Question
Gramps,
Who is the wife of our Lord Jesus Christ? Was He ever married?
Rhanz
Answer
Rhanz,
The question of whether Jesus Christ was ever married has long been a subject of intrigue and debate among scholars, theologians, and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the scriptures do not provide a definitive answer, this ambiguity leaves room for interpretation and speculation.
The Bible does not explicitly state that Jesus was married, nor does it deny the possibility. This absence of clear evidence leads to diverse interpretations among believers and scholars alike. According to some LDS resources, there is no place in the scriptures that explicitly states that the Savior was married. However, there is also no place in the scriptures that indicates that he was not married. This ambiguity invites believers to consider the implications of Christ’s life and mission.
Several leaders within the LDS Church have expressed the belief that Jesus was indeed married. Apostle Orson Hyde, for instance, suggested that Jesus was the bridegroom at the wedding in Cana, where he performed his first miracle by turning water into wine. Hyde’s interpretation implies a marital relationship, stating, “We say it was Jesus Christ who was married (at Cana) to the Marys and Martha, whereby he could see his seed before he was crucified.” Such teachings have contributed to the speculation surrounding Jesus’s marital status.
In LDS theology, eternal marriage is essential for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Many members of the Church speculate that it would be inconsistent for Jesus, who exemplified perfect obedience to God’s laws, to forego this ordinance. According to an LDS resource, it is “illogical to suppose that the Savior would not subject himself to the essential ordinance for exaltation”. This theological framework leads some to conclude that Jesus would have participated in the covenant of marriage.
In the 19th century, prominent Church leaders such as Brigham Young and B. H. Roberts suggested that Jesus may have had wives, including Mary and Martha. They believed that the lack of recorded evidence in the New Testament did not negate the possibility of his marriage. These speculations highlight the diverse opinions within early Church leadership regarding Jesus’s marital status.
The current official stance of the Church, as articulated by spokespersons, is that the belief that Jesus was married has never been considered official doctrine. Dale Bills, a Church spokesman, stated that while some leaders in the 1800s expressed opinions on the matter, it is not taught or sanctioned by the Church today. This position reflects a cautious approach to the topic, emphasizing the lack of definitive evidence.
Some interpretations of scriptures, like Isaiah 53:6-10, suggest that Jesus may have had “seed,” implying a marriage. However, these interpretations are seen as speculative and not universally accepted. The ambiguity in scriptural texts allows for various interpretations, but ultimately, modern Church doctrine does not endorse a definitive conclusion regarding Jesus’s marital status.
The question of whether Jesus Christ was married remains unanswered in scriptural texts and is subject to personal interpretation and speculation within the Church. While some early Church leaders and members hold the view that Jesus was married, the modern Church does not endorse this belief as doctrine. The ambiguity in the scriptures allows for various interpretations, but ultimately, the official position remains neutral on the matter.
Gramps
