Marriage is one of the most significant decisions a person can make in life.
It affects your future, your faith, and your family.
But in a world where relationships come and go, and marriage is sometimes taken lightly, it’s important to ask: What does the Bible say about getting married?
Is marriage something that God calls everyone to?
How should Christians approach marriage in a way that honors God?
The Bible provides deep wisdom about marriage, from God’s original design to practical advice for building a strong relationship.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about getting married and what it means to follow God’s plan for marriage.
Marriage Is God’s Design
From the very beginning, marriage was God’s idea.
Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'”
God saw that Adam needed a companion, so He created Eve.
Marriage was not an accident or a cultural tradition—it was part of God’s perfect plan for human relationships.
Genesis 2:24 further explains, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This shows that marriage is more than just a legal agreement.
It is a deep, spiritual bond where two people become one.
God designed marriage to be a lifelong commitment, built on love, faith, and unity.
Is Marriage for Everyone?
While marriage is a blessing, the Bible does not say that everyone must get married.
In fact, some people are called to remain single.
The apostle Paul speaks about this in 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, saying, “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.”
Paul was single and saw it as a way to serve God without distractions.
He acknowledged that singleness, just like marriage, is a gift.
So while marriage is a wonderful part of God’s plan, it is not a requirement for everyone.
Whether single or married, the most important thing is to follow God’s calling for your life.
Choosing the Right Partner
One of the most crucial decisions about marriage is choosing the right person.
The Bible warns against being “unequally yoked” with someone who does not share your faith.
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
A strong marriage is built on a shared foundation of faith in God.
Marrying someone who does not share your beliefs can lead to spiritual struggles and conflict.
Proverbs 31:10 describes a godly spouse: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This applies to both men and women—character matters more than looks, wealth, or status.
When choosing a partner, look for someone who loves God, is kind, trustworthy, and committed to growing in faith.
Love and Commitment in Marriage
Love is at the heart of marriage, but biblical love goes beyond feelings.
It is a choice and a commitment.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 gives a powerful definition of love:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This kind of love is not based on emotions alone but on a deep commitment to care for and respect each other.
Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This shows that marriage is about selflessness and sacrifice.
It is not about what you can get but what you can give.
The Role of Husbands and Wives
God designed marriage with roles that create harmony and balance.
Ephesians 5:22-24 says, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
This passage is often misunderstood.
It does not mean that wives are inferior or that husbands should be controlling.
Instead, it speaks of mutual love and respect.
Just as Christ leads the church with love, a husband is called to lead his family with love, humility, and care.
In turn, a wife supports her husband, just as the church follows Christ.
Both roles require sacrifice, love, and teamwork.
Marriage and Purity
The Bible teaches that sexual intimacy is a beautiful and important part of marriage.
Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
God designed sex to be a sacred and special bond between a husband and wife.
It is meant to be an expression of love and commitment.
Because of this, the Bible encourages believers to stay pure before marriage.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 says, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
Waiting until marriage to experience intimacy is a way to honor God and protect the beauty of the marriage relationship.
Challenges in Marriage
Even the strongest marriages face difficulties.
Disagreements, stress, and life’s struggles can create tension.
But the Bible provides guidance on how to handle conflicts in a godly way.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness is key to a lasting marriage.
Holding onto resentment only causes harm.
Instead, couples are called to extend grace, just as God has shown grace to them.
Another important principle is found in Ephesians 4:26: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
This teaches that conflicts should be resolved quickly.
Letting anger fester only leads to bitterness and division.
Marriage requires patience, humility, and a willingness to work through challenges together.
The Purpose of Marriage
Marriage is not just about companionship—it is also about reflecting God’s love.
Ephesians 5:31-32 says, “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 is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
Marriage is a picture of Christ’s relationship with the church.
Just as Christ loves the church unconditionally, spouses are called to love each other with the same devotion.
Malachi 2:15 also shows that marriage has a purpose beyond the couple: “Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.”
Marriage provides a foundation for raising children in faith and passing on God’s truth to future generations.
Should You Get Married?
If you are considering marriage, seek God’s guidance.
Pray and ask Him for wisdom.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Marriage is a lifelong commitment, so it is important to enter it with prayer and preparation.
Seek wise counsel from godly mentors or pastors.
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
Marriage is not something to rush into, but when entered with faith and wisdom, it can be one of the greatest blessings in life.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred and beautiful part of God’s plan.
It is a commitment built on love, faith, and selflessness.
While marriage is not required for everyone, it is a gift that reflects God’s love for His people.
If you are preparing for marriage, seek God’s guidance, choose a partner who shares your faith, and commit to loving and serving each other in a way that honors Him.
A Christ-centered marriage is one that stands strong, through every joy and challenge, with God at its foundation.