Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Wedlock, commonly referred to as marriage, is a covenantal union between a man and a woman, instituted by God as the foundational relationship for family and society. The concept of wedlock is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with the creation account in Genesis. 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 verse establishes the divine intention for marriage as a lifelong, exclusive union. Biblical Foundations The Bible presents wedlock as a sacred institution designed by God for companionship, procreation, and mutual support. In Genesis 1:27-28 , God creates humanity in His image, male and female, and commands them to "be fruitful and multiply." This directive underscores the procreative purpose of marriage, highlighting the role of wedlock in the continuation of human life. The New Testament reaffirms the sanctity of marriage. Jesus Christ, in Matthew 19:4-6 , refers back to the Genesis account, saying, "Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." This passage emphasizes the indissoluble nature of wedlock as ordained by God. Roles and Responsibilities Scripture outlines specific roles and responsibilities for husbands and wives within the context of wedlock. Ephesians 5:22-33 provides a detailed description of these roles, instructing wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord and husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. This passage highlights the complementary nature of the marital relationship, with mutual love and respect as its cornerstone. The Apostle Peter also addresses marital roles in 1 Peter 3:1-7 , urging wives to be submissive to their husbands and husbands to honor their wives as co-heirs of the grace of life. These instructions reflect the biblical view of marriage as a partnership characterized by love, respect, and shared spiritual goals. Wedlock and Purity The Bible places a strong emphasis on sexual purity within wedlock. Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This verse underscores the importance of fidelity and purity in marriage, warning against the destructive consequences of sexual immorality. Challenges and Redemption While wedlock is portrayed as a divine blessing, the Bible acknowledges the challenges that can arise within marriage. The fall of humanity introduced sin into the world, affecting all relationships, including marriage. However, Scripture offers guidance and hope for overcoming marital difficulties. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 , the Apostle Paul advises married couples to seek reconciliation and avoid divorce, reflecting God's desire for restoration and healing in marriage. Symbolism and Eschatology Wedlock also serves as a profound symbol of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:31-32 reveals this mystery, stating, "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." This analogy elevates the significance of marriage, portraying it as a reflection of the divine love and unity between Christ and His bride, the Church. In eschatological terms, the ultimate fulfillment of wedlock is seen in the marriage supper of the Lamb, described in Revelation 19:7-9 , where the Church is presented as the bride of Christ, adorned for her husband. This future event underscores the eternal significance of wedlock as a foretaste of the heavenly union between Christ and His redeemed people. Topical Bible Verses Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Topicalbible.org Matthew 5:32 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The ceremony, or the state, of marriage; matrimony.2. (n.) A wife; a married woman. 3. (v. t.) To marry; to unite in marriage; to wed. Greek 1103. gnesios -- lawfully begotten, genuine ... Adjective Transliteration: gnesios Phonetic Spelling: (gnay'-see-os) Short Definition: real, true, genuine Definition: (lit: born in wedlock), hence: real, true ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1103.htm - 7k 4924. sunoikeo -- to share the knowledge of 22. agamos -- unmarried Strong's Hebrew 5003. naaph -- to commit adultery... adultereress, committing adultery, woman that breaks wedlock. A primitive root; to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize -- adulterer ... /hebrew/5003.htm - 6k Library There is a Kind of Hidden Wedlock in the Inner Man. Unlawful ... Marriage Does not Cancel a Mutual Vow of Continence; There was ... How the Married and the Single are to be Admonished. Man Born of Whatever Parentage is Sinful and Capable of Redemption ... Letter cxcix. Canonica Secunda. The Further Adventures of Saint George. Of the Stink of Lechery and the Peril of Touching: and of the ... What Diversity There Ought to be in the Art of Preaching. Though a Widow May have Received no Commandment, yet She Has ... After Having Written About virgins, it Seemed Needful to Say ... Thesaurus Wedlock (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) A wife; a married woman. 3. (vt) To marry; to unite in marriage; to wed. Multi-Version Concordance Wedlock (1 Occurrence). ... /w/wedlock.htm - 6k Wedded (1 Occurrence) Marry (48 Occurrences) Bastard (2 Occurrences) Songs (100 Occurrences) Weed (3 Occurrences) Wedge (3 Occurrences) Song (207 Occurrences) Natural (49 Occurrences) Wife (437 Occurrences) Resources Can a child who is conceived out of wedlock be saved? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christian parents handle a teen daughter who has become pregnant? | GotQuestions.org If marriage is so difficult, why should I even consider it? | GotQuestions.org Wedlock: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wedlock (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 16:38 Subtopics Related Terms |
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