Here is a comprehensive list of Bible verses about marriage, organized chronologically from the Old Testament to the New Testament. These passages cover God’s design for marriage, love, commitment, unity, and mutual respect.
Old Testament
1. Genesis 2:18-25
“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone…’”
– The creation of marriage: Adam and Eve as the first union, emphasizing companionship.
2. Genesis 2:24
“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
– Foundational verse on marital unity, often quoted in later Scripture.
3. Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
– Celebrates marriage as a blessing from God.
4. Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
5. Proverbs 31:10-31
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
– Describes the virtues of a godly wife and partnership in marriage.
6. Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
– Highlights the impact of a virtuous spouse.
7. Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
– Emphasizes God’s role in providing a wise spouse.
8. Ruth 1:16-17 (Ruth’s pledge to Naomi)
“Where you go I will go… Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
– Though about loyalty to family, this is often applied to marital devotion.
9. Song of Solomon 4:9-10
“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride… How beautiful is your love!”
– Celebrates romantic and emotional intimacy in marriage.
10. Psalm 128:3
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house…”
– Blessings of a godly family and marriage.
11. Genesis 24:67 (Isaac and Rebekah)
“Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her.”
– A model of love and commitment after arranged marriage.
12. Deuteronomy 24:5
“When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army… He shall be free at home for one year to be happy with his wife.”
– Prioritizes marital joy and bonding.
13. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one… a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
– Highlights the strength of mutual support in marriage.
14. Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love…”
– Encourages joy and companionship in marriage.
15. Song of Solomon 2:16
“My beloved is mine, and I am his…”
– Romantic love between spouses, symbolizing devotion.
16. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Love is strong as death… many waters cannot quench love.”
– The unbreakable power of marital love.
17. Malachi 2:14-16
“The Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth… For I hate divorce.”
– Marriage as a sacred covenant; God’s stance against betrayal and divorce.
New Testament
1. Matthew 19:4-6 (Jesus’ teaching)
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
– Jesus reaffirms Genesis 2:24, emphasizing marriage’s divine origin.
2. Mark 10:6-9 (Parallel to Matthew 19)
“They are no longer two but one flesh… let not man separate.”
– Reiterates marital unity and permanence.
3. 1 Corinthians 7:2-5 (Paul’s instruction)
“Each man should have his own wife… do not deprive one another.”
– Mutual responsibility and intimacy in marriage.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“A wife should not separate from her husband… and a husband should not divorce his wife.”
– Encouragement for reconciliation over divorce.
5. Ephesians 5:22-33
“Wives, submit to your husbands… Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.”
– Marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church.
6. Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands… Husbands, love your wives…”
– Mutual respect and love in marital roles.
7. Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all…”
– Exhortation to uphold marriage’s sanctity.
8. 1 Peter 3:1-7
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands… Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way.”
– Guidance for harmonious and respectful unions.
9. Titus 2:4-5
“Train the young women to love their husbands and children…”
– Encouragement for wives to nurture their households.
10. 1 Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households…”
– Encourages marriage as a foundation for family and godly living.
11. Romans 7:2-3
“A married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives…”
– Explains the permanence of marital bonds under God’s law.
12. John 2:1-11 (Wedding at Cana)
“Jesus did this, the first of his signs, at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory.”
– Jesus blesses marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding.
13. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (The “Love Chapter”)
“Love is patient and kind… It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
– Though not exclusive to marriage, it defines the selfless love essential for unions.
14. Revelation 19:7-9 (Marriage of the Lamb)
“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come…”
– Symbolizes the ultimate union of Christ (the Bridegroom) and the Church (the Bride).
15. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality… in holiness and honor.”
– Calls for purity within marriage.
16. 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…”
– Encourages trust and security in relationships.
Key Themes
– Covenant Commitment: Malachi 2, Ephesians 5.
– Unity & Partnership: Genesis 2:24, Ecclesiastes 4.
– Roles & Mutual Respect: Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3.
– Love & Fidelity: Song of Solomon, 1 Corinthians 7.
– God’s Provision: Proverbs 19:14, Psalm 128:3.
– Purity and Holiness: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.
– Symbolic Love: Revelation 19 (marriage as a metaphor for divine union).
– Selfless Devotion: 1 Corinthians 13, Ruth 1:16-17.
Last modified: April 22, 2025
