Navigating Biblical Marriage Teachings: What’s the Real Message?
In this article, you will learn how Leviticus 20:21 contradicts Genesis 2:24, Deuteronomy 25:5-6, 1 Corinthians 5:1, Matthew 22:30, Luke 20:35-36, Mark 10:6-9, Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible offers numerous perspectives on marriage, some of which appear to contradict one another. Take, for example, Leviticus 20:21, which states that it is wrong for a man to marry his brother’s wife. This directive was intended to keep families "clean" according to the Mosaic law. But other parts of the Bible tell a different story.
In Deuteronomy 25:5-6, the text advises that if a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow to carry on the family name. This seems to directly oppose Leviticus 20:21, creating a contradiction. It’s like reading a novel where one chapter encourages saving money, while another advocates spending freely; both could make sense in their contexts, yet leave the reader puzzled about the author's true intent.
Similarly, Genesis 2:24 underscores the union between a man and his wife, without restricting family ties as Leviticus does. The New Testament adds even more layers. In passages like 1 Corinthians 5:1, specific family relationships are condemned, showing differing contexts about what is permissible.
Verses from Matthew 22:30 and Luke 20:35-36 describe a future beyond marriage, suggesting that earthly marriage rules might not hold eternal significance. This is akin to temporary guidelines, like "no running," in a pool area. They serve a purpose in a specific context but are not universal laws.
Mark 10:6-9 talks about the sanctity of marriage, without touching on Levitical restrictions, while Romans 7:2-3 and 1 Corinthians 7:39 discuss marriage in terms of life and death, offering yet another perspective.
These diverse teachings prompt us to question how these passages should be interpreted and prioritized. Is there a universal principle, or are these context-dependent directives? Understanding these texts requires thoughtful consideration of varying contexts, much like piecing together a complex puzzle to see the bigger picture.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Leviticus 20:21 | And if a man shall take his brother's wife, it [is] an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother's nakedness; they shall be childless. [an...: Heb. a separation] |
| 2. | Genesis 2:24 | Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. |
| 3. | Deuteronomy 25:5-6 | If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. [her husband's...: or, her next kinsman] |
| 4. | 1 Corinthians 5:1 | It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. |
| 5. | Matthew 22:30 | But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, |
| 6. | Luke 20:35-36 | But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: |
| 7. | Mark 10:6-9 | But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. |
| 8. | Romans 7:2-3 | For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband. |
| 9. | 1 Corinthians 7:39 | The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. |