What is the definition of marriage?

Response

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court made a decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Across the Atlantic, in mid-July 2013, the Queen of England approved “The Marriage Bill,” permitting marriage for same-sex couples. Globally, at least fifteen other countries have sanctioned marriage between partners of the same sex. Clearly, the societal concept of marriage is evolving. However, should a government have the authority to redefine marriage, or has the definition of marriage already been established by a higher power?

In Genesis chapter 2, God states that it is not good for Adam (the first man) to be alone. Although all the animals are present, none of them are a suitable companion for Adam. Therefore, in a unique act of creation, God forms a woman. Shortly after, the woman is referred to as “his wife” «And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.», (Genesis 2:25). The first marriage took place in Eden, ordained by God Himself. The Genesis author then establishes the standard by which all future marriages are defined: “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” «Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. », (Genesis 2:24).

This biblical passage provides key insights into God’s plan for marriage. Firstly, marriage involves a man and a woman. The Hebrew term for “wife” is specific to gender; it exclusively refers to “a woman.” There is no biblical reference to a marriage involving anything other than a man and a woman. Family formation and human reproduction cannot occur asexually. Since God ordained sexual relations to occur solely between a man and a woman, it is impossible for a family to be established or for human reproduction to take place asexually.

Concerning the relationship between a married couple, it follows that God’s intention is for the family unit to be established when a man and a woman unite in a sexual relationship and have children.

The second principle from Genesis 2 regarding God’s plan for marriage is that marriage is meant to be lifelong. Verse 24 states that the two become “one flesh.” Eve was taken from Adam’s side, thus she was literally one flesh with Adam. Her very essence was created from Adam rather than from the ground. Every marriage thereafter is meant to mirror the unity Adam and Eve shared. Because their connection was “in the flesh,” they were united forever. The first marriage did not include any provision for separation. This indicates that God designed marriage to be permanent. When a man and a woman commit to marriage, they “become one flesh,” which is why they vow, “Till death do us part.”

A third principle from this passage about God’s plan for marriage is monogamy. The Hebrew terms for “man” and “wife” are singular and do not allow for multiple spouses. Although some individuals in Scripture had multiple spouses, it is evident from the creation story that God’s plan for marriage was one man and one woman. Jesus stressed this principle when He referred to the Genesis account to challenge the concept of easy divorce (Matthew 19:4—6).

It is not surprising that the world seeks to alter what God has established. “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” «Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. », (Romans 8:7). Despite the world’s efforts to redefine “marriage,” the Bible remains unchanged. The precise definition of marriage is the union.

Marriage is the union of a single man and a single woman for life.