriage.
Marriage is a holy covenant designed by God, and it should be honored, respected, and protected. Keeping the marriage bed pure entails faithfulness, loyalty, and a commitment to maintaining trust and fidelity within the marriage.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
This poetic passage from the Song of Solomon portrays the intense and unyielding power of love. It compares love to a seal, signifying its permanence and commitment.
Love within a marital relationship is portrayed as unquenchable, strong, and enduring. It is a force that cannot be extinguished by external circumstances or trials. This verse beautifully captures the depth and intensity of love within the sacred bond of marriage.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse specifically addresses husbands and their role in marriage. It calls for husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church by giving up His life for her.
Husbands are called to emulate Christ’s love by selflessly serving, protecting, and nurturing their wives. It emphasizes the importance of sacrificial love and the responsibility husbands have in leading their families with humility and Christ-like love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
This verse summarizes the enduring values of faith, hope, and love. It declares that love is the greatest of these virtues.
Love is a central aspect of a successful and fulfilling marriage. It surpasses the wedding day and extends into the daily choices, actions, and attitudes of both spouses. Love nurtures and sustains a healthy and thriving marital relationship.
Malachi 2:14
“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
This verse highlights the seriousness and consequences of marital infidelity. It reminds husbands and wives that their marriage is a sacred bond witnessed by God Himself.
Marital unfaithfulness goes against God’s design for marriage and breaks the covenant relationship. It is a betrayal of trust, love, and loyalty within the marital bond. This verse serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of faithfulness and honoring the commitment made in marriage.