The concept of marriage is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with the creation account in Genesis. Marriage is established as a divine institution, ordained by God as a foundational element of human society. This entry explores the biblical basis for marriage, its purposes, and its significance within the scriptural context.

Creation and Divine Institution

The establishment of marriage is first introduced in the Book of Genesis. In Genesis 1:27-28 , it is written: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that moves on the ground.'" Here, the creation of male and female is directly linked to the divine command to be fruitful and multiply, indicating the procreative purpose of marriage.

Further elaboration is found in Genesis 2:18, 21-24 : "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'... So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him. And the man said: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for out of man she was taken.' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This passage underscores the complementary nature of the marital relationship and introduces the concept of "one flesh," signifying unity and intimacy.

Purposes of Marriage

The Bible outlines several purposes for marriage, including companionship, procreation, and the mutual support of husband and wife. Companionship is highlighted in Genesis 2:18, where God recognizes man's need for a suitable helper. The procreative aspect is emphasized in Genesis 1:28, as marriage provides the context for fulfilling the command to "be fruitful and multiply."

Marriage also serves as a means of mutual support and sanctification. In Ephesians 5:25-33 , the Apostle Paul instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives to respect their husbands. This passage illustrates the sacrificial love and respect that should characterize the marital relationship, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church.

Covenantal Nature

Marriage is depicted as a covenantal relationship, a solemn and binding agreement between a man and a woman before God. Malachi 2:14 refers to marriage as a covenant: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." This covenantal aspect underscores the seriousness and permanence of the marital bond.

Jesus' Affirmation of Marriage

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the establishment of marriage as a divine institution. In Matthew 19:4-6 , Jesus responds to questions about divorce by referring back to the Genesis account: "Jesus answered, 'Have you not read that from 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 man not separate.'" Jesus emphasizes the original intent and sanctity of marriage, highlighting its indissoluble nature.

Symbolism and Eschatological Significance

Marriage also holds symbolic and eschatological significance within the biblical narrative. It is often used as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people, as seen in the prophetic writings and the New Testament. The Book of Revelation culminates with the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:7-9), symbolizing the ultimate union between Christ and His church.

In summary, the establishment of marriage in the Bible is portrayed as a divine institution with profound spiritual, relational, and societal implications. It is a covenantal relationship designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support, reflecting the love and unity between Christ and His church.