Marriage, as a divinely instituted covenant, holds a significant place within the biblical narrative. It is not merely a private agreement between two individuals but a public covenant that is often attested by witnesses. This public aspect underscores the communal and societal recognition of the marital union, reflecting its importance in the fabric of biblical society.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of marriage as a covenant is rooted in the creation narrative. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This foundational verse highlights the leaving and cleaving process, which is inherently a public act, as it involves a shift in familial and social relationships.

Role of Witnesses

The presence of witnesses in marriage ceremonies is implied in several biblical accounts. For instance, the marriage of Boaz and Ruth in the Book of Ruth is a notable example. In Ruth 4:9-11 , Boaz addresses the elders and all the people at the gate, saying, "You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, Mahlon’s widow, as my wife." The elders and the people respond, "We are witnesses." This public declaration and the affirmation by witnesses highlight the communal acknowledgment of the marriage covenant.

Cultural and Legal Context

In ancient Israel, marriage was not only a personal commitment but also a legal and social contract. The presence of witnesses served to validate the marriage, ensuring that it was recognized by the community. This practice is consistent with the broader ancient Near Eastern customs, where legal transactions, including marriages, were often conducted in the presence of witnesses to ensure their legitimacy and to provide a record of the agreement.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to affirm the public nature of marriage. While specific ceremonies are not detailed, the communal aspect of marriage is evident. Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) underscores the social and celebratory nature of marriage. The presence of Jesus, His disciples, and other guests at the wedding feast indicates the communal recognition and celebration of the marital union.

Theological Implications

Marriage, as a covenant witnessed by others, reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Just as God’s covenants with humanity are public and involve witnesses (e.g., Deuteronomy 31:28), so too is the marriage covenant. This public attestation serves as a reminder of the seriousness and sanctity of the marital bond, which is not only a personal commitment but also a testimony to the community and before God.

Practical Considerations

In contemporary Christian practice, the presence of witnesses at a marriage ceremony continues to hold significance. It serves as a reminder of the couple's commitment not only to each other but also to God and the community. Witnesses often play a role in supporting and holding the couple accountable to their vows, reflecting the communal nature of the Christian faith.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of marriage as a ceremony attested by witnesses emphasizes its public, legal, and communal dimensions, underscoring its role as a foundational institution within both the biblical narrative and Christian practice.Ruth 4:1-11
Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there: and, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spoke came by; to whom he said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 8:1-3
Moreover the LORD said to me, Take you a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.
Nave's Topical Index

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... any thing for performing the marriage ceremony; but this ... by our traveling ministers
for marriage fees? ... plainest facts on record " facts attested by thousands ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... No ceremony was surrounded with greater care to ... of the Sadducees, as are attested
on trustworthy ... They concerned (besides the Levirate marriage) chiefly three ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... or legend, but upon actual facts attested by many ... the most pleasant part of the ceremony,
as being a ... was attempting to force into a distasteful marriage a lady ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Gospel According to St. John
... John at Ephesus is attested by the Revelation ... knew the peculiar manner of seating
employed at this ceremony. ... opened (i.). Jesus and Mary at the marriage at Cana ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vi the gospel according.htm

Footnotes
... This is attested by his cousin Mr. Zachary Boyd, who was one of the Regents at ... his
friends went was the one in which after sermon, the marriage ceremony was to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Christian Churches.
... relief above the door representing a marriage-scene ("vi ... The event is attested not
only by a manuscript ... of Leo III.((795-816), speaks of this strange ceremony. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iii christian churches.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... are rightly to be praised, and the venerated eye-witnesses and ministers ... long process
of deliberation, beginning probably before his marriage with Chrotechildis ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... of manumission were carried out in temples, the formal ceremony concluding with
a ... deeper than mere marital intercourse; husband and wife in marriage have equal ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

What does the Bible say about the concept of a common law marriage? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about gay marriage / same sex marriage? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Marriage (All) | GotQuestions.org

Marriage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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