Marriage is a familiar word, and we are products of it. The very idea of family is established upon the concept of marriage, which is the union between a man and his wife. So does the Bible have something to say about marriage? Yes.
In the Bible, marriage is discussed right from Genesis. That's why, in this series of What Does the Bible Say, we will focus on the question, "What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?" and share 20 Bible verses on marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
Marriage is the very first institution God established in the Bible. It is designed to be a beautiful reflection of His relationship with His people. But in a world that often treats relationships as temporary or transactional, the biblical view of marriage stands apart.
Going beyond the Old Testament practices, back to Genesis, marriage is presented as a covenant relationship. Someone asked, "What does the Bible say about marriage?" The answer we offer is that it is a sacred bond where two lives merge into one flesh. It is a beautiful concept that acts as a symbol for the relationship Christ has with His Church.
Are you a newlywed, navigating a rough patch in a relationship, or praying for a future spouse? You should know that God’s design for marriage offers a model for deep intimacy, stability, and purpose.
Here are four key points to keep in mind:
- Marriage is an institution established and approved by God.
- It is a covenant relationship, not a contract for signatures.
- It is a union between a man and his wife (the two becoming one flesh, no longer two).
- Marriage is good and honorable, especially when the bed is undefiled.
Bible Verses About Marriage (The Covenant)
The scriptures in this section define the institution of marriage, the wedding vows, and the specific roles God has assigned to husbands and wives. Please meditate and stand on these Bible verses about marriage.
God’s Design for the Union
1. Genesis 2:24
"Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh."
2. Matthew 19:4-6
"He answered, 'Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’ So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.'"
3. Hebrews 13:4
"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers."
4. Proverbs 18:22
"Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh."
The Roles of Husbands & Wives
5. Ephesians 5:25
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it."
6. Ephesians 5:33
"Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
7. Colossians 3:18-19
"Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them."
8. 1 Peter 3:7
"You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered."
9. Proverbs 31:10-11
"Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain."
10. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4
"Let the husband render to the wife her due benevolence; and likewise also the wife to the husband. The wife doesn’t have power over her own body, but the husband. Likewise also the husband doesn’t have power over his own body, but the wife."
Bible Verses For Marriage (Principles to Apply)
In this section, we present Bible verses featuring essential relationship tools, including patience, teamwork, and forgiveness, which are needed to make a marriage thrive.
Companionship & Teamwork
11. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up."
12. Ecclesiastes 4:12
"If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
13. 2 Corinthians 6:14
"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
Resolving Conflict & Anger
14. Ephesians 4:26
"‘Be angry, and don’t sin.’ Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath."
15. James 1:19
"So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."
16. Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Forgiveness & Patience
17. Colossians 3:13
"Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."
18. Ephesians 4:2-3
"With all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
19. 1 Peter 4:8
"And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins."
20. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
"Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil."
A Prayer for Marriage
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. I ask for Your hand to be upon my relationship (or future relationship).
Lord, keep us together by the power of your unending love. When we are tired, give us strength; when we are frustrated, give us patience. Grant us the ability to forgive quickly and love sacrificially, just as Christ loves His Church.
Let our home be a sanctuary of peace where Your name is honored. Remove any selfishness from my heart and teach me how to serve my spouse well.
Amen.
Bible Questions About Marriage
What does "submission" mean in the Bible?
Biblical submission (Ephesians 5) is not about control or inferiority. It is a voluntary posture of respecting leadership within the home, just as the church respects Christ. It is balanced by the command for husbands to love their wives sacrificially, "giving themselves up" for them.
Is it okay to marry a non-believer?
The Bible advises against being "unequally yoked" with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14). Marriage is seen as a spiritual union, and sharing a core foundation of faith is essential for true unity and the spiritual health of the relationship.
What is the primary purpose of marriage?
While companionship and procreation are important, the primary purpose is to glorify God by modeling the love between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:32).
More from Faithful Today
If you want to deepen your understanding of love, read our article on Love or use our Mood-Based Scripture tool to find encouragement for your relationships.
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