Understanding the psychology of generalizations
Click through the gallery and find out what you can learn from couples in the Bible.
Isaac and Rebekah are a biblical example of love at first sight. Does such a thing really exist?
As an act of love, Isaac interceded for Rebekah before God. Indeed, husband and wife should be there for each other. “Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” (Genesis 25:21)
Ruth and Boaz are the characters in a particularly beautiful story. Ruth won Boaz’s heart as soon as she arrived in Bethlehem and couldn’t believe it. “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10).
Boaz was moved by Ruth’s integrity. “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before” (Ruth 2:11).
Boaz’s love healed Ruth’s pain and together they continued the lineage that would lead to Jesus. “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son.” (Ruth 4:13).
Hosea and Gomer are an example of faith and forgiveness. Hosea was instructed by God to marry Gomer, who was known for her unfaithfulness.
Hosea stood strong and even when Gomer was unfaithful, he brought her back and loved her. It’s an example of the redemptive and unconditional love many of us struggle with.
The couple worked together as tentmakers, and together they risked their lives for the gospel. Priscilla (pictured) and Aquila show how important it is for couples to have projects in common.
Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned six times in the New Testament, always as a couple. They once met Paul, the Apostle. “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them” (Romans 16:3-4).
Joseph and Mary are one of the most famous couples in the Bible. Their story shows how trust, dedication, forgiveness, and love can conquer all. Let’s not forget Joseph stood by the side of his pregnant wife, even though he was not the father.
The couple put God’s plan above everything. Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to keep Jesus safe. This shows how united this family was and how much they cared about each other.
Abigail helped David make a good decision, something most couples can relate to. It’s important to recognize how our partners help us. In this specific case, Abigail was still married to Nabal. David however, recognized her discernment and then took her as his wife after Nabal’s death.
1 Samuel 25: 32-33 reads: “Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.”
Moses and Zipporah were there for each other in difficult times. Most notably, Zipporah rescued Moses when God was going to kill him for not circumcising his son, and she did it herself, saving her husband’s life.
The couple was separated when Moses was in Egypt but their love was strong and survived the distance until they could be reunited. Moses and Zipporah show us that a good relationship relies on trust and love.
Elizabeth and Zacharias are another couple who struggled to conceive, only to be blessed with a child later in their lives. Sticking together and patiently waiting paid off in the end.
An angel told Zacharias they would become parents to a child named John, who would become known as John the Baptist.
This couple came from different backgrounds but found that love can conquer differences. Joseph (pictured, addressing the Pharaoh) was an Israelite and Asenath was an aristocratic Egyptian woman.
Jocabeth (pictured) and Amram were united when they challenged the Pharaoh’s order. They stood strong by their faith in God when they got married in Egypt. A couple can go through a lot when they’re united and share the same beliefs.
Abraham and Sarah are one of the most famous couples in the Bible. They serve as an example of patience, perseverance, and faith. They waited a very long time for their first child.
Like any relationship, there were disagreements and arguments (and the fact that Abraham had a son with Hagar certainly didn’t help), but God helped them overcome it all.
Hagar left with their son Ishmael, and Sarah gave birth to Isaac. Genesis 21:12 reads: “But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.”
Jacob and Leah are an example of a couple that had a complex relationship, but in the end, they were meant for each other. However, most of the complexities in their relationship derived from the fact that Jacob also had another wife, Leah’s younger sister, Rachel.
Rachel comes across as Jacob’s favorite, but it was Leah who was buried with her husband, not her sister. “There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah.” (Genesis 49:31).
King Xerxes was coveted by many women, but he fell for Esther. One of the ways he expressed his love for her was by throwing her a feast. While we don’t live in those times anymore, cooking a meal for a loved one is indeed an expression of love.
Esther 2:18 details what happened. “Then the king made a great feast, the Feast of Esther, for all his officials and servants; and he proclaimed a holiday in the provinces and gave gifts according to the generosity of a king.”
Hannah couldn't conceive, so Elkanah had children with his other wife, Penninah. Despite this, he never really stopped loving Hannah. Some couples just have really strong ties.
Hannah and Elkanah eventually had children of their own and their bond became stronger than ever.
Sources: (Equation of Hope) (Time-Wrap Wife Ministries) (Bible Society)
What we can learn from couples in the Bible
Can biblical relationships resonate with 21st century couples?
LIFESTYLE Relationships
There are quite a few couples in the Bible. In fact, there has been one there since the beginning. Of course, we're talking about Adam and Eve. But there are many other relationships found in the pages of the holy book. Some of these were good, others, not so much. But can they teach us any lessons applicable to the present day?
Click through the gallery and find out what you can learn from couples in the Bible.