MARRIAGE IS TO BE HONORED BY ALL PEOPLE

Welcome to this special Bible study for married couples.

Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”

In this powerful verse, the Bible highlights two important principles:

1. Marriage must be honored by all people, and

2. The marriage bed must remain pure.

Let’s examine each of these truths closely.

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1. Marriage Must Be Honored by All

The Scripture says: “Marriage is honorable among all…”—meaning this command is not limited to just a few people; everyone is called to honor marriage. This includes two distinct groups:

a) Married couples themselves

Husbands and wives are the first and most responsible parties when it comes to honoring marriage. The Bible defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4–6), and both parties must work actively to uphold it.

Ways to honor your own marriage include:

• Nurturing love, respect, and effective communication

• Avoiding destructive behavior such as infidelity, constant arguing, pride, or neglect

• Demonstrating patience, forgiveness, humility, and emotional availability

These virtues can fade over time if couples are not intentional about maintaining them. Thus, couples must continuously guard and rekindle:

• Their first love (Revelation 2:4–5)

• Their initial joy and peace

• The harmony and trust they had when they first committed to one another

This can only be fully achieved through repentance, humility, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is essential for a healthy and lasting marriage.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

These spiritual fruits should be evident in every godly marriage.

b) Outsiders (those not in the marriage)

People outside a particular marriage—friends, extended family, neighbors, coworkers—are also instructed to respect the sanctity of marriage. No one has the right to interfere, create division, or sow seeds of strife between spouses.

If you are not part of someone’s marriage:

• Do not be a source of temptation or manipulation

• Avoid flirtation or developing emotional or romantic relationships with married individuals

• Refrain from offering unbiblical advice or encouraging separation

• Only offer godly, Scripture-based counsel if invited

Exodus 20:17 (NKJV)

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife…”

Honoring marriage means refusing to desire or pursue someone else’s spouse and maintaining pure boundaries in all relationships.

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2. The Marriage Bed Must Be Pure

The second part of Hebrews 13:4 says: “…and the bed undefiled.”

This refers specifically to sexual purity within marriage. The “bed” symbolizes the physical union between husband and wife. This union must be kept holy, free from adultery, fornication, or unnatural acts.

Sexual intimacy within marriage is a gift from God, meant for mutual pleasure, bonding, and procreation (1 Corinthians 7:3–5). However, when either spouse:

• Engages in sex outside the marriage (adultery)

• Invites pornography, lustful imaginations, or unnatural sexual practices into the relationship
  —then the marriage bed is defiled.

God clearly warns against all forms of sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (NKJV)

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites… will inherit the kingdom of God.”

This includes sexual perversions that deviate from God’s design for human intimacy. Sexual acts that are contrary to nature, including sodomy, are condemned by Scripture (see Romans 1:26–27).

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Conclusion: Honor Your Marriage and the Marriages of Others

God places immense value on marriage. It reflects Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25–32). Therefore, we are called to:

• Respect and preserve our own marriages

• Respect the marriages of others

• Keep the marriage bed pure and undefiled

Have You Been Saved?

We are living in perilous times. The return of Christ is near. Are you ready?

2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.”

Revelation 22:12 (NKJV)

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

Let us walk in holiness, honor, and love—beginning with the home.

Maranatha (The Lord is coming)