The journey to marriage is an exciting and transformative one. For engaged couples, the Bible offers wisdom, guidance, and encouragement as they prepare to embark on this lifelong adventure together.
Join us as we explore verses that celebrate love, commitment, and the foundations of a strong marriage. These verses will inspire and enrich your relationship as you prepare for the sacred vows of matrimony.
Also Study: Bible Verses about Authenticity
Bible Verses for Engaged Couples
God’s Plan for Marriage
As Christians, we believe that marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God. In the book of Genesis, we find that God created marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse highlights the importance of the bond between husband and wife, where they become a single unit, unified in love and purpose.
Further, in the New Testament, we see Jesus affirming the institution of marriage when he is asked about divorce in Matthew 19:4-6. He quotes the Genesis passage and adds, “What God has joined together, let no one separate.” This shows us that marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, a reflection of God’s unbreakable love for His people.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse emphasizes God’s design for marriage, where a man and woman come together as one. It affirms the importance of leaving one’s family and cleaving to the spouse, prioritizing and committing to the marriage relationship.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse recognizes the blessing of a godly spouse and highlights the favor and goodness bestowed by the Lord when one finds a suitable partner.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
This verse acknowledges the presence of sexual temptations and affirms marriage as a honorable solution for channeling and safeguarding one’s sexual desires in a God-honoring way.
Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Similar to Genesis 2:24, this verse highlights the indissoluble bond in marriage, emphasizing the unity and oneness that God intended for a husband and wife to experience.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the need to keep the marriage covenant pure and undefiled. It reminds couples to honor their commitment and seek to keep their relationship faithful and strong.
Love and Respect in Marriage
In Ephesians 5:33, the apostle Paul captures the essence of a Christian marriage by saying, “Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” This verse emphasizes the mutual responsibility of husbands and wives to love and respect each other.
Husbands are called to love their wives unconditionally, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). This sacrificial love means putting their spouse’s needs above their own and actively seeking to build them up and support them in all aspects of life.
On the other hand, wives are called to respect their husbands, acknowledging their God-given authority within the marriage. Respect here does not mean blind obedience, but rather showing honor, appreciation, and support for their husband’s leadership and decision-making.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse challenges husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church and selflessly gave Himself for it. It encourages husbands to prioritize the well-being and needs of their wives.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
In this verse, both spouses are exhorted to love and respect one another. Husbands are reminded to love their wives as their own selves, while wives are encouraged to show respect to their husbands.
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
This verse addresses the physical aspect of a marital relationship, emphasizing the importance of mutual love and physical intimacy within the bounds of marriage.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse instructs husbands to treat their wives with gentleness and tenderness, demonstrating love and kindness in all aspects of their relationship.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
In this verse, husbands are called to cherish their wives, treating them with understanding, honor, and respect. It reminds men that their relationship with their wives affects their relationship with God.
Marriage is not always smooth sailing. It brings its own set of challenges and trials that couples must navigate together, relying on their faith in God. The Bible offers us guidance and encouragement in facing these difficulties.
In James 1:2-4, we are reminded to consider it pure joy when we face trials of various kinds because they produce perseverance and ultimately make us more mature in our faith. This principle applies to marriage as well. When we face challenges together, it gives us an opportunity to grow closer to one another and to God.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 10:13, we learn that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He promises to provide a way out so that we can endure. In marriage, this verse reminds us that we can rely on God’s strength and guidance to overcome any challenge that comes our way.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What, therefore, God has joined together, let not man separate.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of cherishing the marital bond, discouraging divorce and encouraging couples to strive for reconciliation and unity, even in the face of challenges.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This verse highlights the impact of a wise and virtuous woman in preserving and nurturing her home, while underscoring the destructive consequences of foolishness and bad choices.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
These verses from the famous “Love Chapter” provide guidance on the characteristics of true love that can support and sustain a marriage through challenging times. Love that is patient, kind, and selfless helps couples face difficulties and overcome them.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This verse reminds couples that through faith in Christ, they can find the strength and grace needed to overcome any challenges they may encounter in their marriage.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”
This verse encourages couples to rely on the Lord in times of anxiety or stress, casting their concerns upon Him who cares deeply for them. It reminds them to seek His guidance and provision as they navigate difficulties.
Communication and Unity
Effective communication is essential for a healthy and thriving marriage. The Bible offers valuable wisdom on how we should communicate and seek unity in our relationship.
In Ephesians 4:29, we are encouraged to use our words to build each other up, rather than tearing each other down. This teaches us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on our spouse and to speak with love and kindness, even in the midst of disagreements.
Additionally, in Ephesians 4:3, we are urged to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This emphasizes the importance of seeking unity in our marriage, prioritizing our relationship over our individual desires or preferences.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the importance of gentle and kind communication within a marriage, pointing out that harsh words can escalate conflicts, while a gentle response can diffuse tension.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
This verse emphasizes the power of gracious and kind words, which can bring healing, strengthen the relationship, and foster unity within the marriage.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
This verse instructs couples to use their words for building up and edifying one another, rather than engaging in negative or hurtful speech.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse reminds couples to extend forgiveness and choose love by not dwelling on past offenses or constantly bringing up previous mistakes, as this can hinder unity and trust.
James 1:19
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
This verse encourages couples to cultivate good communication habits by actively listening, being slow to speak, and managing anger in order to promote understanding and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner.
Seeking God’s Guidance
In all aspects of our lives, including our marriages, we are encouraged to seek God’s guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
As engaged couples, it is vital to lean on God’s wisdom and guidance as we prepare for marriage. This can be done through prayer, reading and meditating on His Word, seeking counsel from wise and mature Christians, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Ultimately, the Bible reminds us that God wants our marriages to reflect His love, faithfulness, and unity. By following His plan, practicing love and respect, faithfully navigating challenges, communicating effectively, and seeking His guidance, we can build strong and thriving marriages that honor Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and trusting in Him, rather than relying solely on human wisdom or understanding.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
This verse reminds couples that God’s Word provides guidance and direction, illuminating their path and helping them make wise choices in their marriage.
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
This verse encourages couples to make their plans, but to ultimately seek the Lord’s direction and trust in His sovereignty to establish the path for their marriage.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
This verse reassures couples that God has good plans for them, plans that bring welfare and hope. It encourages them to trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty in shaping their future.
Proverbs 20:24
“A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?”
This verse reminds couples that their steps and life path are ultimately determined by the Lord, highlighting the need to seek His guidance and direction in their marriage journey.