The answer is: Honourable

Heb 13:4

In Hebrews 13:4, Paul gives marriage a big shout-out by calling it "honorable." This isn’t just a simple compliment; it showcases the intrinsic value and dignity that comes with the partnership of married life. Keep in mind that in ancient cultures, marriage was often more about practical alliances than love, but here, Paul elevates it by emphasizing respect and honor.

You might also find it fascinating that marriage, in the biblical context, was viewed as a sacred union, akin to how Jesus relates to the Church — it’s all about love, commitment, and a deep bond. And let’s not forget that this perspective is steeped in the personification of love as a divine force throughout scripture! Think of 1 Corinthians 13, a prime love chapter that piques curiosity about how love should behave.

Also interesting is how marriage was often about covenant rather than contract. In modern times, we might view it through a legal lens, but to the authors of scripture, there was a spiritual dimension to the commitment — think something closer to a promise carved in stone!

So, when Paul honored marriage as he did, he was inviting communities to value loving partnerships, which wasn’t always the case in a patriarchal society. It's a brilliant reminder that love, underpinned by respect and commitment, is truly something worth celebrating in every age.