In the King James Bible, marriage is defined as a divinely instituted union between a man and a woman, intended for companionship, intimacy, and the procreation of children, as reflected in Genesis 2:24: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Scripture
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field.
21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.
23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Marriage Definition in the King James Bible
In the King James Bible, marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant ordained by God, reflecting profound theological significance. This idea is rooted in Genesis 2:24, which captures the essence of the marital bond, stating that a man will leave his parents to unite with his wife, culminating in a union described as “one flesh.” This metaphor highlights the depth of intimacy, commitment, and unity expected in a marriage, suggesting that it goes beyond physical and emotional connections to involve spiritual dimensions. Marriage, therefore, is seen as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:25-32, where Paul calls husbands to love their wives selflessly, likening this love to Christ’s sacrificial love for His followers.
Furthermore, the biblical view of marriage encompasses the responsibilities that come with the union. It emphasizes mutual respect, partnership, and the importance of raising children within the faith, as seen in Proverbs 22:6, which advises parents to “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Through these lenses, marriage in the KJV emphasizes that it is not only about individual happiness but also about fulfilling God’s design for family and community. The intertwining of love, duty, and divine purpose showcases marriage as a foundational institution for the flourishing of society and the embodiment of God’s love in the world.
In the King James Bible, the concept of marriage extends to encompass the duties and virtues that both partners should exhibit. The scriptures emphasize fidelity and loyalty as non-negotiable attributes of a covenantal relationship. For instance, Proverbs 18:22 highlights the significance of finding a “good thing” in marriage, suggesting that choosing a spouse is a divine blessing and an opportunity to experience God’s favor. This perspective underscores the notion that marriage is not only a personal journey but also an integral part of God’s will, where the couple becomes advocates of each other’s spiritual growth, supporting one another in their individual and shared paths toward holiness.
Moreover, the theme of love and respect continues to resonate across various passages, advocating for a partnership where both individuals contribute to the well-being of the family unit. In Colossians 3:18-19, the roles within marriage are specified: wives are called to submit to their husbands, and husbands are commanded to love their wives without bitterness. This interplay of submission and love illustrates a balance of power and affection, aiming to cultivate a harmonious environment where both partners thrive. The KJV consistently portrays marriage as a dynamic partnership, emphasizing that such a bond entails a commitment to nurture each other’s character, uphold familial duties, and ultimately, remain steadfast in faith together. This holistic view of marriage serves as a guiding framework for believers, encouraging them to navigate the complexities of life and partnership with grace and purpose.
The Covenant of Unity
In the context of the King James Bible, marriage is often viewed as a sacred covenant that unites two individuals into one entity. This unity transcends mere physical or emotional connection; it signifies a deep spiritual bond that reflects the relationship between God and His people. The idea of becoming “one flesh” emphasizes the importance of mutual support, shared goals, and a commitment to grow together in faith and love. This covenantal aspect of marriage underscores the seriousness and sanctity of the commitment made before God and the community.
The Role of Love and Sacrifice
Another broader meaning of marriage in the biblical context is the emphasis on love and sacrifice. The biblical definition of marriage calls for partners to love one another selflessly, mirroring the love that Christ has for the Church. This love is not merely an emotion but an active choice to prioritize the well-being of one’s spouse, often requiring personal sacrifice. This principle encourages couples to navigate challenges together, fostering resilience and deepening their bond through acts of kindness, patience, and understanding.
The Foundation of Family and Community
Marriage in the biblical sense also serves as a foundational institution for family and community. It is through marriage that families are formed, and the next generation is nurtured. The biblical view of marriage emphasizes the importance of raising children in a loving and faith-filled environment, instilling values that align with spiritual teachings. This broader perspective highlights the role of marriage in contributing to the stability and moral fabric of society, as strong families often lead to stronger communities.
How to Foster Love and Unity in Your Faith
Fostering love and unity in your faith is a beautiful journey that begins with the simple act of opening your heart to others. As you engage with your community, remember that every person you encounter is a reflection of God’s creation, deserving of kindness and respect. Start by actively listening to those around you, seeking to understand their perspectives and experiences. This practice not only deepens your relationships but also cultivates empathy, which is essential for unity. Embrace opportunities for service, whether through volunteering or simply offering a helping hand to a neighbor; these acts of love create bonds that transcend differences. Finally, immerse yourself in prayer and scripture, allowing God’s word to guide your actions and thoughts. By embodying Christ’s love in your daily life, you become a beacon of unity, inspiring others to join you in this sacred mission. Remember, love is not just a feeling; it’s a choice we make every day, and through our choices, we can build a community that reflects the heart of Christ.
Bible References to Marriage in KJV:
Matthew 19:4-6: 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Ephesians 5:22-33: 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,
30 because we are members of his body.
31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
1 Corinthians 7:1-16: 1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.
4 For 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.
5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.
9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband.
11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.
16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Colossians 3:18-19: 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
1 Peter 3:1-7: 3 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
Proverbs 18:22: 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord.
Mark 10:6-9: 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,’
8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
Hebrews 13:4: 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
Malachi 2:14-16: 2 Yet you say, “Why?” 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.
2 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.
16 “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
1 Timothy 3:2-5: 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
Titus 2:3-5: 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.