Topical Bible: Marriage: Consent of the Parties Necessary To

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Marriage, as depicted in the Bible, is a sacred covenant that requires the mutual consent of both parties involved. This principle is evident throughout the Scriptures, where marriage is portrayed not merely as a social contract but as a divinely instituted union that necessitates the willing agreement of both individuals.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of mutual consent in marriage is rooted in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:24 , 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 voluntary nature of the marital union, as it involves a deliberate decision by the man to leave his family and cleave to his wife, forming a new, independent family unit.

In the account of Isaac and Rebekah, we see a clear example of consent being sought and given. Genesis 24:57-58 states, "So they said, 'We will call the girl and ask her opinion.' They called Rebekah and asked her, 'Will you go with this man?' 'I will go,' she replied." Here, Rebekah's consent is explicitly sought, highlighting the importance of her willingness to enter into marriage.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further emphasizes the necessity of mutual consent in marriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:39 , Paul writes, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This passage affirms the widow's freedom to choose a new spouse, indicating that her consent is essential in the decision to remarry.

Additionally, in 1 Corinthians 7:4 , Paul discusses the mutual authority that spouses have over each other's bodies, stating, "The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does." This mutual authority implies a relationship built on mutual consent and respect, where both parties willingly submit to one another.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, marriages were often arranged by families, yet the Scriptures provide evidence that the consent of the individuals involved was still a crucial component. The account of Jacob and Rachel in Genesis 29 illustrates the importance of personal desire and consent, as Jacob willingly worked for seven years to marry Rachel, whom he loved.

The cultural context of the Bible also reflects the importance of consent in marriage. While parental guidance and approval were significant, the ultimate decision rested with the individuals entering the marriage covenant. This is evident in the Song of Solomon, where the mutual affection and desire between the bride and groom are celebrated, emphasizing the voluntary and consensual nature of their relationship.

Theological Implications

The requirement of consent in marriage aligns with the broader biblical theme of free will and personal responsibility. Marriage, as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church, is based on love, commitment, and mutual agreement. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This sacrificial love is predicated on a willing and consensual relationship, mirroring the voluntary nature of the marital covenant.

In summary, the biblical perspective on marriage underscores the necessity of consent from both parties. This principle is woven throughout the Scriptures, affirming that marriage is a sacred union that requires the willing participation and agreement of both individuals involved.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:57,58
And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 18:20
And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let your handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether, in the Absence of Inward Consent, a Marriage is Made by ...
... Reply to Objection 2: If mental consent is lacking in one of the parties, on
neither side is there marriage, since marriage consists in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the absence of.htm

Whether Consent Given Secretly in Words of the Present Makes a ...
... are free, may enter religion without their parent's consent. ... proximate effect, which
is the marriage bond, because ... happens that one of the parties is guilty of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether consent given secretly in.htm

Whether Seven Years is Fittingly Assigned as the Age for Betrothal ...
... present, whereas in a betrothal the consent is to ... second contract does not amount
to marriage, nevertheless the ... can only be between two parties; wherefore it ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether seven years is fittingly.htm

Whether Defective Age is an Impediment to Marriage?
... Wherefore if the parties who marry before the age of puberty have ... matters: and therefore
it is possible after deliberation to consent to marriage before one ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether defective age is an.htm

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... 2. That the marriage covenant should be cemented by a ... wife;" implying that the affection
between the parties to this ... in your own bosom, before you consent to a ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

Whether it is Fitting that Impediments Should be Assigned to ...
... on the part of the contract or in regard to the contracting parties. If in the first
way, since the marriage contract is made by voluntary consent, and this ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting that 7.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... many unhappy marriages in the world; it is because the parties concerned do ... Come
then to the marriage. ... world, that they, as it were with one consent, have made ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

The Excuses.
... the main coincident with that of the royal marriage in its ... the spiritual side does
the expression, "with one consent," intimate that the parties met and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxi the excuses.htm

Friends, or Quakers.
... at a subsequent meeting, to which the parties also come ... objections be reported, they
have the meeting's consent to solemnize their intended marriage. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/friends or quakers.htm

Chapter xvi.
... marriage were broken up by one of the parties becoming a ... for a single night, if she
would consent to hold ... but only if he himself, the lord by marriage of her ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xvi.htm