What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?
There is much confusion about interracial marriage in Christian circles, but what does the Bible actually say? Some claim Scripture forbids it, while others argue God makes no distinction. The truth is found in God’s Word, not in human opinion.
God’s Design for Marriage
From the beginning, God established marriage as a union between a man and a woman for His glory. Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” There is no mention of race as a condition for marriage. What matters is that a marriage honors the Lord.
Does the Old Testament Prohibit Interracial Marriage?
Some point to the Old Testament where Israel was commanded not to marry people from pagan nations. Deuteronomy 7:3-4 warns, “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods.” But this was not about race—it was about preserving the worship of the one true God.
When Israel disobeyed, the issue was not racial but spiritual. The danger was always idolatry, not ethnicity.
God’s Approval of Interracial Marriage
The Bible provides examples of God blessing interracial marriages. Consider Moses, who married a Cushite woman. Numbers 12:1 says, “Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married.” Instead of condemning Moses, God rebuked Miriam for opposing the marriage.
In the New Testament, we see the gospel breaking racial and cultural barriers. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Race is not a biblical factor in determining whom one should marry.
What Does Matter in Marriage?
Rather than focusing on race, Scripture emphasizes spiritual unity. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
A Christian should marry another Christian. The issue is not ethnicity but shared faith in Christ.
Does God Approve of Interracial Marriage?
The Bible never forbids interracial marriage. The only biblical requirement is that believers marry fellow believers. Marriage should be built on love, faith, and a shared commitment to Christ.