Intermarriage, within the context of the Bible, refers to the union between individuals of different ethnic, cultural, or religious backgrounds. This topic is addressed in various parts of Scripture, often with significant theological and social implications.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, intermarriage is frequently discussed concerning the Israelites and their interactions with surrounding nations. The Mosaic Law contains explicit instructions regarding intermarriage. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4 , God commands the Israelites, "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." This directive was primarily concerned with maintaining religious purity and preventing the Israelites from being led astray by pagan practices.

The narrative of Solomon serves as a cautionary tale regarding intermarriage. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-4 : "King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women... 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."

Ezra and Nehemiah also address the issue of intermarriage during the post-exilic period. Upon returning from Babylonian captivity, the Israelites were found to have intermarried with the peoples of the land. Ezra 9:1-2 records the leaders' concern: "The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices... They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them." This led to a national repentance and a call to separate from foreign wives (Ezra 10).

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from ethnic and cultural concerns to spiritual unity. The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of marriage between believers and unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:14 : "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This passage emphasizes the importance of shared faith in marriage, warning against the spiritual discord that can arise from unions between believers and non-believers.

While the New Testament does not explicitly prohibit intermarriage between different ethnicities, it underscores the importance of spiritual compatibility. The early church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, exemplifies the breaking down of ethnic barriers through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Theological Implications

The biblical discussion of intermarriage highlights the importance of maintaining religious fidelity and the potential spiritual dangers of unions with those who do not share the same faith. While the Old Testament emphasizes the preservation of Israel's covenant identity, the New Testament broadens the scope to include all believers, regardless of ethnic background, united in Christ. The overarching biblical principle is the call to prioritize spiritual unity and faithfulness to God in marital relationships.