Every people group has equal worth
From the beginning, Scripture gives every human being God-given dignity because people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). Paul also teaches that God is the source of every nation and people group (Acts 17:26). No ethnicity is presented as more valuable, purer or closer to God than another.
This means racial or ethnic difference is not a biblical barrier to friendship, church fellowship or marriage. A couple can honour both of their cultures, families and histories while recognising that each person has equal worth before God.
And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Old Testament warnings concerned worship
Israel was told not to marry certain surrounding nations in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:3). The next verse gives the reason: such relationships could lead Israel away from the Lord and towards other gods (Deuteronomy 7:4). The concern was idolatry and covenant faithfulness, not an idea that people from those nations were inferior by race.
The story of Ruth helps make this clear. Ruth was a Moabite, yet she chose to identify herself with Naomi’s people and Naomi’s God (Ruth 1:16). Matthew’s genealogy names Ruth as the mother of Obed through Boaz (Matthew 1:5), showing that she was not excluded from God’s unfolding purposes.
For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
Moses and his Cushite wife
Numbers records that Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses in connection with his Cushite wife (Numbers 12:1). The account then centres on their challenge to Moses’ unique role, and the Lord responds with anger and discipline (Numbers 12:9; Numbers 12:10).
The passage does not explain every detail of Moses’ marriage, so it should not be pressed beyond what it says. Still, it does not condemn his Cushite wife or describe the marriage itself as sinful. At the least, this account gives no support to the claim that a marriage across ethnic backgrounds is wrong.
Shared faith matters in Christian marriage
Although race is not a biblical restriction, faith is a serious consideration for Christians thinking about marriage. Paul encourages a Christian widow to marry someone who belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:39). He also warns believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelief (2 Corinthians 6:14). Christians differ over some details of how these instructions apply, but shared trust in Christ provides an important foundation for a marriage.
The church is also called away from partiality, and in Christ ethnic background does not determine anyone’s standing before God (James 2:1; Galatians 3:28). For any couple, wise preparation includes honest conversations about faith, character, family expectations, culture, money and how they will serve one another. Seek counsel from mature Christians who will honour both people, and read these passages in their context as you pray and discern.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.