Bible Question:
There's a verse that says We are all to stay with our own. (not quoted) Does this mean interracial marraige? I thought about it and other than animals we've domesticated all the other ones stay with their own. Such as Robins and Blue Jays. What would be the difference in us? God made us different for some reason. Think maybe we should keep it different. I'm definitely not prejudice, just simply curious. Nesi |
Bible Answer: Is Interracial marriage supported in the Bible? Greetings Nesi, I have wondered myself if the Bible supports or does not support marriage between two people of a different race (I am referring to a Male/Female marriage of course, since homosexuality and lesbianism is forbidden [Gen. 19:5; Lev. 18:22-23,20:13; Deut. 23:17; Judg. 19:22-24; 1 Kings 14:24,15:12; Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10]. Polygamy is also forbidden [Lev. 18:18; Deut. 17:17; Titus 1:6]). Now you must understand me: I have a great and healthy respect for all people since we are all one in Christ (Gal. 3:28). In fact, skin color is the Creator's choice (Jer. 13:23), and a black man named Simon (of Cyrene, which was a city in North Africa) helped Jesus carry His cross (Mark 15:21). I have many friends who are of a different race than I am and that is not the aim or goal of this discussion. My question is: Does the Bible permit people of different race to intermarry? First of all, there are situations in the Bible that condemn interracial marriage. Isaac sought a wife from his own father's family (Gen. 24:1-4)and so did Jacob (Gen. 27:46-28:2). The Israelites were commanded not to intermarry (Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:3-4; Ezra 9:1-2,12; Neh. 10:30, 13:23-27; Josh. 23:12-13), but this was mostly on the basis of leading the people astray through foreign gods (Mal. 2:11; Deut. 17:17; 1 Cor. 7:39). However, God did permit the Israelites to marry foreign women in other situations: captives from war (Deut. 21:10-13), and because of a 'shortage' of women (Judges 21:21-23). Timothy, the youthful early church leader, was a half-Jew (Acts 16:1) and Moses's wife Zipporah was an Ethiopian woman (Num. 12:1). The Bible does not clearly state whether or not God's people should marry interracially, but it does say that the partner should be a believer in Christ (1 Cor. 7:39, 2 Cor. 6:14). It is interesting to note that all nations and people are important to God (Amos 9:7) and having black skin is beautiful (Song Of Solomon 1:5-6). Jesus usurped the racist traditions of the Israelites(Matt. 15:21-28; Luke 10:25-37) and the Bible even speaks of 'hatred without reason' (Psalm 69:4) and anti-Semitism (Esther 3:8-9, 5:10-14). Also, Gentiles are despised, the Israelites are despised (Gen. 43:32) and foreigners are excluded from fellowship (Neh. 13:1-3). The Bible also encourages freedom from slavery (1 Cor. 7:21; The book of Exodus). In conclusion, interracial marriage is not against the will of God based upon the Bible. It remains a question of being yoked/unequally yoked in fellowship with God Himself and choosing a husband/wife that will help you to enrich your walk in the Lord (1 Cor. 7:35). --Nolan |