Franklin Dean
The phrase What God has joined together is a powerful reminder of the divine nature of marriage, taken from Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce in the Bible. It emphasizes that the union of a husband and wife is not merely a human agreement but a sacred covenant created by God Himself. This phrase, often accompanied by let no one separate or let not man put asunder, signifies that once a couple is joined in matrimony, their bond is meant to be preserved for life. The concept, found in Mark 10:9 and Matthew 19:6, is reflected in traditional wedding vows and is sometimes inscribed on wedding bands as a testament to the faith and commitment of the couple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of marriage | A divine, sacred covenant created by God |
| Bond between husband and wife | A sacred, unbreakable bond that should be honoured and cherished |
| Marriage vows | A promise made between a couple and God to love, honour, and cherish one another for the rest of their lives |
| God's role in marriage | God joins the couple together, and only God can separate them |
| Divorce | Not part of God's plan; a severing of the bond created by God |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage as a divine union
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, ordained by God. It is a union formed by divine design, with each individual bringing their unique strengths and weaknesses to the partnership. The Bible says, "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mark 10:9, KJV), emphasizing the divine origin of marriage and the importance of preserving the bond.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about the indissolubility of marriage, stating, "What God has joined together, let no one separate" (Matthew 19:6). He emphasizes that divorce is not part of God's plan for marriage. When a couple is joined in holy matrimony, they make a covenant with each other and with God to love, honor, and cherish one another for life. This covenant is a sacred bond, symbolizing the union between husband and wife.
The apostle Paul writes about the roles of husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:25-33, instructing husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. He also teaches about submission, stating that it is a mutual commitment and cooperation between equals, necessary for the smooth functioning of the family unit.
Marriage is a divine union that reflects the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. It is a sacred commitment that should be honored and cherished, and when faced with challenges, couples should work together, seeking God's help to rekindle their marriage.
The traditional wedding vows, found in the Book of Common Prayer, reflect this covenant-making ceremony, where the couple promises to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony. Through premarital counseling and discussions, couples can deepen their understanding of the significance of their marriage vows and their covenant union before God and witnesses.
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The sacredness of marriage
The Bible verse Mark 10:9, often inscribed on wedding bands, serves as a powerful reminder of this divine union: "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." This verse emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of the marriage covenant, highlighting that it is not meant to be broken by human frailty and weakness.
In Matthew 19:6, Jesus reinforces the indissoluble nature of marriage: "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Jesus' teaching on marriage and divorce further emphasizes that divorce is not part of God's plan. When two people are joined in marriage, their union is meant to be for life, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.
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God's plan for marriage
Marriage is a divine institution, created by God, and is part of the way He designed the human race to live. When a man and a woman come together in holy matrimony, they make a covenant with each other and with God to love, honour, and cherish one another for the rest of their lives.
The Bible says, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (Genesis 1:26). God created man in His own image, male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27). He also said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18). This helper was to be a companion, a partner, and a complement to the man, and so God made a woman, and brought her to the man.
The Bible further describes God's plan for marriage as "one flesh", a profound mystery that refers to Christ and the church (Ephesians 3:31-32). This means that the husband and wife are to become one, united in love, with each individual bringing their unique strengths and weaknesses to the partnership. It involves a total commitment and sharing of the total person with another person until death. It is a sacred covenant that should be honoured and cherished, a union formed by divine design.
Finally, God's plan for marriage includes His command that "what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Mark 10:9). This means that divorce is not God's plan for marriage. It is a reminder that the bond between a husband and wife is sacred and permanent.
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Marriage vows and covenant
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, ordained by God. When a couple takes their wedding vows, they are entering into a divine union, committing to love, honour, and cherish each other for life. This covenant is not just a human agreement or a legal contract but a sacred bond, reflecting God's covenant with his people.
The Bible verse Mark 10:9 (KJV) encapsulates this idea: "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." This verse, often inscribed on wedding bands, serves as a powerful reminder of the divine origin and permanence of the marriage covenant. It emphasizes that only God can join two people in marriage, and therefore, only He can separate them.
Jesus reinforced this teaching on marriage and divorce in Mark 10:1-12 and Matthew 19:1-12. When asked about the legitimacy of divorce, 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
Marriage vows are not merely emotional expressions but covenantal commitments mirroring God's covenant with Israel. They reflect God's faithful character and provide a framework for navigating life's challenges. Just as God remained faithful to Israel even in their straying, so spouses are called to remain committed to each other through all of life's changes.
Sample vows from Crossroads Church reflect this covenant commitment:
> "I, [name], take you, [name], to be my (wedded) wife/husband. I promise to encourage and inspire you, support your hopes and dreams, honor your individuality, laugh and smile with you, to comfort yet give you strength in times of sadness. I promise to cherish you, to always hold you in the highest regard. May our home be one that is warm, forever filled with peace, happiness, and unconditional love. These things I give to you, my best friend, my love, for all the days of my life."
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Divorce and remarriage
The Bible makes it clear that God hates divorce and that it is not part of His plan for humanity. Marriage is a lifelong institution created by God and rooted in creation, with a significance that is reflected in Christ's relationship with the church. Divorce is permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as in cases of unrepentant unfaithfulness or desertion by an unbelieving spouse. However, even in these cases, the Bible does not imply or approve of remarriage.
The Bible emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of the marriage covenant, stating that what God has joined together, let no one separate (Mark 10:9, Matthew 19:6). This means that once a couple is married, they have been joined together by God Himself, and that union is meant to last for life. The Bible also provides guidance for the Corinthians, stating that if couples do separate, they should remain unmarried or else be reconciled (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).
The Bible also addresses remarriage after the death of a spouse, and God clearly permits and encourages remarriage for younger widows (1 Corinthians 7:8-9,27-28,39-40; 5:11-1). However, remarriage while the spouse is still living is generally discouraged. Jesus Himself said, "Don't divorce your spouse and marry someone else. If you do, you've committed adultery" (Matthew 19:9).
While the Bible sets a high standard for marriage and discourages divorce and remarriage, it is important to approach each situation with love and care. It is also crucial to consider the whole of Scripture on the topic and not merely seek interpretations that align with personal experiences or feelings.
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Frequently asked questions
The phrase refers to the divine nature of marriage. It emphasizes that the bond between a husband and wife is a sacred covenant created by God.
This phrase signifies that once a couple is joined in marriage by God, their union is meant to be for life. It implies that only God can break the marriage covenant.
This phrase is based on Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce found in Mark 10:1–12 and Matthew 19:1–12. Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and states that divorce is not God's plan.
Including this phrase in wedding vows serves as a reminder of the sacredness and permanence of the marriage covenant. It highlights the couple's commitment to honor and cherish the bond formed by God.
Yes, there are several other Bible verses commonly incorporated into wedding ceremonies. One example is John 17:23, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." This verse illustrates God's desire for unity and love within marriage.
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