there are many bible verses about marriage, love, relationships and commitment. however, with 66 books and over 30,000 verses from the old and new testaments to page through, it can be difficult to find the perfect passage for the occasion. Whether you’re looking for bible verses on marriage to include in your christian wedding ceremony, love scriptures to write on an engagement card, or encouraging teachings from god on marriage and commitment, these quotes are a source of comfort and meaning for many.
To help you in that same effort, we’ve compiled some of our favorite and most popular Bible verses on marriage and love from the New International Version (NIV) and English Standard Version (ESV) translations. we also have insider tips from rev. roxanne birchfield from married by rev. Roxy, known both for her service as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserves and for being a celebrity wedding officiant seen on the Netflix original series Love Is Blind. Rev. birchfield emphasizes the importance of finding marriage scriptures that speak to you and the situation you are experiencing, especially when you are in the midst of planning a wedding ceremony.
You are reading: Books in the bible about love and marriage
Bible verses in this article:
- bible verses about marriage & what they mean
- inspiring love scriptures
- good bible verses for a relationship
- commitment scriptures
- bible verses bible for your husband
- bible verses for your wife
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bible verses about marriage & what they mean
If you’re wondering what the Bible says about marriage, the verses we’ve gathered below can be a helpful starting point for understanding God’s promises for marriage. Whether you’re looking for bible verses on marriage for your wedding vows or just want meaningful scriptures on marriage for your officiant to share during your wedding sermon, finding a special passage is a great way to ensure your exchange of wishes be beautiful and memorable. There’s also the infamous musical rendition of 1 Corinthians 13:2-7 “love is patient, love is kind” — “love” recorded by joni mitchell — which might be suitable for a musical interlude.
rev. Birchfield advises that “couples should consider some of the lessons or tools they learned in premarital counseling and find scriptures about marriage that speak to that. The passages chosen should also be scriptures that are hopeful in nature and to guide them as they head out into the adventure and unknown of their marriage.
To remember these verses long after your big day has passed, you might consider commemorating them as wedding vow art or a home decor accent to keep your special day close to your heart.
1. 1 corinthians 13:2-7
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but I have no love, I am nothing. If I give everything I have to the poor and give my body to the hardships so that I can boast, but if I don’t have love, I gain nothing.
love is patient, love is kind. he does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud. does not dishonor others, is not selfish, is not easily angered, does not keep track of mistakes. love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere.” (nvi)
Meaning: This Bible verse is among the most famous love quotes since it describes the beautiful characteristics of love and marriage. emphasize that no matter how gifted you are, if you don’t have love you are nothing.
2. Colossians 3:14-17
“And above all these virtues clothe yourself with love, which unites them all in perfect unity. May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be grateful. may the message of Christ dwell abundantly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs of the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts, and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it All in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (lvl)
Meaning: It is important to love God as much as you love your spouse and your neighbor. this particular Bible verse emphasizes how love combines all the virtues to form a perfect unit.
3. genesis 2:18-24
“then the lord god said: “it is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him. now the lord god had formed from the earth all the animals of the field and all the birds of the heavens and he had brought them to man to see what he would call them. he called every living thing, that was his name. man gave names to all cattle and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. but for Adam no helper was found for him. so the lord god made a deep sleep fell on the man, and while he slept he took one of his ribs and closed its place with meat, and from the rib that the lord god had taken from the man he made a woman and brought her to the man . then the man said: ‘this is indeed bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called female, because she was taken from male.’ therefore he shall leave the young man to his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (esv)
Meaning: A marriage bond is so intimate that “two become one.” the union of two human beings who yearn for community and find it in each other is the great climax of this story of creation.
4. matthew 19:4-6
“‘Have you not read,’ he replied, ‘that in the beginning the creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said: ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? so they are no longer two, but one flesh. therefore what god has joined together, let no one separate.'” (nvi)
meaning: when two become one of god, they will unify emotionally, spiritually and physically.
5. song of solomon 3:4
“I have found the one my soul loves.” (esv)
meaning: you will have unity with your spouse.
6. genesis 1:27-28
“god created man in his own image, in the image of god he created him; male and female he created them. and god blessed them. and god said to them: be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over all the beasts that move on the earth.'” (esv)
meaning: the marriage community is a sacred reflection of the family of God. God’s relationship with Jesus is the model for the ideal relationship between husband and wife and the desire for that faith to spread widely throughout the world.
7. ecclesiastes 4:9
“two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work: if one of them falls, one can help the other to get up”. (lvl)
Meaning: Having someone to lean on through good times and bad is a sacred gift.
8. ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one can be defeated, two can defend themselves. A three-stranded rope is not quickly broken.” (lvl)
meaning: a cord of three strands refers both to the holy trinity, the father, the son and the holy spirit, as well as to marriage: two spouses in unity with god.
9. mark 10:9
“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (lvl)
Meaning: As marriage under god decrees that you are one, let no mere mortal part your sacred union.
10. isaiah 62:5
“For as the young man marries the young, so will your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices with the bride, so your god will rejoice with you.” (esv)
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meaning: This verse highlights the intensity of God’s grace, compassion, patience, mercy and love.
11. ephesians 4:2-3
“be entirely humble and meek; be patient, bearing with one another in love. strive to maintain the unity of spirit through the bond of peace”. (lvl)
Meaning: Patience is key when it comes to keeping the peace and maintaining a happy marriage. this quote serves as a romantic reminder to treat your spouse with love and respect.
12. 1 peter 4:8
“above all, love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins”. (lvl)
Meaning: This famous Bible verse on marriage emphasizes the true power of love, one of life’s greatest blessings.
13. romans 13:8
“owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another, because he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law”. (esv)
Meaning: This Bible verse on marriage is about the importance of fidelity.
14. isaiah 54:10
“‘For the mountains will move and the hills will move, but my mercy will not depart from you, and my covenant of peace will not be broken,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (esv)
Meaning: This marriage scripture conveys the importance, and intertwining, of love and faith.
15. psalm 143:8
“may the morning bring me news of your inexhaustible love, because I have put my trust in you”. (lvl)
Meaning: Falling in love may seem scary at first, but as any married couple will tell you, it’s worth the risk. Trusting another person wholeheartedly is an amazing thing, and this bible verse eloquently expresses that.
inspiring love scriptures
In the immortal words of the clergyman of the princess bride in his speech on marriage, “love, true love, will follow you forever.” The power of love is at the core of relationships and marriage, so it’s no surprise that the scriptures have a lot to say about the powerful concept. These bible verses about love are inspirational and would work well in your wedding vows. a short verse or excerpt would also fit perfectly as a love quote used in a wedding decoration or as wishes on a wedding card.
16. 1 corinthians 16:14
“may everything you do be done with love”. (esv)
17. psalm 85:10-11
“steadfast love and fidelity meet; justice and peace kiss. fidelity springs from the earth, and justice looks down from heaven.” (esv)
18. song of songs 8:6-7 (song of songs 8:6-7)
“put me like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm, because love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the lord. many waters love cannot quench it, nor floods can drown it. if a man offered for love all the goods of his house, he would be greatly despised “. (esv)
19. psalm 143:8
“Let me hear in the morning of your mercy, because I trust in you. Let me know the path I must follow, because my soul lifts up to you.” (esv)
20. 1 John 4:11-18
“dear friends, since god loved us so much, we should also love each other. no one has ever seen god, but if we love each other, god lives in us and his love becomes complete in us. this is how we know that we live in him and he in us: he has given us of his spirit. and we have seen and testify that the father has sent his son to be the savior of the world. if anyone acknowledges that jesus is the son of god, god lives in them and they in god. and thus we know and trust in the love that god has for us. god is love. he who lives in love lives in god, and god in them. thus the love between us is completed us so that we have confidence on the day of judgment: in this world we are like jesus. 18 there is no fear in love. but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. he who fears is not perfected in love. (lvl)
21. john 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (esv)
22. 1 corinthians 13:13
“and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. but the greatest of them is love”. (lvl)
23. song of songs 4:9 (song of songs 4:9)
“you have captivated my heart, my sister, my wife; you have captivated my heart with a look from your eyes, with a jewel from your necklace”. (esv)
24. proverbs 10:12
“hate causes conflict, but love covers all evil”. (lvl)
25. john 13:34
“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also love one another”. (esv)
good bible verses for a relationship
beyond what the bible says about marriage, god also has a lot to say about relationships. From friendships to dating to commitments, these Bible verses about relationships can be a source of encouragement for people, no matter what those partnerships look like.
