What does the Bible say about interfaith marriage?

Definition and Overview

Interfaith marriage refers to the union of two individuals who adhere to different religious beliefs. In a biblical context, interfaith marriage typically involves a worshiper of the God of Scripture being joined to a person who does not share that same faith and trust in Him. Several passages across the Old and New Testaments address this topic, offering principles for followers seeking to honor God in their marital choices.

Old Testament Foundations

Prohibition for Ancient Israel

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were specifically instructed against intermarrying with surrounding nations whose religious practices involved idolatry. Deuteronomy 7:3–4 declares, “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 passage reflects a concern that interfaith marriages could draw God’s people away from true worship.

The same theme appears in other historical accounts. Nehemiah confronted the Israelites for marrying foreign women who upheld pagan beliefs. Nehemiah 13:27 poses the question: “Shall we then hear about you doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?” This was not a matter of ethnic hostility but of spiritual fidelity. The primary concern was preserving heartfelt devotion to the Lord.

Lessons from Historical Examples

King Solomon’s life illustrates the spiritual dangers of interfaith unions. Although Solomon began his reign seeking wisdom from God, he eventually married many foreign wives who worshiped other deities. Over time, his own devotion wavered. 1 Kings 11:1–4 explains, “When Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God.” This passage demonstrates the potential spiritual consequences of uniting closely with someone who does not share faith in the God of Scripture.

New Testament Perspectives

Command to Believers

The New Testament also provides guidance for believers regarding marriage. One of the most direct instructions appears 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?” The phrase “unequally yoked” conveys the image of two animals bound together under a single yoke attempting to plow a field. If they differ in strength or direction, the work becomes impaired. Spiritually, this principle points out potential conflict when values, worship, and priorities are not shared in a marriage.

Marital Harmony and Witness

However, the New Testament also addresses situations in which one spouse becomes a believer while the other remains an unbeliever. Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 7:12–16 that, if the unbelieving spouse consents to remain, the believing partner should not hastily seek divorce: “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband.” This passage highlights the possibility that a believing spouse may serve as a testimony of the faith, although Paul’s wider instruction elsewhere encourages believers to pursue marriage within the household of faith whenever possible.

Spiritual and Practical Considerations

Unity in Worship and Purpose

A Christian marriage is often portrayed in Scripture as a deeply spiritual bond where husband and wife become “one flesh.” When both spouses share faith in God, they can unite in worship, prayer, ethical decisions, and life direction. Conversely, differences in fundamental beliefs can complicate raising children, attending corporate worship, moral decision-making, and more.

Preserving Devotion

Throughout both testaments of Scripture, the ultimate concern in prohibiting interfaith marriages was preserving wholehearted devotion and worship. Worshipers of God are called to avoid situations that risk leading them or their families into idolatry or spiritual compromise. Improper teaching or influence can quietly seep into daily life and eventually displace genuine worship and obedience.

Conclusion

The teaching within Scripture consistently cautions believers about the spiritual implications of interfaith marriage. From the Old Testament commands to ancient Israel, to the New Testament’s warnings on being “unequally yoked,” there is a clear emphasis on protecting the believer’s devotion to God and cultivating a marriage that honors Him.

At the same time, Scripture recognizes that faith journeys vary. Where a believer is already married to an unbeliever, the believer is encouraged to remain faithful in love and conduct, holding hope that their actions might invite their spouse to embrace the faith. Overall, biblical teaching underscores the importance of shared belief in strengthening marital unity and maintaining devotion to God.