Interracial marriage is a union between partners of different races. Throughout history, interracial relationships have faced opposition and discrimination. However, the Bible does not prohibit interracial marriages. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about interracial marriage:
1. The Bible affirms human equality
The Bible teaches that all human beings are created equal in God’s image. In Genesis 1:27 it states: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This applies to all people regardless of race or ethnicity. The New Testament also confirms this teaching, stating that God “made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26). The equality of all human beings suggests that race should not be a barrier to relationships.
2. Interracial marriage was practiced even in biblical times
There are several examples in the Bible of interracial marriages. Moses married a Cushite woman (Numbers 12:1). Rahab, a Canaanite, is included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Joseph married Asenath, an Egyptian woman who bore his children Manasseh and Ephraim (Genesis 41:45, 50). Their stories show that interracial marriage has existed for millennia, even among important biblical figures.
3. The Bible condemns racism and discrimination
Racism is a sin because it denies the truth that all people are made in God’s image. The New Testament condemns favoritism based on ethnic grounds. James 2:9 states: “If you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Jesus broke barriers by ministering to Samaritans who were despised by Jews (John 4:7-42). The vision of Revelation looks forward to people of every tribe and nation worshiping God together (Revelation 7:9). The biblical ideal is a society without discrimination.
4. Marriage should be based on spiritual compatibility
The Bible emphasizes that the most important factors in marriage are spiritual compatibility and commitment to God. 2 Corinthians 6:14 states: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” Marriage divides along spiritual lines, not racial ones. A difference in skin color is insignificant compared to unity of belief, values and spirituality between husband and wife.
5. Christians should not judge believers marrying interracially
As long as an interracial couple shares a genuine Christian faith, others in the church should accept their marriage. Paul writes in Romans 14:1: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” Christians should not pass judgment on fellow believers over disputable matters not directly addressed in Scripture. Interracial marriage falls into this category.
6. Love is greater than racial barriers
The New Testament highlights the primacy of love above all barriers. Colossians 3:14 states: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” 1 John 4:7-8 declares: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God…because God is love.” As Christians, our love and acceptance of others should transcend divisions like race.
7. Focus on godly character over ethnicity in choosing a spouse
The emphasis in Scripture regarding choosing a marriage partner is on godly character and commitment to following Jesus, not race or skin color. 2 Corinthians 6:14 states: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” Proverbs 31 describes a wife of noble character. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 outline the qualities to look for in church leaders, which provide a model for godly husbands and wives as well.
8. Christians are part of a multiethnic family of God
The church brings together people from every nation as the family of God. Revelation 7:9 describes people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” worshiping together before the throne. Paul states that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek” (Galatians 3:28). Interracial marriage physically displays the multiethnic church described in the New Testament.
9. Loving your neighbor includes accepting their marital choices
Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). That love extends to the personal relationships they form. While believers can choose whom they marry, they should not judge others marrying interracially. Loving your neighbor means giving others the same freedom of choice God allows you.
10. The ultimate marriage is between Christ and the church
The metaphor of marriage in the New Testament refers to Christ as the groom and the church as his bride. This spiritual union crosses all ethnic lines. Revelation 19:7 declares: “For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.” The married relationship between human beings is an earthly symbol of this ultimate, universal bond between Christ and his church.
In summary, the Bible does not prohibit interracial marriages but upholds the equality of all people. Race should not be a barrier for Christians seeking a godly spouse. Spiritual compatibility trumps ethnic differences. Interracial couples can model the diversity and unity of the kingdom of God.
The Bible claims all nationalities as part of God’s family. Therefore, Christians need not fear interracial marriage but celebrate it as a manifestation of God’s love crossing all boundaries. Marriages crossing racial divides still face challenges today, but they have strong justification in the biblical principles of equality, love and unity among believers.
Christians reading the Bible with a heart open to the Spirit should affirm interracial marriages of genuine faith. Churches guided by Scripture should not impose restrictions on marriage based on race or ethnicity. Where interracial couples are committed Christians, pastors and congregations have every reason to celebrate, support and defend their unions.
With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, interracial couples will grow ever more equipped to reflect the character of Jesus in their marriage. Their Christ-centered homes can become models of reconciliation in a divided world. May God bless and strengthen these marriages of faith that cross racial boundaries yet affirm the unifying truth that every believer is a child of God.
Though the Bible was written in cultural contexts very different from today, its principles transcend racial barriers. Scripture calls Christians to evaluate relationships by godliness, not skin color. Churches should discard any lingering prejudices and welcome interracial couples, reminding everyone that in Christ we are one family.
Given the silence of the biblical text regarding interracial marriage, churches and individual Christians should be slow to draw dogmatic conclusions on the issue. However, even in the absence of direct teachings, there are principles which apply. The equality of all humanity, the priority of spiritual fellowship over ethnic differences, and the overarching command to love one another without prejudice all have implications for multi-racial relationships.
Christians wanting to act in faith can affirm interracial marriages, as long as the couples share a common belief in Jesus. They can become models of unity that point to God’s kingdom. With humble and sincere hearts, Christians can move beyond cultural barriers and work to fulfill Jesus’ prayer “that they may be one” (John 17:22).
The Bible speaks often of godly marriages but says little explicitly about marrying across racial lines. However, its pages affirm essential principles of human dignity and equality. From Creation to the Great Commission, Scripture teaches that our shared identity in Christ transcends earthly divisions. Christians should evaluate marriage by biblical standards of faith and godliness, not arbitrary attributes like skin color. Where racism still infects social perspectives, interracial couples and multiethnic churches testify that religious devotion, not ethnicity, forms the biblical ideal for marital relationships.
Race relations today are complex, but the Body of Christ functions best when living out the biblical reality that superficial differences cannot separate what God has joined together. Let marriages of true faith be living parables of equality and unity in the family of God.