What are the forbidden marriages in the Bible?
Asked by: Prof. Brycen Mertz MD | Last update: February 7, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (73 votes)
The Bible forbids marriages between close relatives, including parent-child, sibling, aunt/uncle-niece/nephew, and in-law relationships (like daughter-in-law or stepmother), primarily detailed in Leviticus 18:6-18 and supplemented in Leviticus 20:11-21 and Deuteronomy 27:20-23, and also warns against interfaith marriages (believers with unbelievers). Other prohibitions touch on marrying foreigners (Moabites/Ammonites), certain divorced women (not the first husband after adultery/departure), and generally promoting monogamy as God's ideal, though polygamy existed.
What is a forbidden marriage according to the Bible?
Among the forbidden couples are parent-child, sister-brother, grandparent-grandchild, uncle-niece, aunt-nephew, and between half siblings and certain close in-laws. This "Levitical law" is found in Leviticus 18:6-18, supplemented by Leviticus 20:17-21 and Deuteronomy 27:20-23. Photo illustration, Shutterstock, Inc.
What marriages does the Bible forbid?
In the old testament, the bible did specify to not marry a person from a specific heritage. Example... You could not marry a Philistine. But the new testament only specifies marrying someone who is equally yoked.
What are forbidden marriages?
A court may find a marriage void ab initio when it is shown that the marriage is incestuous, polygamous, a same-sex marriage In jurisdictions where these are forbidden, a group marriage, or otherwise unsupportable under the prevailing family law.
Do I have to be legally married to be married in the eyes of God?
Whether you need a legal marriage to be married in God's eyes depends on your faith, but many believe God recognizes a covenant made with commitment and witnesses, even without state paperwork, though legal marriage is often encouraged for legal protections and to honor governing authorities. Biblical examples like Adam and Eve, and Jewish tradition, suggest marriage can be recognized by God through covenant and consummation, but many Christian denominations emphasize both religious vows and civil registration for practical and testifying purposes, following Romans 13.
10 Forbidden Sexual Acts According to Mark Driscoll – My Biblical Response
What qualifies a marriage according to the Bible?
Some argue that Jesus himself, echoing Genesis 2:24, defines marriage as between one man and one woman in Matthew 19, “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” (Matt 19:5).
What is the 2 2 2 2 rule in marriage?
The 2-2-2 rule is a relationship guideline for couples to maintain connection by scheduling intentional time together: a date night every 2 weeks, a weekend away every 2 months, and a week-long vacation every 2 years, helping to prioritize the relationship amidst daily stresses and routines. It's a framework for regular quality time, communication, and fun, originating from a Reddit post and gaining traction for preventing couples from drifting apart by focusing on consistent connection.
What are the three sins against marriage?
Obvious sins, but not an exhaustive list, against these goods of marriage would be: polygamy. adultery. any form of abuse.
What Bible verse says not to get married?
Matthew 19:10-12 The Passion Translation (TPT)
His disciples spoke up and said, “If this is the standard, then it seems better to never get married.” “Not everyone is meant to remain single—only those whom God gives grace to be unmarried. For some are born to celibacy; others have been made eunuchs by others.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for marriage?
The "3 3 3 rule" in marriage typically refers to a couple dedicating 3 hours of uninterrupted alone time for each partner weekly, plus 3 hours of focused couple time weekly, aiming to reduce resentment, increase connection, and ensure both personal space and shared intimacy, often broken into smaller segments for flexibility. It's a tactic to create balance and intentional connection, combating the disconnect that often happens with busy lives and children, allowing partners to recharge individually while also nurturing the relationship.
What is considered marriage in God's eyes?
In the eyes of God, marriage is generally seen as a sacred, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, established through public commitment, exclusivity, and becoming "one flesh," often mirroring Christ and the Church, though specifics vary by faith, with many emphasizing vows, commitment, and community recognition over just legal paperwork. Key elements include a lasting bond, mutual love, sacrificial living, and public declaration, rooted in scripture like Genesis 2.
What are the 4 P's of marriage?
