The BIBLE says the age difference between couples is a…

If you search the Bible for the phrase “age differences in relationships,” you won’t find a single verse on the topic. In fact, age is rarely even mentioned in Scripture—especially when it comes to married couples. For the most part, we simply don’t know how far apart in age biblical couples were.

There is one exception: Abraham and Sarah. When God promised that they would have a child in their old age, Abraham laughed and said, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” (Genesis 17:17). That tells us Abraham was ten years older than Sarah. Not a huge gap, but it’s the only couple in the Bible where we’re told both of their ages.

Some believe Boaz was much older than Ruth, based on his words in Ruth 3:10: “You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.” That suggests Ruth could have pursued someone closer to her age but instead chose Boaz, possibly because he was more mature and respected. Jewish tradition (not the Bible) says Boaz was 80 and Ruth was 40, but again—that’s speculation. The Bible doesn’t tell us their exact ages.

There’s also a common belief that Joseph was much older than Mary. But honestly, Scripture gives us zero information on that. It’s just a tradition, not a biblical fact.

So what does all this mean? Simply put: the Bible doesn’t make a big deal about age gaps in relationships. It doesn’t treat it as a sin or even a spiritual issue. That doesn’t mean age isn’t important—it can be, especially in terms of maturity, life goals, and values—but things like faith, character, and compatibility matter far more.

Yes, a large age difference can raise eyebrows—like a 40-year-old marrying an 18-year-old—but a 60-year-old marrying an 82-year-old? Nobody bats an eye. As people get older, the age gap often becomes less significant.

The Bible does give us clear relationship guidelines: marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21–25), and believers are called to marry fellow believers (2 Corinthians 6:14). We’re also called to marry for the right reasons—love, commitment, and honor—not lust or selfish gain.

Outside of those principles, age differences are more about wisdom and discernment than right or wrong. If you’re unsure, ask God for guidance (James 1:5). But know this: God cares more about the heart of a relationship than the number of candles on your birthday cake.