What Does the Bible Say About Marriage in Heaven?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

If you’re curious about whether marriages last in heaven, here’s the quick scoop: The Bible suggests that in heaven, we won’t marry or be given in marriage, but will be like angels. This idea comes from Jesus’ words in the New Testament. But don’t fret! The nature of relationships in heaven is likely far beyond our earthly understanding.

Looking for more on this? Dive deeper below.

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage in Heaven?

Many people, deeply in love, hope that their bond will transcend even death. So, the question of marital ties in the afterlife becomes naturally intriguing. What does the Bible say about it?

Jesus broached this topic when he was questioned by the Sadducees, a Jewish sect that didn’t believe in the resurrection. They posed a hypothetical situation of a woman who married seven brothers consecutively (after each died). They asked Jesus whose wife she’d be in the resurrection.

Jesus responded that those who reach the resurrection neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven. This reference is found in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 22:30.

So, from this perspective, marriage, as we understand it on Earth, isn’t a concept that persists in heaven. But it’s essential to understand that this doesn’t imply that there’s a lack of love or connection in the afterlife. Perhaps, relationships in heaven transcend our earthly definitions and boundaries. Without the presence of sin and with a direct communion with God, love might manifest in ways we can’t currently fathom.

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Another point of consideration is that marriage, in its earthly form, serves several purposes – procreation, companionship, and often a spiritual union. In heaven, where there is no death or need for procreation, the primary purpose of marriage doesn’t hold.

Furthermore, God’s view on relationships is centered on love, purity, and holiness. In heaven, where everything is in its perfect state, and sin is absent, the love and connection between souls could very well be so profound and pure that it goes beyond the boundaries set by earthly marriage.

Bible Verses About Marriage in Heaven

  1. Matthew 22:30: “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” This is Jesus’s direct response to the question of marriage in the afterlife. He draws a clear distinction between earthly marriages and the state of being in heaven.
  2. Mark 12:25: “For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” This verse is a parallel account from Mark, emphasizing the same concept as in Matthew.
  3. Luke 20:35-36: “But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.” Here, Luke provides a bit more context, tying the concept of not marrying to those deemed worthy of resurrection.

Now, these are the primary verses that address the idea of marriage in heaven directly. However, many other verses indirectly touch upon relationships, love, and the nature of heaven. It’s essential to approach this topic with an open heart and remember that God’s plans and designs, especially concerning eternal life, often go beyond our limited earthly understanding.