Does the bible address inter-racial relationships?

Question

And if so, what does it say?

Answer 1

I have researched this topic extensively. I am in an inter-racial relationship that my parents don't approve of. They claimed that the Bible is against it, but that is not true.

The only time the Bible addresses inter-racial relationships are in areas where God is telling the Jews not to mix with the gentiles and the reason he wants them to stay separate is due to their beliefs and not their skin color. Also, the Bible addresses it with Moses. Moses was in an interracial
relationship that his brother and sister teased him for and later God was upset with them.

Plus there is Colossians 3:10-12
Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Answer 2

Well, Moses' first wife died and when he remarried, his new wife was Ethiopian. His sister, Miriam and brother, Aaron were not happy about his choice. God was not happy about their opinion and struck Miriam with leprosy. Moses was not reprimanded, rejected or replaced when he married an Ethiopian although he was a Hebrew.
Numbers 12:1-11.

There are also many other examples such as Boaz marrying Ruth who was a Moabitess and Salmon who married Rahab, a Canaanite. These two women are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ himself in Matthew 1:5.

The Bible does not teach against inter-racial marriage. It is more concerned about inter-faith relationships.
In the Bible 2 Corinthians 6:14 says:


"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (KJV)


"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" (NIV)


"Do not be teamed with those who do not love the Lord, for what do the people of God have in common with the people of sin? How can light live with darkness?" (LB)

There are other examples of this but I hope that is enough to answer your question.

Answer 3

Been a long time since I read a bible, but it seems to me there are references in the Old Testament that shame and flame people who marry outside their own race, and are considered "unclean". And also references to slaves who should not disobey their masters (so, what does that say about God ? Or, the religion, at least...) The Christian bible has many such contradictions, but I can't quote any of them anymore, unfortunately.

- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 4

I'm not sure what the quote in the bible is...but...there wouldn't be a rainbow of beautifully colored people ..unless GOD wanted it that way. The world would be hella boring if we all
looked the same. I'm a multi racial person...so I'm open to about any ethnic background. There's only one race
THE HUMAN RACE

Answer 5

Well this isnt really relationships, but i remember this quote from RE, not really the proper words but it went along the lines of, their is neither Jew Nor Greek, Slave Nor Free, Male nor Female for everyone is one in Jesus Christ, i think it was basically that. Essentially this meens that everyone is the same and Jesus loves everyone the same whoever they are whatever sex whatever race etc, so i would say that its fine according to the Bible.

Answer 6

Some believe it does. Clearly if you are living under the "Old Law" is should be avoided.
There is perfection which this is less then.
There is open rebellion against God, which this is not.
Jesus died not just because we were in rebellion but also because we are not perfect.
So while to some it is sin (rebellion), to others it is not.
For us who try to please God we must do what we believe is right. So in my case I will say it is between those being married, or just friends and God. For in Christ there is no distention of race.

Answer 7

Not really, it addresses people marrying people with different "religious" beliefs/practices. Often times this also meant different races. But the ethnicity wasn't the point the religious practices were. God did not want His people influenced by those worshiping other/strange gods.

Answer 8

I'm not a big bible person, so don't use me as a source, but I have to wonder

if God made all of us, why would He care what color of skin His children were with? So long as they led good lives and were good people, does skin color or race really matter?

Answer 9

I don't think god really cares what your boyfriend/husband looks like. What about inter-hair color relationships? Does it say anything about that? If god loves everyone he doesn't care what color your skin is.

Answer 10

Well..we are all God's children...So color is not of his concern...Or inter racial relations..And if you ever saw a baby mixed races they are the cutiest...God's work ..