30 Important Bible Verses About Marriage

Marriage is one of the most cherished and respected unions in the Bible, and Scripture has a wealth of wisdom for couples at every stage. Whether you’re preparing for marriage, strengthening an existing relationship, or seeking guidance, the Bible provides insights that encourage love, commitment, and respect. Here are 30 powerful Bible verses about marriage that offer guidance and inspiration.

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

The Bible describes marriage as a sacred covenant between two people and God, illustrating it as a lifelong bond founded on love, faithfulness, and unity. From the beginning, God established marriage, as seen in Genesis with Adam and Eve, highlighting it as a partnership that embodies commitment and companionship.

Scripture reflects that marriage is meant to mirror God’s love for His people. Couples are called to love, honor, and cherish one another, with teachings on patience, forgiveness, and sacrificial love central to biblical marriage. Here are some key Bible verses about marriage, emphasizing its importance and meaning.

Bible Verses on the Foundations of Marriage

Genesis 2:24 (NIV)

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

This verse is often referred to as the cornerstone of marriage in the Bible. It describes the union of husband and wife as becoming “one flesh,” representing unity and lifelong commitment.

Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

This verse highlights the beauty of marriage and the blessings that come with it, viewing a spouse as a gift and a source of divine favor.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

These verses emphasize companionship and mutual support, underscoring the strength of a united partnership.

Bible Verses About Love in Marriage

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Known as the “love chapter,” these verses offer a timeless description of love that guides Christian marriage, focusing on patience, kindness, and selflessness.

Ephesians 5:25 (NIV)

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

This verse serves as a profound reminder of sacrificial love, urging husbands to love their wives deeply and selflessly.

Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Love is the binding force in marriage, bringing unity and harmony to the relationship.

Bible Verses About Marriage

Matthew 5:32 (NIV)

“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

This verse addresses the seriousness of marriage and God’s design for it to be a lasting union, encouraging couples to work through difficulties with grace and commitment.

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NIV)

“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”

Paul’s advice here underscores the importance of commitment and reconciliation in marriage, urging couples to prioritize unity.

Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

This verse highlights the virtue and value of a dedicated spouse, viewing noble character as a cherished quality in marriage.

Mark 10:9 (NIV)

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This reinforces the belief that marriage is a union created by God, intended to be permanent and respected by all.

Song of Solomon 2:16 (NIV)

“My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.”

This verse beautifully captures the bond of belonging and commitment between husband and wife.

Bible Verses About Respect and Honor in Marriage

Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

This verse emphasizes mutual respect, encouraging both spouses to value one another.

1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life.”

Here, Peter reminds husbands to respect and honor their wives, highlighting the importance of kindness and understanding.

Hebrews 13:4 (NIV)

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

This verse underscores the importance of faithfulness and purity within marriage.

Bible Verses About Faithfulness in Marriage

Malachi 2:14-15 (NIV)

“The Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”

These verses stress the sanctity of the marriage covenant and the call for faithfulness.

Proverbs 5:18-19 (NIV)

“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”

This verse encourages joy and devotion within marriage, celebrating a lifelong commitment to one another.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (NIV)

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death.”

This poetic scripture highlights the intensity and dedication found in true marital love.

Bible Verses About Partnership in Marriage

Matthew 19:6 (NIV)

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Jesus emphasizes the unity of marriage, instructing that this bond is created by God and should be unbreakable.

1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (NIV)

“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

This verse highlights the responsibility of both partners to care for and meet each other’s needs.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

This verse is a call to humility and selflessness, values that are essential for a healthy marriage.

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Marriage

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

This verse encourages patience and forgiveness, both of which are essential for a peaceful, loving marriage.

Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”

This teaching on forgiveness can be applied to marriage, reminding couples to forgive continually and strive for reconciliation.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

In marriage, learning to forgive as Christ forgave brings healing and strengthens the relationship.

Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

This verse highlights love as a powerful tool to resolve conflict, encouraging spouses to let love guide their actions and responses.

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

True love, as shown in marriage, should bring peace and security, not fear. This verse emphasizes building a marriage based on trust and compassion.

Bible Verses About Prayer in Marriage

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Couples can rely on prayer to strengthen their bond, especially in challenging times, trusting that God’s peace will sustain them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Encouragement and support are vital in marriage. This verse calls on spouses to uplift each other, creating a foundation of mutual respect and affirmation.

James 1:5 (NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

For couples seeking guidance, this verse encourages them to turn to God for wisdom, fostering a prayerful marriage that honors Him.

Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

This psalm emphasizes the importance of centering marriage on God, as a relationship built on faith and dependence on Him endures through life’s trials.

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Devotion and honor are the essence of a lasting marriage. This verse encourages spouses to love selflessly and honor their commitment to each other.

Lessons and Reflections on Marriage from the Bible

Marriage, as illustrated in these bible verses about marriage, is a blend of love, respect, faithfulness, and companionship. God’s design for marriage calls couples to a higher standard of love and commitment, making it clear that marriage is not just a human agreement but a spiritual covenant.

Conclusion

These Bible verses about marriage provide principles that can guide couples through every season of their relationship. By grounding a marriage in God’s word, couples can draw strength, wisdom, and inspiration to honor their commitment. As you reflect on these verses, consider ways to incorporate these values into your own life, nurturing a marriage that reflects God’s love and grace.