Definition and Origin
Matrimony, commonly referred to as marriage, is a sacred covenant instituted by God as the union between a man and a woman. This divine institution is foundational to human society and is designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. The concept of matrimony is deeply rooted in the creation narrative, where God established the first marriage between Adam and Eve.

Biblical Foundation
The institution of marriage is first introduced in Genesis 2:24, where it is written: "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 leaving of one's family of origin to form a new, independent family unit, highlighting the intimate and exclusive nature of the marital bond.

Purpose of Matrimony
Matrimony serves several purposes according to Scripture:

1. Companionship: In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This indicates that marriage is intended to provide companionship and support.

2. Procreation: One of the primary purposes of marriage is to be fruitful and multiply, as commanded in Genesis 1:28: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.'"

3. Reflection of Christ and the Church: In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul draws a parallel between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the Church: "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."

Roles and Responsibilities
The Bible outlines specific roles and responsibilities for husbands and wives within the marriage covenant:

· Husbands: Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This sacrificial love is characterized by selflessness and devotion.

· Wives: Ephesians 5:22 states, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord." This submission is understood as a voluntary and respectful yielding within the context of mutual love and respect.

Permanence and Fidelity
Matrimony is intended to be a lifelong commitment. Jesus emphasizes the permanence of marriage in Matthew 19:6: "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This underscores the indissoluble nature of the marital bond.

Challenges and Admonitions
While marriage is a divine institution, it is not without challenges. The Bible acknowledges the potential for difficulties and provides guidance for resolving conflicts. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul advises, "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
Matrimony, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant designed by God for companionship, procreation, and as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. It is characterized by love, mutual respect, and a lifelong commitment.Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall join to his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Topicalbible.org

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

1 Corinthians 7:39
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

781. aras -- to betroth
... engaged (6). betroth, espouse. A primitive root; to engage for matrimony --
betroth, espouse. 780, 781. aras. 782 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/781.htm - 5k

4496. menuchah -- resting place, rest
... Or mnuchah {men-oo-khaw'}; feminine of Manowach; repose or (adverbially) peacefully;
figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an ...
/hebrew/4496.htm - 6k

Of Matrimony.
... CONCERNING CHRISTIAN LIBERTY OF MATRIMONY. It is not only without any warrant
of Scripture that matrimony is considered a sacrament ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/of matrimony.htm

Whether Matrimony is a Sacrament?
... OF MATRIMONY AS A SACRAMENT (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether matrimony is a sacrament?
Objection 1: It would seem that matrimony is not a sacrament. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is a sacrament.htm

Whether Matrimony is a Kind of Joining?
... OF THE DEFINITION OF MATRIMONY (THREE ARTICLES) Whether matrimony is a kind of joining?
Objection 1: It would seem that matrimony is not a kind of joining. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is a kind.htm

On Matrimony
... Lesson 26 ON MATRIMONY. 282 Q. What is the Sacrament of Matrimony? A. The
Sacrament of Matrimony is the Sacrament which unites a ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 26 on matrimony.htm

Whether Matrimony Confers Grace?
... OF MATRIMONY AS A SACRAMENT (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether matrimony confers grace?
Objection 1: It would seem that matrimony does not confer grace. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony confers grace.htm

Holy Matrimony
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES Holy Matrimony. [1441]381 O Father, all creating
[1442]382 O perfect Love, all human thought transcending ...
/.../the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/holy matrimony.htm

Whether Matrimony is of Natural Law?
... MATRIMONY (QQ -67) Whether matrimony is of natural law? Objection 1: It would
seem that matrimony is not natural. Because "the natural ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is of natural.htm

Whether Order is an Impediment to Matrimony?
... OF THE IMPEDIMENT OF VOWS AND ORDERS (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether order is an
impediment to matrimony? ... But order is not contrary to matrimony. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether order is an impediment.htm

Whether Matrimony is Fittingly Named?
... OF THE DEFINITION OF MATRIMONY (THREE ARTICLES) Whether matrimony is fittingly named?
Objection 1: It would seem that matrimony is unfittingly named. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is fittingly named.htm

Whether Matrimony is Fittingly Defined in the Text?
... OF THE DEFINITION OF MATRIMONY (THREE ARTICLES) Whether matrimony is fittingly
defined in the text? Objection 1: It would seem that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony is fittingly defined.htm

What is the definition of marriage? | GotQuestions.org

What constitutes marriage according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is God's design for marriage? | GotQuestions.org

Marriage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus