Marriage
God’s design for the marriage covenant.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church.”
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.”
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing.”
“Two are better than one.”
“Marriage is honourable in all.”
“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a covenant designed by God — one man and one woman becoming "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Key passages include Ephesians 5:22-33 (husbands love sacrificially, wives respect), Proverbs 18:22 (a spouse is a gift from God), Hebrews 13:4 (marriage is honorable), and Mark 10:9 (what God has joined, let no one separate).
Which Bible verses are read at weddings?
The most popular wedding verses are 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ("Love is patient, love is kind"), Genesis 2:24 ("they shall become one flesh"), Ephesians 5:25 ("Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church"), Ruth 1:16 ("Where you go I will go"), and Ecclesiastes 4:12 ("A cord of three strands is not quickly broken").
What does the Bible say about keeping a marriage strong?
Scripture points to practical habits: forgive as God forgave you (Colossians 3:13), be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19), pray together, treat your spouse with honor (1 Peter 3:7), and let love cover offenses (1 Peter 4:8). Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds couples that "two are better than one" — and a marriage centered on God is a threefold cord.
What does "one flesh" mean in Genesis 2:24?
"One flesh" describes the complete union of husband and wife — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Leaving father and mother means establishing a new primary loyalty; cleaving means glueing yourself to your spouse with permanent commitment. Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew 19:5-6 to show that marriage is God's design, not merely a human contract.