Adam and Eve and Marriage According to the Bible: God’s Original Design

Bible Topics

Oct 24

In-Depth Bible Study: Adam and Eve & the Biblical View of Marriage

Introduction: Why Adam and Eve Still Matter in Marriage Today

The marriage of Adam and Eve is more than a story - it's God's blueprint for the marital relationship. Found in Genesis 2, their union reveals God’s intent for companionship, unity, intimacy, and covenant. In a world redefining marriage, returning to God’s original design gives clarity and hope.

Reference Bible Text:

Genesis 1:26–28 (KJV)

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it…
Genesis 2:18 (KJV)

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Genesis 2:21–22 (KJV)

21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Genesis 2:23–24 (KJV)

23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

1. God Created Marriage - Not Man

Genesis 2:18 (NIV):
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”

God saw Adam’s solitude and declared it “not good.” Eve’s creation wasn’t an afterthought; it was part of God’s perfect plan. Marriage is not a human invention - it’s a divine institution.

2. The Creation of Eve and the First Marriage

Genesis 2:21–22 (KJV):
“And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam... and made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

Genesis 2:23 (ESV):
“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh…”

God personally officiated the first marriage by bringing Eve to Adam. She was made from his side, symbolizing equality, closeness, and unity.

3. The Biblical Definition of Marriage

Genesis 2:24 (ESV):
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

This verse is foundational and quoted by Jesus and Paul, affirming:

Leaving: Prioritizing your spouse above all other relationships
Cleaving: Faithfulness and commitment
Becoming one flesh: Physical, emotional, and spiritual unity

It defines biblical marriage as between one man and one woman, united by God.

4. The Fall and Its Impact on Marriage

Genesis 3:6 (NIV):
“She took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”

Genesis 3:16 (NLT):
“…you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.”

After the fall, sin entered the relationship. Blame, shame, control, and selfishness distorted God’s design. But even in judgment, God preserved the institution of marriage and pointed to redemption.

5. Marriage as a Picture of Christ and the Church

Ephesians 5:25 (NIV):
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

Ephesians 5:31–32 (ESV):
“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

Paul reveals that the marriage relationship reflects the sacrificial love between Christ and His Church. Adam and Eve foreshadow this relationship - unity, sacrifice, love, and grace.

Core Biblical Principles About Marriage from Adam & Eve

1. Marriage Is God’s Design and Institution

Principle: Marriage was established by God, not by human culture or custom. It is a divine creation, ordained from the very beginning of humanity.

Genesis 2:18 (KJV) – “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
Genesis 2:21–22 (KJV) – “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam… and he took one of his ribs… and made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.”

Explanation:
God Himself initiated the first marriage, showing that it is His idea. Eve was made by God and presented to Adam - a symbol of God’s involvement in uniting husband and wife. Marriage is therefore sacred and not merely a social contract.

2. Marriage Is a Union Between One Man and One Woman

Principle: God designed marriage to be a complementary union - one man and one woman - reflecting both equality and distinct roles.

Genesis 2:23 (KJV) – “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man.”
Genesis 1:27 (KJV) – “So God created man in his own image… male and female created he them.”
Matthew 19:4–5 (Jesus referencing Genesis) – “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female… For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife.”

Explanation:
Adam and Eve represent the pattern of marriage: male and female joined as one. The complementary design points to balance, unity, and mutual support in fulfilling God’s purposes for humanity.

3. Marriage Involves Leaving, Cleaving, and Becoming One Flesh

Principle: Biblical marriage is marked by a decisive change in loyalty, a lifelong bond, and deep intimacy.

Genesis 2:24 (KJV) – “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Ephesians 5:31 (KJV) – “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”

Explanation:
“Leaving” speaks of independence from parents; “cleaving” indicates strong commitment and loyalty; “one flesh” refers to both physical and spiritual unity. Marriage creates a new, exclusive relationship where two individuals become one in purpose and life.

4. Marriage Reflects God’s Image and Purpose

Principle: Marriage was created to mirror God’s image and to fulfill His purpose for humanity -relationship, fruitfulness, and stewardship.

Genesis 1:27–28 (KJV) – “So God created man in his own image… male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (KJV) – “Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

Explanation:
Adam and Eve’s partnership reflects the relational nature of God. Together, they were called to be fruitful, to steward creation, and to support one another. Marriage thus carries divine purpose beyond companionship - it’s a mission partnership under God.

5. Marriage Involves Mutual Support and Complementary Roles

Principle: God designed husband and wife to help and complete one another - not to compete, but to complement.

Genesis 2:18 (KJV) – “I will make him an help meet for him.”
1 Corinthians 11:11–12 (KJV) – “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”

Explanation:
Eve was created as a “help meet” - meaning a partner suitable, corresponding, or complementary to Adam. Both are equal in worth and value before God, yet distinct in role and function, designed to operate together in harmony.

6. Sin Corrupted Marriage, but God’s Design Remains

Principle: Though sin brought conflict and pain into marriage, God’s original intention of unity and love still stands through redemption.

Genesis 3:16 (KJV) – “Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”
Ephesians 5:22–25 (KJV) – “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.”

Explanation:
The fall distorted the relationship between man and woman, introducing struggle for control and selfishness. However, through Christ, marriage can be restored to its original purpose - a relationship of love, respect, and sacrificial service.

7. Marriage Symbolizes Christ’s Relationship with the Church

Principle: The union of Adam and Eve foreshadows the spiritual union between Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (His bride).

Ephesians 5:31–32 (KJV) – “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife… This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
Revelation 19:7 (KJV) – “The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”

Explanation:
Marriage is not just a human institution - it’s a divine symbol of covenant love. As Christ loves, protects, and sacrifices for His Church, so should husbands and wives love and serve each other in covenant faithfulness.

Supporting Bible Verses

Matthew 19:4–6 – Jesus reaffirms the Genesis definition of marriage
Malachi 2:14–16 – God views marriage as a covenant
Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage should be honored by all
1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands are called to honor their wives
Proverbs 18:22 – A wife is a gift and blessing from God

Key Takeaways:

Adam and Eve’s marriage is the original model for relationships.
The fall damaged marriage, but God’s grace brings restoration.
A biblical marriage thrives on sacrificial love, faithfulness, and spiritual unity.
Marriage is ultimately about reflecting God’s image and the gospel of Christ.

David Waterhouse