God commands born-again Christians to marry only born-again Christians. He prohibits them from marrying unsaved individuals because that would result in them being “unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
In Bible times, animals like oxen were yoked together by linking their heads or necks with a wooden bar or frame to work jointly to pull a load from Point A to Point B. If a weaker or shorter animal were yoked with a stronger or taller one, the pair would walk misaligned or in circles rather than straight ahead. In other words, they would be at odds with each other rather than working together to accomplish their intended purpose.
Likewise, God commands Christians not to be unequally yoked in marriage with unbelievers because it would cause them to walk “misaligned or in circles” like two mismatched oxen. Their contrary values, beliefs, and convictions would bring discord and division to their newly formed family rather than unity and oneness. Therefore, God prohibits this union for Christian couples to spare them unnecessary confusion, contention, and misery.
I hope this information helps you understand God's intent for marriage. For Scriptures on this subject, click here.
