In the Bible, “given in marriage” refers to the act of a father or guardian granting a woman to a man in holy matrimony, signifying a formal commitment and covenant between the couple. It underscores the significance of familial and social permissions in the context of marriage, as seen in passages like Genesis 24:58 and Matthew 1:18.
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.
“Given in Marriage” Meaning in the Bible
The phrase “given in marriage” embodies not only the act of bestowing a woman to a suitor but also reflects a deep, covenantal understanding of marriage as ordained by God. In traditional biblical culture, the act of a father giving his daughter in marriage signifies not just familial approval, but also the establishment of social, economic, and spiritual alliances. For instance, in Genesis 24:58, when Rebekah is asked if she will go with Abraham’s servant to marry Isaac, her affirmative answer, “I will go,” highlights a willingness to embrace her role in God’s divine plan. This underscores the notion that marriage is not merely a personal agreement but a union steeped in community approval and divine intention.
Moreover, the idea of being “given in marriage” emphasizes the sanctity of the marital bond, reinforcing the principle that marriage is a sacred covenant between two individuals, initiated and blessed by God. In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus references the Genesis account, stating, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” This affirmation transcends cultural practices, highlighting an intrinsic spiritual element in marital relationships. Thus, the broader meaning of “given in marriage” serves to remind believers of the importance of familial blessings, God’s role in the institution of marriage, and the calling for both partners to honor their commitments as a reflection of God’s love and faithfulness.
In addition to the relational and covenantal implications depicted in the phrase “given in marriage,” the Bible also elucidates the transformative nature of this union. The act of being given in marriage denotes a shift in identity for both parties involved as they move from their individual roles into a collective partnership. This notion can be observed in the Old Testament, where the various marriages serve to create a lineage that fulfills God’s promises to His people. The importance of marital unions is frequently reflected in genealogies and narratives that underscore the continuity of God’s covenant with Israel.
Furthermore, the New Testament expands on the concept of marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often draws parallels between the husband-wife relationship and the divine union established with believers. This theology suggests that “being given in marriage” transcends social contracts and reflects a profound spiritual reality about commitment and mutual submission resembling that between Christ and His bride. Such teachings emphasize love, respect, and a selfless devotion that should characterize Christian marriages. Thus, “given in marriage” serves as a reminder that the institution is not to be taken lightly; it carries with it a divine purpose and a commitment to one another as a testimony to God’s grace and relational design.
Divine Institution of Marriage
The phrase “given in marriage” reflects the biblical understanding of marriage as a divine institution ordained by God. In this context, marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant that signifies the union between a man and a woman, established under divine authority. This perspective emphasizes that marriage is intended to fulfill God’s purposes, including companionship, procreation, and the reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church.
Symbol of Commitment and Covenant
“Given in marriage” also signifies a deep commitment and covenant between two individuals. In biblical terms, marriage is portrayed as a binding agreement that involves mutual promises and responsibilities. This commitment goes beyond mere legal or social obligations; it encompasses emotional, spiritual, and physical dimensions, highlighting the importance of fidelity, love, and support within the marital relationship.
Reflection of God’s Relationship with Humanity
Furthermore, the concept of being “given in marriage” can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. Throughout the Bible, marriage imagery is often used to describe the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as well as Christ and the Church. This broader meaning illustrates how the marital bond serves as a reflection of divine love, faithfulness, and the call to intimacy, underscoring the spiritual significance of human relationships in the context of God’s overarching plan for humanity.
How to Strengthen Your Faith and Relationships in Christ
Strengthening your faith and relationships in Christ is a beautiful journey that begins with intentionality and openness. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; let the Word of God be your daily bread, guiding your thoughts and actions. Prayer is your lifeline—engage in heartfelt conversations with God, sharing your joys, struggles, and desires. Surround yourself with a community of believers who uplift and challenge you; consider joining a small group or volunteering in your church, as these connections can deepen your understanding of Christ’s love. Remember, faith is not just a solitary endeavor; it flourishes in relationships. Be vulnerable with others, share your testimony, and listen to theirs—this mutual sharing can create a bond that reflects Christ’s love. Lastly, practice gratitude and service; as you recognize God’s blessings and extend kindness to others, your faith will grow, and your relationships will flourish, drawing you closer to the heart of Christ.
Bible References to “Given in Marriage”:
Matthew 22:23-33: 23 The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question,
24 “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.’”
25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother.
26 So too the second and the third, down to the seventh.
27 Last of all, the woman also died.
28 In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”
29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God:
32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”
22 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.
Mark 12:18-27: 18 And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying:
19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.
20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring.
21 And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring.
22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died.
23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.”
24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?
25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.”
Luke 20:27-40: 27 There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,
28 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children.
29 Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children.
30 and the second took her as wife, and he died childless.
31 and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died.
32 Last of all the woman also died.
33 In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife.”
34 And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage,
35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage,
36 for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.
38 Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.
39 Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.”
40 For they no longer dared to ask him any question.
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?
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 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.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.