What Is a Marriage? Jesus' Definition

In today’s world, the concept of marriage is being increasingly redefined and challenged, leading to widespread confusion about its meaning and purpose. From same-sex marriage to interracial unions, modern culture presents a variety of ways to understand what marriage is. However, from a Jesus-centered perspective, the definition of marriage remains consistent with God’s design as revealed in Scripture. This article will explore the biblical understanding of marriage, addressing key contemporary questions and providing clarity on what marriage is according to Jesus.

Jesus’ Definition of Marriage vs. Same-Sex Marriage: What Sets Them Apart?

When Jesus was asked about marriage, He pointed back to the creation account in Genesis, saying, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 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’?” (Matthew 19:4-5). In this simple statement, Jesus affirms the biblical definition of marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman.

This stands in contrast to the modern cultural acceptance of same-sex marriage. Since the landmark Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), same-sex marriages have been legally recognized in the United States. This has led to a shift in societal understanding of marriage, which is now often seen as a fluid institution that can be adapted to fit various relationship models.

From a Jesus-centered perspective, however, marriage remains a unique union between a man and a woman, designed to reflect the complementary nature of the sexes and to fulfill God’s purposes for human flourishing. While secular definitions may change, the biblical definition is grounded in creation and affirmed by Jesus.

Research Insight: According to the Pew Research Center, support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. has grown significantly over the past two decades, with 70% of Americans now in favor of it. However, for Christians who hold to a biblical worldview, this presents a challenge to remain faithful to Scripture’s teachings on marriage.

The Biblical Definition of Marriage: A Covenant Between a Married Couple

Marriage, in the Bible, is not just a social arrangement or a legal contract; it is a covenant—an unbreakable promise made between a husband, wife, and God. In this covenant, a man and a woman are joined together in a union that mirrors Christ’s relationship with His Church. Ephesians 5:25-32 paints this beautiful picture, where the husband is called to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, giving Himself up for her, while the wife is called to respect and submit to her husband as the Church submits to Christ.

This covenantal aspect of marriage sets it apart from other types of relationships. In today’s culture, marriage is often viewed through the lens of personal happiness and fulfillment. When it no longer “works,” it can be dissolved. However, from a Jesus-centered perspective, marriage is about commitment, sacrifice, and mutual service. It is a relationship meant to last a lifetime and to glorify God.

Research Insight: Studies show that couples who view marriage as a sacred covenant rather than a contract tend to report higher levels of satisfaction and commitment. A 2014 report from the National Marriage Project found that couples who prioritize faith and commitment in their marriage experience more stability and fewer divorces.

Marriage as the Foundation for Family Life and Raising Family Members

One of the primary purposes of marriage is to provide a stable foundation for family life. A strong, Christ-centered marriage creates a healthy environment where children can be nurtured and raised in the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of family in God’s design: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Marriage is the building block of the family unit, and family is the basic building block of society. When families are strong, societies flourish. God designed marriage to be the primary context for procreation and raising children, as seen in the Genesis mandate to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Through marriage, God provides the stability and love necessary for children to grow and thrive.

Research Insight: Research from the Institute for Family Studies shows that children raised in two-parent households with married couples tend to fare better in emotional, social, and academic outcomes compared to children raised in single-parent homes or cohabiting arrangements.

Marriage as a Divine Institution: Reflecting God’s Design for Human Beings

Marriage is not just a social institution; it is a divine one. From the beginning, God created human beings as male and female and instituted marriage as the union between them (Genesis 2:24). This institution of marriage was designed to reflect God’s own nature and His relationship with His creation. In marriage, we see a picture of unity, diversity, and complementary roles—just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect unity and distinctiveness within the Trinity.

Human beings were created in the image of God, and marriage is a reflection of that image. It is within the context of marriage that we most fully express the relational aspect of our humanity. This is why marriage is a sacred institution—it is not merely about two people coming together; it is about two people reflecting the character of God through their love, commitment, and unity.

Research Insight: According to Barna research, despite cultural shifts, 80% of American adults still agree that marriage is an important institution, although opinions differ on what form that should take. This statistic underscores the enduring value of marriage even in a rapidly changing society.

Marriage in the United States: How Interracial Marriage and Cultural Changes Reflect Different Ways of Defining Marriage

In the United States, the definition of marriage has evolved over time. One of the most significant changes has been the increasing acceptance of interracial marriage. Once banned in many states, interracial marriage is now widely accepted and celebrated. According to Pew Research, interracial marriages made up 17% of all new marriages in 2020, a dramatic increase from previous decades.

While the Bible does not condemn interracial marriage—indeed, there are examples of intercultural unions in Scripture, such as Moses and Zipporah—the concept of marriage itself remains rooted in God’s original design. Jesus’ definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman transcends cultural and racial boundaries. No matter the cultural changes or different ways people may seek to redefine marriage, the core biblical principles remain the same.

Research Insight: The rise in interracial marriages reflects broader societal shifts toward diversity and inclusion, but it also raises important questions about how Christians should navigate these cultural changes while remaining faithful to biblical teaching.

Conclusion: Holding Fast to Jesus’ Definition of Marriage

Marriage, from a Jesus-centered perspective, is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect His love, faithfulness, and purpose for humanity. While modern society may present different ways of defining marriage—through same-sex unions, legal contracts, or cultural shifts—the biblical definition remains consistent. Marriage is about covenantal love, mutual service, and the formation of family life, all of which point back to God’s original design for human flourishing.

As Christians, it is essential to hold fast to this Jesus-centered definition of marriage, recognizing that it is not just a social arrangement but a divine institution that reflects the heart of God. In a world that increasingly redefines marriage, the call for believers is to live out the biblical model, showing the world the beauty and sanctity of marriage as God intended it to be.