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Bible verses about marriage
Scripture on the covenant of marriage, the union of husband and wife, faithfulness, love within marriage, and God's design for the relationship.
What does the Bible say about marriage?
Marriage in the Bible is treated as a covenant rather than a contract. From the first chapters of Genesis to the letters of Paul, Scripture describes marriage as a joining that reflects something about God's own faithfulness and love.
These passages cover the origin of marriage, the duties of husbands and wives, faithfulness, and the way marriage serves as a picture of larger spiritual realities. They are useful whether you are preparing for marriage, strengthening one, or simply studying what the Bible teaches about it.
Key passages
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
The foundational statement on marriage as leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh. Power over the creatures was given to man, and as a proof of this he named them all. It also shows his insight into the works of God.
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
Paul holds up Christ's self-giving love as the model for husbands. The duty of wives is, submission to their husbands in the Lord, which includes honouring and obeying them, from a principle of love to them. The duty of husbands is to love their wives.
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."
Finding a wife is described as finding a good thing and obtaining favour from the Lord. A good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour.
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Jesus affirms that what God has joined together, no one should separate. Wherever Jesus was, the people flocked after him in crowds, and he taught them. Preaching was Christ's constant practice.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,"
The love chapter provides the character of love that sustains marriage. Some of the effects of charity are stated, that we may know whether we have this grace; and that if we have not, we may not rest till we have it.
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
Love is called the bond of perfection that holds everything together. We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all.
Main takeaways
- Marriage is described as a covenant relationship established by God, not merely a social arrangement.
- Faithfulness and sacrificial love are the recurring duties Scripture assigns to husbands and wives.
- The Bible uses marriage as a metaphor for God's relationship with his people.
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A compact route through creation, covenant, exodus, kingship, prophecy, Christ, and new creation.
Further guides
What does the Bible say about marriage?
A full guide to the biblical vision of marriage from Genesis to Ephesians, covering its origins, purposes, duties, and spiritual significance.
What does the Bible say about divorce?
A careful look at what the Old and New Testaments actually say about divorce, remarriage, and the circumstances under which separation may be permitted.