The desire for marriage is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, reflecting both the divine institution of marriage and the human longing for companionship. From the creation narrative in Genesis to the teachings of the New Testament, the Scriptures provide guidance and insight into the nature and purpose of marriage.

Biblical Foundation of Marriage

The concept of marriage is established in the early chapters of Genesis. 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 statement underscores the divine intention for companionship and partnership. The subsequent creation of Eve from Adam's rib (Genesis 2:21-22) signifies the intimate and complementary relationship intended between husband and wife. Genesis 2:24 further articulates the foundational principle of marriage: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Marriage as a Covenant

Marriage is depicted as a covenantal relationship, a sacred bond that mirrors God's covenant with His people. Malachi 2:14 refers to marriage as a "covenant with your wife," emphasizing its solemn and binding nature. This covenantal aspect is further highlighted in the New Testament, where marriage is likened to 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."

Desire for Marriage

The desire to be married is acknowledged in Scripture as a natural and honorable aspiration. Proverbs 18:22 affirms, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." This verse suggests that marriage is a blessing and a source of divine favor. The longing for marriage is also evident in the Song of Solomon, a poetic celebration of love and desire between a bride and groom.

Guidance for Those Desiring Marriage

For those who desire marriage, the Bible offers practical and spiritual guidance. In 1 Corinthians 7, the Apostle Paul addresses the unmarried and widows, advising them to remain single if they can do so without burning with passion, but also acknowledging that "if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:9). This passage recognizes the legitimacy of the desire for marriage while also affirming the value of singleness for those who are called to it.

Seeking God's Will

The pursuit of marriage should be aligned with seeking God's will and timing. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages believers to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This principle applies to the desire for marriage, urging individuals to seek God's guidance and wisdom in their relationships.

Character and Compatibility

The Bible emphasizes the importance of character and spiritual compatibility in choosing a marriage partner. 2 Corinthians 6:14 advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This counsel highlights the significance of shared faith and values in a marriage relationship.

Conclusion

The desire to be married is a deeply rooted aspect of human experience, affirmed and guided by biblical principles. Through the Scriptures, believers are encouraged to view marriage as a divine institution, a covenantal relationship, and a potential source of blessing and fulfillment.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

Proverbs 18:22
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 5:14
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Topicalbible.org

I have Said This, Lest Haply Married Fruitfulness Dare to vie with ...
... 7. I have said this, lest haply married fruitfulness dare to vie with virgin chastity ...
divided, that ye be virgins, we be mothers: for what is wanting to you in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 7 i have said.htm

There is this Further, that in that Very Debt which Married ...
... But, if either both, or one, of these be wanting, I find not how we can call ... However,
if she keep to him faith of bed, and after he shall have married, have no ...
/.../augustine/on the good of marriage/section 4 there is this.htm

The Marriage of Church Dignitaries.
... in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint ...
Now, when we saw that some who have been married twice may be much better ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/22 the marriage of church.htm

Go on Therefore in Your Course, and Run with Perseverance...
... Next, neither ought we to fear lest haply all receive it, and some one of lesser
goods, that is, married life, be wanting in the body of Christ. ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 28 go on therefore.htm

Proposed Action on Clerical Celibacy.
... since he says, or rather makes Paphnutius say, that, according to ancient tradition,
those not married at the time ... (b) The name of Paphnutius is wanting in the ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/proposed action on clerical celibacy.htm

Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way ...
... obedient to be preferred to the disobedient, but a more obedient married woman to ...
yet in virtue of obedience inferior: even if there had been wanting to those ...
/.../augustine/on the good of marriage/section 28 therefore if we.htm

The Personal History of Callistus; his Occupation as a Banker ...
... on account of the statements made by the Jews, there was not wanting one to ... of this
man, bishops, priests, and deacons, who had been twice married, and thrice ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter vii the personal history of.htm

But this is So Great, that Certain Understand it to be the Fruit ...
... married charity, or equal it unto virgin glory; or think that the Crown of Martyrdom,
either established in habit of mind, although proof of trial be wanting, ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 46 but this is.htm

But, as I had Begun to Say, Whether the Fruit an Hundred-Fold be ...
... will have doubted that this latter gift is hidden, if trial to test it be wanting. ...
that the virginal good is much greater and better than the married good, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/of holy virginity /section 47 but as i.htm

St. Ambrose Returns to the Story of the Widow of Sarepta...
... she represented the Church, hence that she was an example to virgins, married women,
and ... famine in all the land, yet the care of God was not wanting to the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii st ambrose returns.htm

Who was Thérèse of Lisieux? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about family? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about brothers and sisters/siblings? | GotQuestions.org

Wanting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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