[Greek] γαμέω (gameō), [Latin] ducere, [Latin] nubere, [Latin] iungere matrimonium, [French] guider, [French] diriger, [French] espouser, [French] prendre, [French] recevoir, [French] joinder, [German] verbinden: to wed, to marry, to give into marriage; 29 scriptures
This is what God intends for marriage! To be a gift to each other (Good old fashioned marriage advice from the 4th century!)
Background information:
Hardness of heart (Old Testament marriage legislation):
What is the purpose for divorce laws? This was a prohibition against frequent and capricious divorce and remarriage. Men previously had unlimited discretion to divorce their wives.
What did divorce laws (Deut.24:1-4) accomplish? These rules required the man to present legal grounds for divorce. These rules also stipulate that the man may never marry the woman again.
What were the grounds for divorce? Some indecency or objectionable conduct.
What could be considered indecent or objectionable behavior? Premarital sex, infidelity, incest, homosexuality, bestiality, and adultery (also grounds for stoning).
New Testament: This term means to marry and to give in marriage.
Mt.5:32: Jesus states that whoever divorces his wife or marries a divorced woman causes adultery (unless the marriage is unlawful).
Mt.19:10: It is better to remain single than to find oneself married to a person (in a bad situation)
1Cor.7:9: [Unmarried and widows]: for it is better to marry than to be on fire (burn with passion)
1Cor.7:10: The Lord states that a wife should not separate from her husband
1Cor.7:28: If you marry, marriage will (can) also involve you in earthly troubles. I [Paul] would like to spare you that
Etymology: The Latin verb ducere means to lead and to command. The Latin verb nubere means to marry and to get married. The Latin verb iungere means to join, to connect, and to unite.
Conclusion:
Monogamy, introduce, reduce, educate, nuptial, join, junction, bind, matrimony, receive, guide, comprehend, apprehend, direct, dirigible
The Old Testament marriage/divorce laws actually protected women’s rights and minimized further potential abuses of Old Testament “no fault divorces”.
Then Jesus and Paul raise and elevate the standards and importance of marriage. Jesus restates God’s sacred design for marriage. But it is also important to note that Mt.5:32 makes a stipulation about unlawful marriage.
Mt.5:32: Unlawful can mean illict sex, fornication, sexual immorality, prostitution, homosexuality, etc: [Greek] πορνεία (porneia) pornography
This is why that homosexuality is considered a disordered and sinful act within the confines of traditional male (husband) and female (wife) marriage relationship.
Mt 19:10: One must really think hard before committing oneself to someone who may not be right for you. (Great marriage advice for anyone!)
1Cor.7:9: To be on fire is to burn with passion
1Cor.7:10: Jesus restates the divine command to remain in one flesh
1Cor.7:28: Married people must also contend with earthly concerns. In contrast, those who remain unmarried in Christ do not have these same earthly concerns. (Paul states that it is more advantageous for the unmarried to remain as they are).
St. John Chrysostom’s thoughts on marriage:
“If a man and woman marry in order to be companions on the journey from earth to heaven, then their union will bring great joy to themselves and to others.”
“Marriage is one man and one woman with God for life.”
“The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together.”
“A good marriage is like a castle. When husband and wife truly love and respect each other, no one can overcome them.”
Update: Many of us must acknowledge or admit that traditional marriage has historically worked the best over time.
Paul states that remaining single is the preferred path in serving the Lord.
However, unfortunately many cannot even contemplate Paul’s notion of remaining single in serving the Lord.
However, many cannot even contemplate marriage, seeing others’ experiences and having a fear of commitment. Relationships are more defined by hook up culture and body count.
God physically designed the male and female body for fruitful procreation.
God’s design for marriage: should mirror Christ’s relationship with the Church
More clearly defined masculine and female roles seeks to ensure a stronger marriage relationship.
Modern feminism and gender ideology have contributed to redefining, blurring, and the confusion of gender roles.
God points out that homosexual relations undermine the fruitfulness of marriage. (Homosexuality conveys a disorder according to God’s designs).
Next post: Loving God through accepting Jesus (“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwpXUn2dF5c