The Meaning of Marriage Study Guide: A Vision for Married and Single People by Timothy J. Keller


The Meaning of Marriage Study Guide: A Vision for Married and Single People
Title : The Meaning of Marriage Study Guide: A Vision for Married and Single People
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0310868254
ISBN-10 : 9780310868255
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 112
Publication : First published August 3, 2015

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that marriage does not mean 'til death do us part, but merely for as long as my needs are being met; and that when serious differences arise, divorce is the best solution.


According to the Bible, all of these modern-day assumptions miss what marriage is all about. In The Meaning of Marriage—a six-session video-based Bible study—Timothy Keller, along with Kathy, his wife of forty years, draws a profound portrait of marriage from the pages of Scripture that neither idealizes nor rejects the institution but points us back to the relationship between God and man. The result is a vision for marriage that is refreshingly frank and unsentimental, yet hopeful and beautiful.


This six-session video Bible study is for anyone from singles to couples considering marriage to those who have been married recently or for a long time.


The six sessions are:



Service: Marriage Isn't about You
Covenant: Created to Make Promises
Roles: Loving through Mutual Submission
Singleness: Strengthening the Spiritual Family
Sex: The Act of Covenant Renewal
Hope: Seeing the Great Horizon


The Meaning of Marriage Study Guide: A Vision for Married and Single People Reviews


  • Drew Powell

    I believe this meant to be listened to in conjunction with the book and is not meant to replace the book

  • Erin

    My library had the audio companion to this book/study guide. The discussion oriented style is not my favorite format.

  • Ashley Bowman

    I will read the actual book as well, but the conversation here is one that should be happening more within the Christian church.

  • Jason Blean

    The subject of marriage is approached in a thoughtful and balanced way in this excellent book. Tim Keller is well qualified to speak on the topic as the founder pastor of Manhattan's Redeemer Presbyterian Church since 1989, ministering to a predominantly single young urban professional congregation (now in the thousands), and as partner to Kathy for over 37 years. Many contemporary objections to the idea of the commitment of marriage as being unnecessary or "spoiling" a mutually agreeable cohabitation arrangement are sensitively yet thoroughly evaluated and the Western obsession of romantic love rightly challenged, yet the proper place of romance and affection emphasised. Notoriously difficult passages from the Bible such as Paul's teaching on marriage are analysed and clear guidelines given for both married couples and single people. Many commonly-held myths about marriage and dating are debunked and a clear path ahead signalled that dispels guilt and confusion. Tim and Kathy's profoundly wise and mature counsel is appropriately supported with powerful (and at times entertaining) accounts of their own personal experience in marriage and some of Tim's extensive experience in counselling on this topic. They also draw on a wide range of sources to support their argument, all fully referenced for the reader to follow on if they desire. This is the best book I have ever read on marriage and relationships.

  • Kellie Mason

    Read this book in our small group. Loved the conversation is generated and made me sad that I hadn't had the knowledge when I was a teenager.