The Bible and Marriage

“This book is something of a rarity: a comprehensive yet clear and compact scholarly examination of the covenant of marriage across the canonical Scriptures. Bergsma offers a thorough biblical-theological synthesis on marriage and communicates his findings with economy and clarity. He also draws from the great lights of living tradition and the history of exegesis. The Bible and Marriage will be useful for clergy and laity, scholars and students, Catholics and Protestants.”—Scott W. Hahn, Scanlan Professor of Biblical Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville

“In this prodigious but accessible work, Bergsma reveals, in a genuinely comprehensive manner, the central role of marriage in God’s salvific economy, firmly establishing its sacramental nature—from its origin at creation, through each stage of salvation history, to its fulfillment in the wedding banquet of the Lamb. The book’s sheer number of exegetical insights, its use of Jewish and patristic sources, and its compelling analysis of ancient words and concepts make this a rare and invaluable resource.”—Joseph Atkinson, associate professor, John Paul II Institute

“Guiding readers on a captivating journey through the Bible, John Bergsma surveys a tapestry of accounts that reveal the dignity and holiness of marriage in God’s plan. With faithful scholarship, he reminds us that married couples are called to be self-gift, and thus to be an image of God’s covenantal love for his people.”—Ximena DeBroeck, adjunct professor, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary; adjunct assistant professor, Loyola University Chicago

“John Bergsma has written a rich biblical theology of Christian marriage that distills the teaching of both the Old and New Testaments. The book is strong exegetically owing to the author’s mastery of Hebrew and Greek, yet its content is accessible to lay readers. Bergsma writes from a Catholic perspective, integrating Church teaching and patristic learning with his biblical exegesis. This book will enlighten, inspire, and challenge those who aspire to live God’s plan for marriage.”—Peter S. Williamson, professor of Sacred Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary