Marriage is an important institution established by God. Throughout the Bible, we find principles and guidance on love, commitment, roles, and responsibilities within marriage. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages about marriage:
Genesis 2:18-24
This passage describes how God created woman to be a companion and helper for man. He brought Eve to Adam and established the institution of marriage. Key points:
- It is not good for man to be alone, he needs a helper and companion
- Woman was created from man to be his partner
- Husband and wife become one flesh in marriage
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” This verse affirms that a wife is a blessing from God. Marriage is viewed in a positive light.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”Finding joy and companionship with one’s spouse should be a priority.
Ephesians 5:22-33
This passage outlines important marital roles and responsibilities. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, and husbands are to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the church. Key principles:
- Wives submit to your husbands as the church submits to Christ
- Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her
- Husbands should nourish and cherish their wives as their own body
- The two become one flesh
1 Peter 3:1-7
Peter also discusses the differing marital roles of husband and wife. Wives are instructed to submit even to unbelieving husbands, showing gentleness, purity and respect. Husbands must be understanding and honor their wives.
1 Corinthians 7
This chapter addresses many practical issues around marriage and singleness. Paul provides guidance on marital responsibilities, sexuality, divorce if one spouse becomes a believer, and the benefits of singleness for undivided devotion to the Lord.
Proverbs 31:10-31
The qualities of a virtuous and excellent wife are described here. She is trustworthy, industrious, wise, kind, and strong. Her husband and children praise her character.
Song of Solomon
This poetic book depicts romantic love between a husband and wife. It celebrates the joys of physical intimacy and deep affection within marriage.
Colossians 3:18-19
Paul instructs wives to submit to husbands and husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them.
Hebrews 13:4
This verse honors and celebrates marriage while warning against sexual immorality: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
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 endorses the enjoyment of intimacy within marriage.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
While not directly about marriage, this popular passage describes godly love. The qualities of patience, kindness, protection, trust, hope, and perseverance should be nurtured in marriages.
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.” God ordained the husband-wife relationship to transcend all other human relationships, even with parents. The oneness shared points to an exclusive lifelong covenant.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.” A wise and virtuous wife greatly blesses her husband and marriage.
Genesis 24:67
“Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her.” Isaac loved Rebekah, indicating marriages should be characterized by sacrificial and unconditional love.
Malachi 2:14-15
God denounces unfaithfulness and violence against wives, equating these actions with faithlessness towards a covenant before God. He desires godly offspring from marriages.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” This underscores that a wise spouse is a blessing from God.
Matthew 19:4-6
Jesus affirmed God’s plan for marriage as described in Genesis 2:24, stating what God has joined, man must not separate. He upheld the permanence of marriage.
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.” Husbands are to be considerate and treat their wives with respect.
Proverbs 20:6-7
“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” Integrity and faithfulness in marriage are emphasized.
Mark 10:2-12
When asked about divorce, Jesus reiterated Genesis 2:24. He allowed divorce only in cases of adultery, saying what God has joined, man must not separate. Faithfulness in marriage is commanded.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
This passage instructs couples to fulfill their marital duty to each other and not deprive each other sexually, except by mutual consent for a season of prayer. Healthy intimacy is encouraged.
Proverbs 2:17
“She has forsaken the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.” Deserting one’s marriage covenant is condemned.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.” Marital faithfulness and sexual purity are commanded under God’s law.
Proverbs 31:28
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Wives and mothers are commended for blessing their families.
Genesis 29:20
“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.” This models patience and commitment, serving for one’s beloved.
Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus took God’s commands against adultery further, warning against lust in the heart. He emphasized the importance of purity in thought as well as action.
Proverbs 21:9
“It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.” Conflict resolution is needed for relational harmony.
Ephesians 4:2
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” All Christians, married or unmarried, are exhorted to demonstrate these virtues.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” As in all relationships, love is vital for marriage to thrive.
This overview covers some of the key passages about marriage in the Bible. Additional principles and teachings Offer guidance for husbands, wives, communication, conflict, intimacy, divorce, remarriage, and more. In summary, the Bible honors marriage and offers much wisdom for establishing healthy, God-honoring unions.