Topical Bible: Marriage: Expressed by Making Affinity

◄ Marriage: Expressed by Making Affinity ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as expressed by making affinity, is a concept deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the union and covenantal relationship established between a man and a woman. This union is not merely a social contract but a divinely instituted bond that signifies a profound spiritual and physical connection.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation of marriage is established in the early chapters of Genesis, where God creates man and woman and ordains their union. 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 passage underscores the leaving of one's family to form a new, distinct family unit, highlighting the creation of a new affinity through marriage.

Covenantal Nature

Marriage is depicted as a covenantal relationship, reflecting God's covenant with His people. Malachi 2:14 emphasizes this aspect: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." This covenant is not only a promise between the spouses but also involves God as a witness and participant in the union.

Spiritual Significance

The New Testament further elaborates on the spiritual significance of marriage, particularly in Ephesians 5:31-32 , which echoes Genesis 2:24 and adds, "This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Here, marriage is likened to the relationship between Christ and the Church, illustrating the depth of love, sacrifice, and unity expected within the marital bond.

Roles and Responsibilities

Scripture outlines distinct roles and responsibilities within marriage, emphasizing mutual love, respect, and submission. Ephesians 5:22-25 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." These verses highlight the complementary nature of the marital relationship, where both partners are called to serve and honor one another in love.

Prohibitions and Boundaries

The Bible also sets clear boundaries regarding marriage, particularly concerning unions that would violate God's laws. Leviticus 18:6 states, "None of you are to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. I am the LORD." This prohibition against incestuous relationships underscores the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the family structure.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, marriage often involved the making of affinity through alliances between families or tribes. Such alliances were sometimes strategic, serving to strengthen social, economic, or political ties. However, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that the primary purpose of marriage is to reflect God's design and to foster a loving, faithful partnership.

Conclusion

Marriage, as expressed by making affinity, is a sacred institution ordained by God, characterized by a covenantal relationship that mirrors the divine love and commitment between Christ and the Church. Through this union, individuals are called to live out their faith, embodying the principles of love, respect, and unity as they build their lives together.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 3:1
And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. xii. 46-49.
... Which He did also at the marriage. ... purpose; and this very thing the evangelist has
darkly expressed. ... a darkness over us; the other, luxury, making us effeminate ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliv matt xii 46-49.htm

Summa Theologica
... Whether demons can lead men astray by means of real miracles? Whether a demon who
is overcome by man, is for this reason hindered from making further assaults? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

The Contribution of the Natural and Social Sciences
... He was unhappy in his marriage. ... for the explanation of everything, in the myth-making
period of ... sequence of forms, so that something is expressed or achieved. ...
/.../chapter v the contribution of.htm

Colossians iii. 17
... deduction from Scripture of their own making, but such ... the Corinthians, his dissuasion
of marriage seems to ... changed;" where the pronoun being expressed in the ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxix colossians iii 17.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... have nothing else in view than making a present ... whom Amenothes had demanded in marriage;
and letters ... Her exact relationship is not explicitly expressed, but is ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... 409. Hebrew language, affinity between, and Punic, [1332]450. Hell, trembling
at the resurrection of the just, [1333]415. Heretics ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... the theological faculty of the Sorbonne, had expressed himself in ... to the efforts
he had been making in behalf ... by the sense of close religious affinity in those ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... good man; when we say "unmanly," we have expressed that a ... soul will in its state
of purity have affinity, and will ... in making our own life in some degree a copy ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... office, had proceeded, with the loudly expressed approval of ... in one who is rightly
fed, by making him a ... 2675] parents and children, [2676] marriage and celibacy ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... Deveria, Lepage-Renouf, and Erman agree in making it a ... He gave to them in marriage
his sisters, his ... the mouth of the child.* Once this affinity was established ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm