Marriage & Family

The Bible presents marriage as a divine institution established by God, where a man and woman become one flesh in a lifelong covenant. Family relationships are to be characterized by love, respect, and obedience to God's commands, with husbands loving their wives sacrificially and wives respecting their husbands. Parents bear the responsibility of training their children in righteousness, while children are called to honor their parents. The family unit serves as a primary context for spiritual growth and reflecting God's covenant love.

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Category: Topical Study
Passages: 5 key scriptures

Key Passages

One Flesh Union

Genesis 2:24

This passage establishes the foundational principle of marriage as a man and woman becoming one flesh in a sacred union.

T²⁴herefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Raising Godly Children

Proverbs 22:6

It instructs parents to train children in the right way so they remain faithful throughout life.

T⁶rain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Children as Divine Heritage

Psalms 127:3-5

This text portrays children as a blessing and reward from the Lord that strengthen the family.

L³o, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

⁴ As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. ⁵ Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Christlike Love in Marriage

Ephesians 5:25-27

It calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loves the church, modeling covenant faithfulness.

H²⁵usbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Instructions for Family Members

Colossians 3:18-21

This passage gives practical guidance for wives, husbands, children, and fathers to maintain order and harmony in the home.

W¹⁸ives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.