What does the Bible really say about marriage?
What is the purpose of marriage, according to the scriptures?
Convey Concepts of Heavenly Things
Marriage reflects spiritual truths and heavenly relationships. It illustrates the roles of husband and wife(s) in relation to each other and to God, mirroring Christ's relationship with the Assembly (Church). References: Gen 3:16, 1 Cor 11:3, Eph 5:22-24, Col 3:18-19
Multiply & Fill the Earth
Marriage fulfills God's command to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth. Gen 1:22, Gen 1:28, Gen 9:1
Reflect Christ & His Assembly
Marriage in each man's house mirrors the relationship between Christ and His assembly (Church, or Ekklesia). Eph 5:22-24, Col 3:18-19
The Marriage Picture
CHRIST / MASTER / LORD
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The Assembly (Church)
Each in subjection to Christ
Husband / Master / Lord
Lord of His House
Wife or Wives
Each in subjection to the Husband
Scripture References
Genesis 3:16 (NASB)
"To the woman He said, 'I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you.'"
1 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB)
"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ."
Ephesians 5:22-24 (NASB)
"Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything."
Colossians 3:18-19 (NASB)
"Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them."