Marrying a cousin is a topic that has different cultural and legal implications, but what does the Bible say? Scripture includes accounts of cousin marriages, but also provides broader principles about marriage, family, and the importance of making wise and loving choices in our relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About nose piercings
What Does The Bible Say About marrying your cousin
Leviticus 18:6
“No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations.”
This verse from Leviticus 18 clearly prohibits close relatives from engaging in sexual relations. It establishes the principle that individuals should not marry their close relatives, including cousins. This instruction emphasizes the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries within family relationships and upholding moral standards.
Leviticus 20:19
“Do not have sexual relations with the sister of either your mother or your father, for that would dishonor a close relative; both of you would be held responsible.”
In this verse, God emphasizes the importance of not engaging in sexual relations with close relatives, particularly the sisters of one’s parents. Such relationships are considered dishonorable and are seen as a violation of God’s established boundaries for family relationships. The verse highlights the consequences of such actions, both on the individuals involved and on their relationship as close relatives.
Deuteronomy 27:22
“‘Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ Then all the people shall say, ‘Amen!'”
God’s commandments are clear, even in relation to close relatives. This verse in Deuteronomy emphasizes the seriousness of engaging in such relationships, as it is accompanied by a curse. It reinforces the belief that sexual relations between close relatives, including siblings and cousins, are forbidden and carry spiritual consequences. The people’s response of saying “Amen” signifies their agreement with God’s commandment and the severity of the curse.
Genesis 20:12
“Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife.”
This verse, found in the early narratives of Abraham, reveals a complex situation where Abraham claimed his wife Sarah was his sister due to fear of harm. Although this account involves a close familial relationship, it is important to note that this was an exceptional circumstance driven by unique factors. It should not be taken as an endorsement or encouragement of marrying close relatives, but rather as an example of God’s providence and protection in a specific historical context.
Genesis 24:4
“Make sure that you do not take my son back there. The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring, I will give this land’—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there.”
This passage illustrates Abraham’s concern about his son Isaac marrying a woman from the inhabitants of Canaan. Abraham desires his son to marry within their distant relatives and not among the current inhabitants. Though it doesn’t explicitly mention cousins, it does highlight the value of seeking a spouse among one’s own people, emphasizing compatibility and shared heritage.
1 Corinthians 5:1
“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife.”
In this verse, Paul confronts the Corinthian church about a situation where a man is engaged in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. This example serves as a reminder that even in early Christian communities, relationships that violate proper family bounds and societal standards were condemned. It underscores the importance of upholding moral values and being mindful of the consequences of engaging in inappropriate relationships.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians emphasizes the significance of fleeing from sexual immorality. This includes any sexual activity that deviates from God’s intended design, such as marrying close relatives. Paul highlights the unique severity of sexual sins, which involve a profound violation of the body, stressing the importance of purity and righteousness in our relationships.
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?”
Although not directly addressing marrying close relatives, this verse urges believers to be discerning in their relationships. It emphasizes the importance of being equally yoked with someone who shares the same faith and values. While this verse doesn’t explicitly mention marrying cousins, it reveals the significance of considering compatibility and spiritual alignment when choosing a life partner.
Deuteronomy 22:30
“A man is not to marry his father’s wife; he must not dishonor his father’s bed.”
This verse, contained within the laws given to the Israelites, specifically forbids a man from marrying his father’s wife. It establishes the principle of honoring family relationships and avoiding behaviors that would bring dishonor to one’s father. While it doesn’t explicitly mention cousins, it emphasizes the importance of preserving familial sanctity and avoiding inappropriate relationships.
2 Samuel 13:13
“What about me? Where could I get rid of my disgrace? And what about you? You would be like one of the wicked fools in Israel. Please speak to the king; he will not keep me from being married to you.”
In this narrative, Amnon expresses his desire to marry his half-sister Tamar, which is a forbidden relationship according to God’s law. This passage demonstrates the complexities and negative consequences that can arise when individuals pursue inappropriate relationships. It serves as a cautionary example of the damaging effects of violating God’s guidelines regarding familial unions.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse from Proverbs highlights the significance of honoring and respecting one’s parents. While it doesn’t directly address marrying cousins, it underscores the importance of upholding familial relationships and treating them with reverence. In the context of choosing a life partner, it implies the necessity of considering family dynamics and maintaining a respectful attitude towards one’s parents.
Ezekiel 22:10
“In you, one man commits a detestable offense with his neighbor’s wife; another shamelessly lewdly defiles his daughter-in-law; and another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter.”
