In the context of the Bible, the term "mates" can refer to companions, partners, or spouses. The concept of companionship and partnership is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of relationships that align with God's design and purpose.

Creation and Marriage

The foundational understanding of mates begins in the book of Genesis, where God creates the first human beings. In Genesis 2:18, God declares, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." This statement underscores the divine intention for companionship. God creates Eve as a suitable partner for Adam, establishing the first marital relationship. Genesis 2:24 further elaborates, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse highlights the sanctity and unity of the marital bond, setting a precedent for future generations.

Companionship and Friendship

Beyond marriage, the Bible also speaks to the value of friendship and companionship. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion." This passage illustrates the practical and emotional benefits of having a mate or companion, emphasizing mutual support and encouragement.

Spiritual Mates

In the New Testament, the concept of spiritual mates or partners in faith is evident. The early Christian community is described as being united in purpose and fellowship. Acts 2:44-47 portrays the believers as having "all things in common," sharing their lives and resources. This spiritual companionship is further encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25, which urges believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together."

Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, presents marriage as a profound mystery that reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:31-32 quotes Genesis 2:24 and adds, "This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Here, the marital relationship is elevated to a spiritual metaphor, illustrating the sacrificial love and unity between Christ and His followers.

Guidance for Choosing Mates

The Bible provides guidance for choosing mates, particularly in the context of marriage. Believers are encouraged to seek partners who share their faith and values. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness?" This counsel underscores the importance of spiritual compatibility in maintaining a harmonious and God-honoring relationship.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on mates encompasses a broad spectrum of relationships, from marital partners to spiritual companions. These relationships are designed to reflect God's love, provide mutual support, and fulfill His purposes in the lives of individuals and the broader community of faith.5674a. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... going over (3), gone (1), gone over (1), gone through (1), laid aside (1), led across
(1), led through (3), left (1), liquid (2), made (1), mates (1), means ...
/hebrew/5674a.htm - 7k

2556. chamets -- to be sour or leavened
... 2555, 2556. chamets. 2556a . to be sour or leavened. Transliteration: chamets
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-mates') Short Definition: leavened. ...
/hebrew/2556.htm - 5k

2557. chamets -- that which is leavened
... 2556c, 2557. chamets. 2558 . that which is leavened. Transliteration: chamets
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-mates') Short Definition: leavened. ...
/hebrew/2557.htm - 6k

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... See, my mess-mates, the way I shall try to steer; but if the heavenly wind blows
me out of my course, don't be surprised if I tack about, and go nobody knows ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

Special Efforts
... Now there is a move, a man is pushing his way through his mates; he throws himself
at the penitent-form and crys, 'O God, make me like Bill!' He had looked ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm

The Seven Champions of Christendom
... "Gentle readers, in kindness accept my labours, and be not like the chattering
cranes, nor Momus' mates, that carp at everything. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/title page.htm

David's Deserts
... in the churches of God, as they were then; but in the flowery meads of May; under
the forest boughs, where birds sang to their mates; by the side of the winter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iv davids deserts.htm

The Philosophers
... If an animal did by mind what it does by instinct, and if it spoke by mind what
it speaks by instinct, in hunting and in warning its mates that the prey is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vi the philosophers.htm

Moravians and Methodists, 1735-1742.
... As James was now apprenticed to a bookseller he thought he could do a good stroke
of business by visiting some of his old school-mates at the University of ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ix moravians and methodists.htm

In an Illuminated Missal {216}
... I would have loved: there are no mates in heaven; I would be great: there is no
pride in heaven; I would have sung, as doth the nightingale The summer's night ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/in an illuminated missal 216.htm

The Starlings
... on still and cloudless evenings, Among the golden reed-beds I heard the starlings
sing" 'Ah that sweet March month, when we and our mates were courting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the starlings.htm

It is the Peculiar Property of Man to Know and Worship God.
... have a kind of smile, when with soothed ears, and contracted mouth, and with eyes
relaxed to sportiveness, they fawn upon man, or upon their own mates and young ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap x it is the peculiar.htm

March.
... that sweet March month, when we and our mates were courting merrily; Sad,
sad, to think that the year is all but done. The Starlings. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /march.htm

Mates (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mates (1 Occurrence). Job 21:10 Their bulls breed
without fail. Their cows calve, and don't miscarry. (See NAS). ...
/m/mates.htm - 6k

Materials (9 Occurrences)

/m/materials.htm - 9k

Mate (9 Occurrences)
... 12. (vi) To be or become a mate or mates, especially in sexual companionship; as,
some birds mate for life; this bird will not mate with that one. ...
/m/mate.htm - 10k

Mathanias

/m/mathanias.htm - 6k

Meal-time (1 Occurrence)
... Saul and his mess-mates sat upon "seats" (1 Samuel 20:25), as did Solomon
and his court (1 Kings 10:5; compare 1 Kings 13:20, etc.). ...
/m/meal-time.htm - 24k

Mealtime (1 Occurrence)
... Saul and his mess-mates sat upon "seats" (1 Samuel 20:25), as did Solomon
and his court (1 Kings 10:5; compare 1 Kings 13:20, etc.). ...
/m/mealtime.htm - 24k

Meals (8 Occurrences)
... Saul and his mess-mates sat upon "seats" (1 Samuel 20:25), as did Solomon
and his court (1 Kings 10:5; compare 1 Kings 13:20, etc.). ...
/m/meals.htm - 27k

Is there such a thing as soul mates? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian use a dating service to find a spouse? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sarah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Mates: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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