Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
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Bible Verses About Marriage
Marriage is the first institution God established (Genesis 2:24), and Scripture returns to it throughout — describing it as a picture of Christ's relationship with the church, a covenant of lifelong love, and a partnership built on mutual sacrifice and grace.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
Read verse1 Corinthians 13:4–7
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Read verseProverbs 18:22
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
Read verseHebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Read verseEcclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”
Read verseRuth 1:16
“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:”
Read verseColossians 3:14
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Read verseProverbs 31:10
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
Read verseSong of Solomon 8:7
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.”
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Common Questions
What does the Bible say about marriage?
The Bible establishes marriage in Genesis 2:24 as a covenant of two becoming 'one flesh.' Ephesians 5:22–33 describes the husband-wife relationship as a picture of Christ and the church. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 defines the love that sustains it.
What is the most important verse about marriage in the Bible?
Genesis 2:24 lays the foundation: 'Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.' Jesus himself quoted this verse when asked about marriage (Matthew 19:5), affirming it as God's original design.
What does the Bible say husbands should do?
Ephesians 5:25 gives the primary instruction: 'Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.' This sets the standard for sacrificial, servant-hearted love.
What does the Bible say about a godly wife?
Proverbs 31:10–31 is the most detailed portrait. Proverbs 18:22 says 'Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.' The consistent picture is a woman of character, wisdom, and faithful love.