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Bible verses
Bible Verses About Marriage
The Bible presents marriage as a covenant union of one man and one woman, according to Genesis 2:24, becoming one flesh. Ephesians 5:25 tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and Mark 10:9 says what God has joined, let no one separate.
Bible verses about marriage
“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 · King James Version (public domain)
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 · King James Version (public domain)
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:2 · King James Version (public domain)
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Colossians 3:14 · King James Version (public domain)
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24 · King James Version (public domain)
Marriage is portrayed from the beginning as a leaving, a cleaving, and a becoming one, a whole new union.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
Ephesians 5:25 · King James Version (public domain)
The standard for a husband's love is Christ's self-giving for the church, a love measured by sacrifice.
“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Ephesians 5:33 · King James Version (public domain)
Marriage is summed up in mutual honor: love that treasures, and respect that honors.
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9 · King James Version (public domain)
Scripture affirms the practical strength of partnership, two who share the labor and the reward.
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Mark 10:9 · King James Version (public domain)
Jesus treats marriage as a bond God Himself forms, meant to be guarded rather than easily broken.
How these verses point to Christ
The Bible presents marriage as more than a contract; it is a living picture. Ephesians 5 says husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, so every faithful marriage points beyond itself to Christ's covenant love for His people. He is the Bridegroom who gave His life for His bride, and that self-giving love is both the pattern for marriage and the grace that makes it possible.
You do not have to carry this alone
On The Living Bread you can read these passages in full, ask Simon what they mean, hear how Christ has met others in the same place, and pray them with a community that will pray for you by name. You are welcome exactly as you are.
Questions people ask about marriage
- What does the Bible say about a godly marriage?
- It calls for self-giving love and mutual honor, as Ephesians 5 describes: husbands loving as Christ loved the church, and reverence between spouses. Genesis 2:24 frames it as leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh, a covenant meant to last.
- What is the biblical purpose of marriage?
- Scripture gives several purposes: companionship, since it is not good for man to be alone, the raising of families, and a living picture of Christ's love for the church in Ephesians 5. It is a covenant that reflects God's faithfulness.
- What Bible verses are good for a wedding?
- 1 Corinthians 13 on love, Ephesians 5:25-33 on Christlike love and respect, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 on the strength of partnership, and Genesis 2:24 on becoming one flesh are all commonly read at weddings.
- How should husbands and wives treat each other?
- Ephesians 5:33 sums it up: love and respect. Husbands are called to sacrificial, Christlike love, and both spouses to honor and serve one another, patterned on the humility and faithfulness of Christ.
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