Topical Bible: Marriage: Expressed by Taking to Wife

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Topical Encyclopedia

Marriage, as expressed by the phrase "taking to wife," is a significant concept in the biblical narrative, reflecting the covenantal and relational aspects of this union. This expression is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern cultural context and is frequently encountered in the Old Testament, where it denotes the formal act of entering into a marital relationship.

Biblical Instances and Context

The phrase "taking to wife" is often used to describe the initiation of marriage, emphasizing the man's role in the process. In Genesis 24:67 , we see an early example: "Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death." Here, the act of taking Rebekah as his wife signifies the beginning of their marital relationship, underscoring the personal and familial dimensions of marriage.

In Deuteronomy 21:10-13 , the law provides instructions for an Israelite man who desires to take a captive woman as his wife: "When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them captive, if you see a beautiful woman among them, and you desire her and want to take her as your wife, then you shall bring her into your house. She must shave her head, trim her nails, and put aside the clothing of her captivity. After she has lived in your house and mourned her father and mother for a full month, then you may go to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife." This passage illustrates the formal and legal aspects of marriage, even in complex situations, and highlights the transition from captivity to a new familial identity.

Covenantal Nature of Marriage

The act of taking a wife is not merely a social contract but is deeply rooted in the covenantal framework that characterizes biblical marriage. Malachi 2:14 speaks to this covenantal aspect: "Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have broken faith with her, though she is your partner and the wife of your marriage covenant." This verse underscores the divine witness to the marriage covenant, emphasizing the spiritual and moral responsibilities inherent in the marital relationship.

Marriage as a Reflection of Divine Relationship

In the New Testament, marriage is further elevated as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:31-32 states, "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." Here, the union of husband and wife serves as a metaphor for the unity and love between Christ and His Church, highlighting the sacred and sacrificial nature of marriage.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

The expression "taking to wife" must be understood within its historical and cultural context. In ancient Israel, marriage was often arranged and involved negotiations between families. The act of taking a wife was not only a personal commitment but also a communal and familial event, often accompanied by celebrations and legal agreements.

Conclusion

While the phrase "taking to wife" may seem antiquated in modern times, its biblical usage provides rich insights into the nature of marriage as a covenantal, relational, and spiritual union. Through this expression, the Bible communicates the profound significance of marriage as ordained by God, reflecting His design for human relationships and His covenantal love for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 2:1
And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether a Person Contracts Affinity through the Marriage of a ...
... not become united together by the fact of his taking a wife ... tie known by the name
of "affinity." This is expressed in the ... Marriage makes a new kind of connection ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a person contracts affinity.htm

Whether Consent Given in Words Expressive of the Future Makes a ...
... is not the spiritual marriage itself that is expressed in words ... the future, it is
not a spiritual marriage, for a man does not become a monk by taking such a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether consent given in words.htm

Whether a Betrothal is a Promise of Future Marriage?
... especially if there be fear of one taking the other's ... Lord will," which, though it
be not expressed in words ... Reply to Objection 6: In marriage we may consider ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a betrothal is a.htm

Paul an Example to Widows, and to those who do not Live with their ...
... For, taking himself as a notable example, in order to ... a condition may, "by permission,"
contract a second marriage; not as though he expressed the opinion ...
/.../chapter xii paul an example to.htm

Whether the Sacrament is the Chief of the Marriage Goods?
... if anything contrary to these were expressed in the consent which makes a marriage,
the marriage would be ... Taking "faith" and "offspring" in this sense, it is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sacrament is the.htm

On Marriage.
... round of our Christian holy-days, I expressed to you the ... was written in a time when
the marriage union was ... Taking first the words to the wives"that they be ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/vii on marriage.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... They expressed good-will to men; and to the spiritual ... temple, not in the synagogue,
not by taking His disciples ... It is to the marriage supper of the Lamb, of ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm

Letter cxcix. Canonica Secunda.
... we have no ancient rule, but I have expressed my own ... to the cohabitation, it assumes
the fixity of marriage. ... If any one, after taking the name of Christianity ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cxcix canonica secunda.htm

In the Holy of Holies.
... investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before ... went in with
Him to the marriage, and the ... had ended, or, as they then expressed it, "the ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before ... went in with
Him to the marriage: and the ... had ended, or, as they then expressed it, "the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm