Marriage in the Bible: Understanding the Biblical View and Mary's Presence

The number of times one is mentioned in the Bible does not necessarily reflect their importance or the vision the scriptures hold for them. The case of Mary is a clear example. Although she is a significant figure in the Christian faith, the frequency of her mention in the scriptures is not what indicates her importance. This article delves into the biblical definition of marriage, the context of divorce, and the presence of Mary in the Bible.

Understanding the Biblical Definition of Marriage

Marriage was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden, described in Genesis 2:18-24, as a union between a man and a woman. This original institution is characterized by several key aspects:

Indissoluble Relationship: Matthew 19:9 emphasizes that marriage is an indissoluble relationship, except on the highest grounds, such as sexual immorality. Monogamous Relationship: Matthew 19:5 and 1 Corinthians 6:16 both affirm that marriage is between a man and a woman in a monogamous relationship. Equality Before God: Ephesians 5:29-31 and 1 Peter 3:7 indicate that husband and wife are equal before God. Reflecting the Image of God: Genesis 1:26-27 and other passages suggest that marriage reflects the relationship of the Godhead. Complementary Roles: 1 Corinthians 11:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:13, Ephesians 5:21-33, and Colossians 3:19 describe the husband as the head of the household and the wife as subordinate. Fruitfulness: Genesis 1:28a emphasizes that the purpose of marriage is to reflect God's creation and serve Him.

The Context of Divorce in the Bible

The Bible allows for divorce under specific conditions but does not suggest that it is the norm or encouraged. Matthew 19:3-9 provides insight into the nature of divorce:

Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason”? Jesus replied, “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Why then did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away? Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard, but it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Here, Jesus establishes the divine intention for marriage and explains that divorce was allowed only if the marriage was entered into with bad faith, often due to the hardness of hearts of the people involved.

Exploring Mary's Presence in the Bible

Although Mary holds a central place in Christian theology, her presence in the Bible is not exceedingly frequent. She is mentioned around 13 verses in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Here are the main instances:

Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38 describes the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary with the news that she would bear the son of God. Presentation at the Temple: Luke 2:21-39 recounts the visit of the baby Jesus and Mary to the Jerusalem temple for purification and presentation. Visit of the Magi: Matthew 2:11 mentions Mary’s presence during the visit of the Magi. Flight to Egypt: Matthew 2:13-23 refers to Mary and Joseph’s journey to Egypt to escape Herod's desire to kill the child. Madonna and Child: Luke 2:51-52 and Luke 2:41-52 describe Mary's journey to Jerusalem with Jesus and His education under the guidance of the teachers in the temple.

While the Bible mentions Mary a few times, it underscores her role as a chosen vessel of grace, a mother of faith, and a protector of her son, rather than a figure who is constantly mentioned throughout the scriptures.

Conclusion

Marry in the Bible is not described through the frequency of her mentions, but through the context of her role as a mother of faith, a chosen vessel of grace, and a protector of her son. The biblical definition of marriage and the context of divorce are crucial in understanding the divine intentions for marriage and the context in which the scriptures were written.