Skip to main content
Bible Q

When did marriage become a legal contract?

The first marriage was between Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, before there were any marriage laws. This became a pattern for all future marriages (Genesis 2:24). We do not know when the first human laws about marriage were introduced, but they pre-date reliable recorded history. See the Wikipedia article on marriage for more information.

There is a requirement for Christians to obey the laws of the land in which they live (Romans 13:1-2). Consequently, we do need to follow the legal requirements for marriage as well as the Bible instructions on marriage.

One Reply to “When did marriage become a legal contract?”

  1. Then the 2nd marriage, I guess, had to be between brother and sister? Or maybe son and mom? How did that work exactly?