As a biblical scholar with a deep interest in the historical context and evolution of religious texts, I can provide some insight into the phrase "till death do us part" and its origins within Christian marriage vows. It's important to note that this phrase, as commonly understood today, is not a direct quote from the Bible. Instead, it has its roots in the liturgical language of the Christian church, specifically in the marriage service found in the Book of Common Prayer.

The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of liturgies and prayers used by the Anglican Church. It was first published in 1549 by Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The marriage service within this book has undergone several revisions over the centuries, but the core elements have remained largely consistent.

The phrase "to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us depart" is derived from the Sarum Rite, which was a medieval liturgical rite used in Salisbury, England. The Sarum Rite influenced many of the services found in the Book of Common Prayer, including the marriage service.

The original translation of the Sarum Rite into English in the earliest versions of the Book of Common Prayer included the phrase "till death us depart." This phrase was a somewhat literal translation from the Latin "usque ad mortem," which means "until death." Over time, the phrase evolved into the more poetic and memorable "till death do us part," which is now commonly associated with Christian wedding vows.

It's worth noting that the Bible itself does not contain a specific verse that uses the exact phrase "till death do us part." However, the concept of lifelong commitment in marriage is certainly present in biblical teachings. For example, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:22-24:

> "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word."

This passage, among others, underscores the Christian belief in a lifelong, sacrificial love within the bonds of marriage.

In conclusion, while "till death do us part" is not a direct biblical quote, it is a phrase that has been shaped by the Christian tradition and has come to symbolize the deep and enduring commitment that is expected in a Christian marriage. The phrase is a testament to the enduring love and commitment that is at the heart of the Christian understanding of marriage, a commitment that is to last a lifetime, mirroring the love and sacrifice of Christ for his church.

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The vows included in that book are derived from the Sarum rite of medieval England, which was originally translated in the earliest versions of the Book of Common Prayer as "to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death us depart."Apr 24, 2017read more >>