Genesis 2: The Beginning of Marriage

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ²¹ So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. ²² Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

²³ The man said,

“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.”

²⁴ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

-Genesis 2:20-24

Genesis 1 reveals the origin of the universe; Genesis 2 reveals the origin of marriage. A quick long observes at least the following important details about this defining creation of God:

First, man was incomplete without woman. This was true physically and relationally. Both were needed to create children, yet the first mention is regarding Adam’s longing for a suitable companion. Rather than an animal or even just making another man, God made Eve.

Second, they were both made in God’s image. This cannot be overstated. Women are not a second-class creation of God, but of equal value with men. Both are made equally in God’s image.

Third, marriage is the defining mark of separation from father and mother. Though often unmentioned in modern society, marriage was God’s clear sign that a man and woman were leaving their childhood families and beginning something new and unique.

Fourth, God created marriage. No state, nation, or group can define marriage; they can only redefine it. God’s Word has made clear marriage was designed to provide a suitable relationship for man and woman in which they can enjoy God and life together. No other situation can compare with what God has already created.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author and coauthor of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of all 31,173 verses of the Bible at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.