A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

Marriage is honourable, Vers. 4 &c.] Some think this to be an exhortation to those that are married, to the end they might live chastely, and in such honesty in marriage as thereunto appertaineth: also, that the husband should dwell with his wife in all chastity, and modesty, that their bed be not ⟨p. 317⟩profaned by lascivious dishonesty. And so this word, let it be, should be supplied. Notwithstanding, it is not amiss if we should say, Marriage is honourable among all. For when we hear that marriage is honourable, ought it not by and by to come into our minds: Surely, we ought to live in the same honourably, and reverently? Others take it by way of yielding or granting, thus: Although marriage be honourable, yet it is not lawful to commit fornication. But every one may perceive that this sense is too cold. For mine own part, I rather think that the Apostle here opposeth marriage to whoredom, as the remedy for the disease: and the course of the text doeth evidently show that his meaning is so. For before he threatens whoremongers with the judgements of God, he first shows them what the true mean is to avoid this vengeance: that is, if we live honestly in marriage. Let this then be one member, That whoredoms shall not escape unpunished, because it is Gods office to show his vengeance upon them. And seeing he hath been pleased to bless the society of man and wife, which himself hath ordained; it follows then that all other societies or fellowships, out of marriage, are accursed and condemned of him. Wherefore he not only threatens adulterers with punishment, but all manner of fornicators also. For all of them do flinch back from the holy institution of God: yea they corrupt, and overthrow it; abusing themselves indifferently with all companies, whilst there is but one lawful conjunction only which is ratified and confirmed in the name and by the authority of God. Now because it is impossible to repress the overflowing of whoredoms, without the remedy of marriage, for this cause he commends it unto us, calling it honourable.

Marriage is honourable, Vers. 4 &c.] Some thinke this to be an exhortation to those that are married, to the end they might liue chastly, and in such honestie in marriage as thereunto appertaineth: also, that the husband should dwell with his wife in all chastitie, and modestie, that their bedde bee not ⟨p. 317⟩