The "4 Ps of Marriage" can refer to different concepts, but most commonly it highlights marriage as Personal, Private, Public, and Permanent, emphasizing its deep, intimate, societal, and lasting nature, requiring intentional commitment. Other interpretations include Patience, Perseverance, Prayer, Prioritization, Partnership, Purity, Provision, Protection, Prophet, Priesthood, Performance, and even distinct partnerships like Financial, Sexual, Parenting, and Residential.
What is unlawful marriage in the Bible?
The phrase, “unless the marriage is unlawful” is from the Catholic New American Bible, and is a rendering of the Greek, (me epi porneia), which most literally means, “except for illicit sexual union.” The Greek word in question is porneia. This word refers generally to any illicit sexual union.
Why can't you marry a divorced woman in the Bible?
Mark 10:11-12 (ESV) – “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Jesus emphasizes that divorce and remarriage can lead to adultery.
Who did God tell not to marry?
Jeremiah 16 NLT - Jeremiah Forbidden to Marry - BibleProject.
Is being single a sin in the Bible?
Singleness is spoken of highly in Scripture as a good thing (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). And it is good, when accompanied by a heart that is trusting God's providential ordering of one's life.
Why does 1 Corinthians 7 say not to get married?
Why? Because of the present distress. Apparently, there was some kind of local persecution or problem in the city of Corinth, and because of this distress, Paul says there are definite advantages to remaining single. Also, because of this distress, a married man should also remain as he is.
What does Ephesians 4 32 say about marriage?
Ephesians 4:32 is foundational for marriage, urging spouses to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward each other, reflecting God's forgiveness in Christ, which means actively putting away anger, bitterness, and malice to build a relationship characterized by grace, empathy, and a willingness to extend mercy even when it's difficult. It's about replacing harshness with compassion, making forgiveness a way of life, and recognizing that God's grace to us empowers our grace to our partner.
What does Proverbs 18:22 really mean?
Proverbs 18:22 means that finding a virtuous wife is a great blessing and a sign of God's favor, portraying marriage as a divine gift and partnership that brings wisdom, support, and joy, not just good fortune, but a deep, God-honoring connection. The verse celebrates finding a faithful companion who helps one grow in faith and fulfill life's purpose, highlighting the value of a wise, God-honoring spouse as a treasure.
What makes a marriage not valid?
A marriage becomes invalid (void or voidable) when fundamental requirements aren't met, such as bigamy (already married), incest (too closely related), underage status, or lack of capacity (mental incapacity, intoxication, fraud/duress/force), meaning true consent or legal standing was missing from the start, allowing for annulment as if the marriage never existed.
What are the 3 C's of marriage in the Bible?
The 3 Biblical Cs of a Happy Marriage: Commitment, Companionship & Communication.
What is the biggest sin that God will not forgive?
In Christianity, the "unforgivable sin" or "eternal sin" is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which involves persistently rejecting God's grace and attributing the work of the Holy Spirit (like Jesus' miracles) to evil, showing a hardened, final refusal to repent, as described in Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, and Luke 12:10. While some traditions point to pride as the original sin, blasphemy against the Spirit is specifically identified as the unpardonable act in the Bible.
What is the 7 7 7 rule in marriage?
The 777 rule for marriage is a relationship strategy to keep romance alive by scheduling consistent quality time: a date every 7 days, a night away every 7 weeks, and a longer holiday every 7 months, ensuring regular reconnection and preventing drifting apart through intentional presence and fun. It's a framework for prioritizing the partnership amidst daily routines, fostering stronger communication, intimacy, and fun.
What does God say about 2nd marriages?
Remarriage after divorce is always labeled by God as a sin or specifically as an act of adultery (Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Malachi 2:14-16, Matthew 5:32, Matthew 19:3-10, Mark 10:1-12, Romans 7:1-3, 1 Corinthians 7).
What is the 3 day rule in marriage?
The 3-day rule after an argument is a guideline designed to help couples work through an argument in the healthiest way possible. By giving your partner time and space to breathe, it's easier to resolve any underlying issues before they have the chance to blow up into something more.