Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches that marriage is a covenant, not a contract. A covenant is a solemn and binding promise between two people, where they commit themselves to each other for life. In a covenant, the partners are bound by their vows and promises, and they are expected to be faithful and loyal to each other. This is in contrast to a contract, which is a more formal and binding agreement that can be broken or terminated.

In the Bible, marriage is described as a covenant in several passages, including Genesis 2:24, Malachi 2:14, and Ephesians 5:31. In these passages, marriage is portrayed as a relationship of mutual commitment and loyalty, where the partners are bound together by their vows and promises. This covenant relationship is not just between the couple, but also between them and God. As Paul says in Ephesians 5:31, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This passage emphasizes the idea that marriage is a covenant between two people, and also between them and God.

The idea that marriage is a covenant is important because it emphasizes the seriousness and commitment involved in marriage. When two people enter into a covenant marriage, they are making a promise to each other that they will be faithful and loyal for life. This is not just a legal agreement, but a spiritual commitment that involves their hearts and souls. As the Bible says in Malachi 2:14, "You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, 'How have we wearied him?' By saying, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.' Or by saying, 'The Lord has spoken, yet he does not do what is good.' For who dare to contend with him?" This passage emphasizes the importance of keeping our promises and being faithful to our covenant commitments, including our marriage vows. Therefore, the Bible teaches that marriage is a covenant, not a contract.