What does the Bible say about interracial marriage?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “What does the Bible say about interracial marriage?” explores whether Scripture provides specific teachings regarding marriages between people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds. While some have used the Bible to argue against interracial marriage, a careful and holistic examination reveals that the Bible does not condemn interracial marriage. Instead, Scripture focuses on spiritual compatibility and the union of believers in Christ. This response will explore biblical teachings related to marriage, providing context and clarity to understand God’s heart for unity and love among His people.

2. Context and Background

To understand what the Bible says about interracial marriage, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context of the passages often cited in these discussions. In the Old Testament, God’s commands to the Israelites not to intermarry with other nations (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3) were not about race but about maintaining spiritual purity and devotion to God. The surrounding nations often worshipped false gods and practiced idolatry, which posed a threat to the Israelites’ faithfulness to God.

For example, Solomon’s marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-4. The prohibition was against marrying those who did not share faith in the one true God, not about race or ethnicity. This context is crucial because it shows that the biblical concern was about spiritual alignment rather than ethnic differences.

In the New Testament, the focus shifts to the unity of all believers in Christ, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers (Galatians 3:28). The primary concern remains spiritual compatibility and devotion to God rather than any form of racial distinction.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures provide a foundation for understanding the Bible’s view on interracial marriage:

• Deuteronomy 7:3-4 (NASB 2020): “Furthermore, you shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons. For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods; then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and He will quickly destroy you.” This passage shows that the prohibition was about preventing the Israelites from being led into idolatry, not about ethnic purity.
• Numbers 12:1-10 (NASB 2020): Moses, a key leader in Israel, marries a Cushite woman, which leads to criticism from his siblings, Aaron and Miriam. However, God defends Moses and punishes Miriam for her criticism, indicating that God was not opposed to interracial marriage but concerned with the condition of the heart and obedience to Him.
• Galatians 3:28 (NASB 2020): “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This passage affirms the equality and unity of all believers in Christ, breaking down divisions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NASB 2020): “Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness?” The emphasis here is on spiritual unity and the importance of believers marrying within the faith, not on ethnic or racial distinctions.

These verses collectively affirm that the Bible’s focus is on spiritual harmony and unity in Christ, rather than prohibiting marriage between different ethnicities.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

Some have interpreted biblical passages as prohibiting interracial marriage, mistakenly focusing on racial purity rather than spiritual fidelity. This perspective often misuses Old Testament laws that were meant to protect Israel from idolatry and not to establish racial segregation. The holistic biblical perspective, which emphasizes unity and equality among all people in Christ, aligns more closely with the biblical teachings that emphasize love, acceptance, and spiritual unity.

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5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that the Bible prohibits interracial marriage to maintain racial or cultural purity. However, the biblical concern has always been with spiritual purity and devotion to God. God’s commands in the Old Testament were about avoiding the spiritual corruption that could arise from marrying those who worshipped other gods. Another misconception is that racial differences should determine compatibility in marriage, but the New Testament clearly teaches that all believers are one in Christ, transcending ethnic or racial lines.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

In modern Christian living, believers are called to view all people as equal in the sight of God and to embrace the unity found in Christ. When considering marriage, Christians should focus on spiritual compatibility, shared values, and mutual commitment to God rather than race or ethnicity. A marriage between two believers who love God and one another is honoring to God, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds.

It is also important for the church to foster an environment that reflects God’s inclusive love and breaks down barriers that have been wrongly constructed based on race or ethnicity. Believers should seek to build relationships that reflect God’s kingdom, which is made up of every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 7:9).

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

God’s heart is for unity, love, and mutual respect among all His people. The Bible does not prohibit interracial marriage; rather, it emphasizes spiritual unity and faithfulness to God. Believers are encouraged to love what God loves and hate what He hates—this includes loving all people, regardless of their race or ethnicity, and hating division, prejudice, and anything that would hinder the unity Christ came to bring. As Christians, we are called to live out God’s love in our relationships, reflecting His grace and acceptance in all we do.