Definition and Origin
Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, instituted by God. It is designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. The foundational scripture for marriage is found in Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse underscores the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong union.

Biblical Principles
The Bible outlines several key principles for the marriage relationship:

1. Unity and Oneness: The concept of "one flesh" signifies a deep, intimate bond that transcends physical union. Ephesians 5:31-32 reiterates this, stating, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church."

2. Love and Respect: Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." Similarly, Ephesians 5:33 advises, "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." These verses highlight the reciprocal nature of love and respect in marriage.

3. Mutual Submission: Ephesians 5:21 calls for mutual submission: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This principle emphasizes humility and service within the marriage relationship.

4. Faithfulness: The Bible strongly advocates for fidelity within marriage. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."

5. Partnership and Support: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 illustrates the importance of partnership: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion."

Roles within Marriage
The Bible delineates specific roles for husbands and wives, emphasizing both leadership and partnership:

· Husbands: Called to lead with love and sacrifice, as Christ leads the church. Ephesians 5:23 states, "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."

· Wives: Encouraged to support and respect their husbands. Proverbs 31:10-12 describes the virtuous wife: "A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will lack nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life."

Challenges and Restoration
The Bible acknowledges that marriage can face challenges, including conflict and sin. However, it also provides guidance for restoration and reconciliation:

· Forgiveness: Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

· Reconciliation: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 encourages reconciliation: "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife."

Conclusion
The marriage relationship, as outlined in the Bible, is a profound and sacred covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church. It is characterized by love, respect, unity, and mutual submission, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for both husbands and wives. Through challenges, the Bible offers a path to forgiveness and reconciliation, underscoring the enduring nature of this divine institution.Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
Topicalbible.org

5563. chorizo -- to separate, divide
... 5563 ("vacate"), as in the papyri, refers to a marriage partner who the
relationship in soul or body (cf. Moulton-Milligan, 696). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5563.htm - 8k

Whether Spiritual Relationship is an Impediment to Marriage?
... for it precedes it. Therefore with much more reason can a spiritual
relationship hinder marriage than bodily relationship does. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether spiritual relationship is an.htm

Marriage and Celibacy.
... It was at this time that Christianity entered into the world, and while it added
fresh dignity and significance to the marriage relationship, it at the same ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiv marriage and celibacy.htm

Whether a Tie that is an Impediment to Marriage is Contracted ...
... On the contrary, Relationship is an impediment to marriage. ... Therefore they do
not cause a relationship that is an impediment to marriage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a tie that is.htm

Whether Legal Relationship is Contracted Only Between the Adopting ...
... Objection 2: Further, the relationship that impedes marriage is a perpetual
impediment. But there is not a perpetual impediment ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether legal relationship is contracted.htm

Whether Spiritual Relationship is Contracted by Baptism Only?
... power, for which reason it is not conferred on women, and consequently no impediment
to marriage can arise therefrom. Hence this kind of relationship does not ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether spiritual relationship is contracted.htm

Whether Spiritual Relationship Passes from Husband to Wife?
... relationship will not reach her, because she is not a fit subject, and not because
spiritual relationship cannot pass from husband to wife through marriage. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether spiritual relationship passes from.htm

Of Marriage Between Blood-Relations, in Regard to which the ...
... generations diverge, and become distant relationship, or cease to be relationship
at all, religiously endeavored to limit it by the bond of marriage before it ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of marriage between blood-relations.htm

Whether a Person Contracts Affinity through the Marriage of a ...
... Marriage makes a new kind of connection,. While birth makes a new degree,. because,
to wit, the person begotten is in the same kind of relationship, but in a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a person contracts affinity.htm

Whereas the Spiritual Relationship is Greater than Fleshly ...
... Whereas the spiritual relationship is greater than fleshly affinity; and since it
has ... must, in the first place, desist from this unlawful marriage, and then be ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon liii whereas the spiritual.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... [1714] [1715] It almost seems as if the relationship of Husband and Bride ... Thus the
bridal pair on the marriage-day symbolised the union of God with Israel. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

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