This passage highlights various forms of sexual offenses committed within a community. Although it doesn’t specifically mention marrying cousins, it condemns these detestable actions and underscores the importance of maintaining proper boundaries within familial relationships. It serves as a reminder to uphold moral standards and avoid engaging in inappropriate relationships that violate God’s commandments.
Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
Although not addressing marrying cousins directly, this verse speaks to the unity and oneness that marriage represents. It emphasizes the divine design for a man to leave his parents and establish a new family unit with his wife. While close relatives have familial bonds, this verse underscores the importance of forming a unique and exclusive bond within the context of marriage.
Galatians 5:19
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery.”
This verse points out some works of the flesh, including sexual immorality. Marrying one’s cousin, a close relative, can fall into the category of sexual immorality if we cross the boundaries established by God. The verse serves as a reminder to avoid engaging in any behaviors that deviate from God’s intended design for our relationships and to pursue righteousness and purity instead.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse calls for believers to put to death their earthly nature, including the desires that lead to sexual immorality. The instruction implies a need to reject any actions that are contrary to God’s laws, including marrying close relatives. It emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s will and seeking purity in all aspects of our lives.
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 need to honor it. It also warns against any sexual immorality, including marrying close relatives. By highlighting God’s judgment upon the sexually immoral, the verse encourages believers to uphold the principles of purity and righteousness in their relationships and to avoid engaging in inappropriate unions.
Isaiah 8:3
“Then I made love to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said to me, ‘Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.’
This verse recounts an instance where the prophet Isaiah had sexual relations with his wife, referred to as the prophetess. It is important to note that this example involves a marital relationship and does not involve marrying close relatives. It serves as a historical account rather than a direct teaching on the subject of marrying cousins.
Song of Solomon 4:9
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”
Although this verse refers to the bride as a sister, it is important to understand it within the context of the poetic and metaphorical language used in the Song of Solomon. The language of “sister” is used to express the closeness and intimacy between the bride and groom, highlighting their deep love and bond. It should not be understood in a literal sense of marrying close relatives.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This poetic passage from Proverbs celebrates the blessings of a devoted and fulfilling marital relationship. It emphasizes the joy and satisfaction found in the union between a husband and wife. While it doesn’t explicitly address marrying cousins, it highlights the beauty and intimacy intended between spouses, promoting the value of choosing a life partner with whom one can share this deep affection.
Jeremiah 3:8
“I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries. Yet I saw that her unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery.”
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah uses the metaphor of marital infidelity to describe the unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah in relation to their covenant with God. The language of “sister” is used symbolically, not in the literal sense. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaking covenant and committing spiritual adultery rather than addressing the issue of marrying cousins.
Hosea 2:1
“Say of your brothers, ‘My people,’ and of your sisters, ‘My loved one.'”
This verse from Hosea symbolically addresses the restoration of Israel’s covenant relationship with God, using the language of family relationships. The mention of brothers and sisters is metaphorical, signifying a renewed spiritual bond rather than a reference to marrying close relatives. It invites individuals to reestablish their loving relationship with God, their true and faithful husband.
Ruth 3:9
“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”
When Ruth approached Boaz, who was a relative, she appealed to him as a guardian-redeemer of their family. While the verse doesn’t explicitly mention marrying cousins, it highlights the concept of a kinsman-redeemer who had the responsibility to care for and protect family members. It serves as an example of the cultural practices, loyalty, and kindness within the context of their shared family heritage.
Matthew 19:4-5
“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’?”
When questioned about divorce, Jesus reaffirms the original design for marriage, emphasizing the unity between a man and a woman. Though not addressing marrying cousins directly, Jesus’ response underlines God’s intention of leaving one’s parents to form a new family unit through marriage. This serves as a foundation for understanding the importance of appropriate boundaries and honoring familial relationships while seeking a spouse.
Mark 6:17-18
“For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.'”
This passage narrates the account of Herod’s inappropriate relationship with his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias. Though not directly addressing marrying cousins, it demonstrates the destructive consequences and moral implications of entering into forbidden relationships with close relatives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding God’s commandments in matters of marriage and relationships.
Luke 20:35-36
“But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.”
In response to a question about marriage in the afterlife, Jesus explains that in the resurrection, there will be no marrying or giving in marriage. While not directly addressing marrying cousins, this statement highlights the temporary nature of earthly marriage and the eternal focus on our relationship with God. It reminds believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek a spouse with whom they can grow in their faith and serve Him together.