Marriage is a sacred union blessed by God, and the Bible provides timeless wisdom on love, commitment, and mutual respect within this covenant. Let’s explore the verses that illuminate the beauty and sanctity of marriage.
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Verses From The Bible About Marriage
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 from the creation account in Genesis emphasizes the sacredness and unity of marriage. It reinforces the idea that marriage is a lifelong commitment where two individuals become one in a deep and spiritual sense.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the role of wives in marriage. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and submission in the marital relationship, with the wife willingly submitting to her husband’s leadership.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Here, Paul instructs husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. It highlights the need for husbands to prioritize their wives’ well-being and selflessly serve them.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.”
These verses emphasize the mutual responsibility and love between spouses in the sexual aspect of marriage. It implies that both husband and wife have equal rights and obligations to meet each other’s physical needs.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse celebrates the blessing and favor that comes with finding a suitable and godly spouse. It highlights the importance of marriage as a gift from the Lord.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
Similar to Ephesians 5, these verses encourage mutual respect and submission in marriage, while also emphasizing that husbands should not treat their wives harshly but instead love them as Christ loves the church.
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 encouraged to live with their wives in an understanding and honorable way. It recognizes that women may be physically weaker but highlights their equal worth and position as heirs with their husbands in the grace of life.
Malachi 2:14-15
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.”
These verses speak against infidelity in marriage and remind couples of the sacredness of their marital covenant. It also highlights the importance of raising godly children and encourages faithfulness to one’s spouse.
Matthew 19:4-6
“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh“? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’”
Jesus, in this passage, affirms the biblical pattern of marriage as one man and one woman becoming one flesh. He emphasizes the indissolubility of the marital union and discourages divorce.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This verse praises the characteristics of a godly and virtuous wife, highlighting her value and worth. It encourages men to seek and cherish such a wife.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.”
Here, Paul instructs married couples not to separate or divorce. If a separation does occur, he encourages reconciliation or remaining unmarried to prevent further marital complications.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This verse contrasts the positive influence and honor that a virtuous wife brings to her husband with the negative impact of a wife who brings shame and dishonor.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This Proverb highlights the power of a wise and godly woman in nurturing and building up her home. It implies that foolish actions can lead to the destruction of a household.
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 importance of purity and faithfulness within the institution of marriage. It reminds believers to honor and preserve the sanctity of marital relationships.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This Proverb highlights the divine blessing and providence of a wise and prudent wife. It implies that a godly wife is a gift from the Lord.
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.”
These verses acknowledge the natural sexual desires and the possibility of temptation outside of marriage. Paul encourages believers to pursue marriage, as it provides a legitimate outlet for sexual intimacy.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse depicts the wise and gentle demeanor of a godly wife. It highlights the impact of her words and the loving instruction she provides to her family.
Mark 10:9
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Jesus reaffirms the divine institution of marriage and emphasizes the importance of not allowing human actions or decisions to break the sacred bond between husband and wife.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
These verses remind married couples of the importance of selfless love and forgiveness towards one another. Love can bridge gaps and heal wounds in a relationship.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.””
These verses are often used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize the commitment and loyalty between spouses. Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to her mother-in-law demonstrates the depth of love and devotion in a marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
This passage emphasizes the joy and satisfaction that can be found within the marital relationship. It encourages couples to find delight and fulfillment in one another.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.”
This verse celebrates the blessing and favor that comes with finding a suitable and godly spouse. It highlights the importance of marriage as a gift from the Lord.
Matthew 5:32
“But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Jesus addresses divorce in this passage, highlighting its seriousness and the commitment expected within marriage. He permits divorce only in the case of sexual immorality, warning against remarriage after an unjustified divorce.
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.”
Though not explicitly about marriage, these verses from the famous “Love Chapter” in Corinthians beautifully describe the qualities of love. They serve as a guide for couples in expressing selfless love, patience, and endurance towards one another.