Definition and Biblical Concept of Commitment in Marriage
Biblical Concept of Commitment in Marriage
The biblical concept of commitment in marriage is rooted in the creation narrative, where marriage is instituted as a union between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:18-24) [2]. This union is described as a covenant relationship, emphasizing its permanence and sacred nature. The Hebrew word "berith" (covenant) is derived from a root meaning "to cut," referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in two and passing between the parts to seal a covenant (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18-19) [1, 4].
In the Old Testament, marriage is portrayed as a binding agreement between two parties, with God as a witness to the union (Malachi 2:14) [10]. The betrothal period, which preceded the actual marriage, was considered a legally binding commitment, making the couple "one flesh" in the eyes of God and society (Deuteronomy 22:23-24; Matthew 1:18-21) [3, 11]. The seriousness of this commitment is underscored by the consequences of breaking it, such as the punishment for adultery.
The New Testament reaffirms the importance of commitment in marriage, emphasizing its permanence and the mutual responsibilities of spouses. The apostle Paul teaches that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, and vice versa (1 Corinthians 7:39) [8]. The writer of Hebrews describes marriage as "honourable in all," highlighting its divine institution and the significance of the marital bond [15].
The biblical concept of commitment in marriage is also reflected in the symbolic use of marriage to describe God's relationship with his people. The prophets Hosea and Ezekiel use the metaphor of marriage to illustrate God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing the depth of God's commitment to his people (Hosea 2:18; Ezekiel 23:4) [12, 13, 14]. This metaphor is later used in the New Testament to describe the relationship between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22-33).
The biblical emphasis on commitment in marriage is not limited to the initial act of marriage but extends to the ongoing relationship. The book of Numbers outlines the rules governing vows made by a woman, including those made in her husband's house, highlighting the importance of mutual agreement and commitment in marriage (Numbers 30:10-13) [5, 6, 7].
In the biblical view, commitment in marriage involves a deep sense of loyalty, faithfulness, and responsibility. It is a covenantal relationship that is grounded in the character of God and reflects his commitment to his people. As such, it is considered a fundamental aspect of human relationships, one that is essential for building strong, healthy families and communities.
The significance of commitment in marriage is further underscored by its connection to the broader biblical theme of covenant. The marital covenant is seen as a reflection of God's covenant with his people, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, loyalty, and mutual responsibility [9].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Covenant — A contract or agreement between two parties. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word berith is always thus translated. Berith is derived from a root which means "to cut," and hence a covenant is a "cutting," with reference to the cutting or dividing of animals into two parts, and the contracting parties passing between them, in making a covenant (Gen. 15; Jer. 34:18, 19). The corresponding word in the New Testament Greek is diatheke, which is, however, rendered "testament" generally in the Authorized Version. It ought to be rendered, just as the word berith o”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Marriage — Was instituted in Paradise when man was in innocence (Gen. 2:18-24). Here we have its original charter, which was confirmed by our Lord, as the basis on which all regulations are to be framed (Matt. 19:4, 5). It is evident that monogamy was the original law of marriage (Matt. 19:5; 1 Cor. 6:16). This law was violated in after times, when corrupt usages began to be introduced (Gen. 4:19; 6:2). We meet with the prevalence of polygamy and concubinage in the patriarchal age (Gen. 16:1-4; 22:21-24; 28:8, 9; 29:23-30, etc.). Polygamy was acknowledged in the Mosa”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Betroth — To promise "by one's truth." Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed (Deut. 28:30; Judg. 14:2, 8; Matt. 1:18-21). The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people (Hos. 2:19, 20).”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Covenant — The Heb. berith means primarily "a cutting," with reference to the custom of cutting or dividing animals in two and passing between the parts in ratifying a covenant. (Genesis 15; Jeremiah 34:18,19) In the New Testament the corresponding word is diathece (diatheke), which is frequently translated testament in the Authorized Version. In its biblical meaning two parties the word is used-- + Of a covenant between God and man; e.g. God covenanted with Noah, after the flood, that a like judgment should not be repeated. It is not precisely like a covenant between”
- Numbers ““If she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, -- Numbers 30:10”
- Numbers “Numbers 30:6 (BSB) — If a woman marries while under a vow or rash promise by which she has bound herself,”
- Numbers “Numbers 30:13 (YLT) — `Every vow and every oath--a bond to humble a soul--her husband doth establish it, or her husband doth break it;”
- 1 Corinthians “A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in the Lord. -- 1 Corinthians 7:39”
- Genesis (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Genesis 2:24: 2:24 Marriage between a man and a woman is not just a human social construct but is rooted in the created order. • a man leaves . . . and is joined: Marriage entails a shift of loyalty from parents to spouse. • the two are united into one: Marriage and its commitments make it the most fundamental covenant relationship observed among humans. Marriage is a powerful image of Israel’s covenant with God (Hos 2:14-23) and of Christ’s relationship to the church (Eph 5:22-32). Marriage is designed as an inseparable, exclusive relationship between a man and a woman. The f”
- Malachi (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Malachi 2:14: 2:14 The expression faithful partner identifies a marriage companion (Greek Old Testament koinōnos, “joint partner”). The Hebrew word, used for a seam or a joint in construction (e.g., Exod 26:6-11), suggests a permanent bond. • marriage vows (literally covenant): Marriage is a solemn covenant to which God is witness (see Prov 2:17).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 1:18: 1:18 Jesus the Messiah (literally Jesus the Christ): Using Messiah in the translation accurately communicates that it is a title rather than a personal name (“Jesus Christ”). • engaged to be married: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) meant a permanent relationship (Mal 2:14) that could be broken only by legal process; thus, Mary was considered Joseph’s wife and he her husband (see Matt 1:20; Deut 22:23-24), even though they had not had sexual relations. Mary’s status as a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception through the power of the Holy Spirit helps authe”
- Ezek (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezek 23:4: 23:4 Marriage is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol for the covenant relationship between God and his people (e.g., Isa 54:1-8; Eph 5:22-33). Adultery symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., Hos 1–3). God makes his covenants in spite of, not because of, his people’s character (Rom 5:6-11).”
- Ezekiel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezekiel 23:4: 23:4 Marriage is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol for the covenant relationship between God and his people (e.g., Isa 54:1-8; Eph 5:22-33). Adultery symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., Hos 1–3). God makes his covenants in spite of, not because of, his people’s character (Rom 5:6-11).”
- Hosea (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hosea 2:18: I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness,.... Which lies in keeping the marriage contract inviolable; Christ will never suffer his faithfulness to fail, nor break his covenant; as he is faithful to his Father that appointed him, so he is, and will be, to his church and people, and to every believer, to whom he is espoused; and it is he that makes them faithful unto him, and gives them faith to believe in him, receive, embrace, own, and acknowledge him as their husband: and in this sense some understand it, rendering it, "in faith" (z); so the Targum and others.”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:4: Marriage is honourable in all,.... Some read these words as an exhortation, "let" it "be so"; others as an assertion, it is so. "Marriage" is the union of one man and one woman in wedlock, whereby they become one flesh; it is a joining together of male and female in this relation, and of two only, and of such as are not within the degrees of blood forbid by the law, Lev 18:6 and of such as are fit for marriage: and this is "honourable", as it was instituted by God, and has been honoured with the presence of Christ, Gen 2:22. And it is so in the ends of it, being to p”