15 Bible Verses About Marriage: Building a Christ-Centered Union
Author: Vanessa Rooney
Vanessa is an Australian LDS lifestyle blogger. Landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the sun kissed beaches of Bondi, Australia, Vanessa is a wife and mother of three children.
Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, designed to unite two people in love, trust, and purpose. For Christians, marriage is not just a social institution but a divine covenant rooted in scripture. The Bible offers profound insights into the roles, responsibilities, and blessings of marriage. These verses can inspire and guide couples seeking to strengthen their bond and align their relationship with God’s eternal plan.
Here are 23 Bible verses about marriage, paired with reflections and practical applications for building a Christ-centered union.
1. 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.”
Marriage unites two people into one partnership, emphasizing unity and prioritizing the marital bond above all other relationships.
Reflection: Are you placing your spouse at the center of your earthly relationships, above extended family and friends?
Action: Commit to making decisions together, showing that your spouse comes first.
2. Proverbs 18:22
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”
Marriage is a divine blessing. Spouses should view each other as gifts from God.
Reflection: Do you show gratitude for your spouse as a blessing in your life?
Action: Write down three things you appreciate about your spouse and share them.
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”
Marriage is about partnership and mutual support. In hard times, a spouse is there to help and uplift.
Reflection: How do you encourage your spouse when they are struggling?
Action: Take time to pray together for strength and encouragement.
4. Song of Solomon 2:16
“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.”
This verse celebrates the exclusivity and joy of love in marriage.
Reflection: Do you make your spouse feel cherished and secure in your love?
Action: Plan a surprise date or gesture to reaffirm your commitment.
5. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart… Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.”
True love is enduring and unshakeable, even in the face of challenges.
Reflection: How do you protect and nurture the love in your marriage?
Action: Create a list of ways to strengthen your relationship during difficult times.
6. Matthew 19:5-6
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Marriage is sacred, and its unity should be protected from anything that might divide it.
Reflection: Are you guarding your marriage against external pressures or distractions?
Action: Identify potential threats to your marriage and address them together.
7. Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
A thriving marriage is built on kindness and putting your spouse’s needs before your own.
Reflection: How can you show honor to your spouse today?
Action: Perform an act of kindness that reflects your love and appreciation.
8. 1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.”
Marriage requires mutual respect and care, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Reflection: Are you attentive to your spouse’s needs?
Action: Ask your spouse what they need most from you this week and focus on providing it.
9. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Love is patient, kind, and enduring. These qualities form the foundation of a strong marriage.
Reflection: How does your love reflect the characteristics described in this passage?
Action: Identify one area of growth (e.g., patience or kindness) and work on it together.
10. Ephesians 4:2-3
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
Humility, patience, and forgiveness are key to maintaining harmony in marriage.
Reflection: How do you demonstrate patience and forgiveness in your marriage?
Action: Apologize for any recent missteps and seek to resolve lingering conflicts.
11. Ephesians 5:22-24
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
Submission in marriage is about mutual respect and partnership, not control or dominance.
Reflection: How do you foster mutual respect and partnership in your marriage?
Action: Discuss with your spouse how you can better support each other’s roles.
12. Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.”
Husbands are called to love sacrificially, as Christ loved the church.
Reflection: Are you putting your spouse’s needs above your own?
Action: Plan a thoughtful gesture that shows your sacrificial love.
13. Colossians 3:14
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Charity, or Christlike love, is what binds a marriage together perfectly.
Reflection: How can you cultivate charity in your relationship?
Action: Pray for more Christlike love in your interactions with your spouse.
14. Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.”
This verse underscores the importance of fidelity and honoring the sacredness of marriage.
Reflection: How do you protect the purity and sanctity of your marriage?
Action: Set boundaries to safeguard your relationship from temptation.
15. 1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife.”
Husbands are called to treat their wives with honor and understanding.
Reflection: Do your actions reflect honor and care for your spouse?
Action: Spend time listening to your spouse’s needs and showing appreciation.
Conclusion
These 23 Bible verses provide timeless wisdom for building a marriage that honors God and strengthens the bond between spouses. Whether you are newly married, celebrating decades together, or looking to improve your relationship, these scriptures can serve as a guide and inspiration.
Take time to reflect on each verse and apply its principles to your marriage. By prioritizing love, unity, and faith, you can create a Christ-centered relationship that not only thrives in mortality but endures into eternity.
Let these scriptures serve as daily reminders of God’s love and His blueprint for a fulfilling and joyful marriage.