26. Hebrews 10:24-25
“and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some are in the habit of doing, but exhorting one another, and much more as we see that day drawing near.” (esv)
27. Ruth 1:16-17
“but ruth said: ‘don’t urge me to leave you or come back from following you. because where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. your people will be my people, and your god my god where you die, I will die and I will be buried there, so do me Lord and even add me if something other than death separates me from you.'” (esv)
28. ephesians 4:32
“be kind and merciful to one another, forgiving one another, just as god in christ forgave you.” (lvl)
29. James 1:19-20
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“know this, my beloved brothers: that every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; because the wrath of man does not produce the justice of god”. (esv)
30. Philippians 4:4-9
“rejoice in the lord always. I repeat: rejoice! let your meekness be evident to all. the lord is near. do not worry about anything, but in every situation, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving Present your petitions to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
finally, brothers and sisters, all that is true, all that is noble, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is kind, all that is admirable, whether anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think of such things. all that you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. and the god of peace will be with you.” (nvi)
31. titus 1:8
“but hospitable, lover of good, without lack of self-control, upright, holy and disciplined”. (abbreviation, esv)
scriptures on commitment
Commitment is an important part of both marriage and love relationships. If you are stuck and need a little encouragement to move forward with the commitment you have made to your partner, these scriptures can be a source of help and inspiration for you. or if you are not in a relationship, but are looking for a meaningful quote to put on a wedding card for a newlywed, these passages would be appropriate.
32. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (esv)
33. proverbs 3:3-4
“may love and fidelity never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. then you will obtain favor and a good name in the sight of god and men”. (lvl)
34. 1 John 4:20
“If someone says: ‘I love God’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; because he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen”. (esv)
35. 2 timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (esv)
36. facts 2:42
“and devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers.” (esv)
37. galatians 6:8-9
“For he who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but he who sows to the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit. we give up.” (lvl)
38. Philippians 3:13-14
“brothers, I do not consider that I have made it mine. but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and striving to reach what is ahead, I continue towards the goal for the prize of the ascending call of god in christ jesus. ” (esv)
39. proverbs 16:3
“commit to the Lord all that you do, and he will establish your plans.” (lvl)
bible verses for your husband
Looking for a Bible passage to encourage your husband or fiancé? Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are replete with words specifically aimed at motivating and inspiring men to love and serve in their closest relationships. As with all Bible verses, it can be helpful to read the entire passages surrounding a Bible verse that piques your interest to ensure that it is not taken out of context and that the meaning is not incorrectly attributed to the words you are reading. Reading.
40. ephesians 5:25-33
“husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, having cleansed her with the washing of water with the word, to present her to himself in splendor, without spot neither wrinkle nor any such thing, so that she may be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own flesh . , but nurtures and cares for her, just as christ does the church, because we are members of his body. ‘therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two shall be one only meat.’ This mystery is profound, and I say that it refers to Christ and to the church, but let each one of you love her wife as himself, and let the woman see that she respects her husband.” (esv)
41. Colossians 3:19
“husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them”. (esv)
42. proverbs 18:22
“he who finds a wife finds good and obtains favor from the Lord”. (esv)
43. deuteronomy 6:4-7
“listen, oh israel: the lord our god, the lord is one. love the lord your god with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. these commandments that i give you today must be in your hearts “imprint them on your children. speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you rise.” (lvl)
44. malachi 2:14-15b
“but you say, ‘why doesn’t he?’ for the lord was a witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been unfaithful, although she is your companion and your wife by covenant. your youth”. (esv)
45. titus 2:6-7
“Likewise, urge young people to have self-control. Show yourself in everything as a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity…” (esv)
bible verses for your wife
While general wedding and marriage scriptures often offer encouraging sentiments, you may be looking for a verse that speaks more specifically to your wife or fiancée. Despite the changes the world has seen since the Bible was written some 2,000 years ago, there are many heartfelt verses that still resonate today.
If you’re in the midst of crafting your wedding program but are having difficulty selecting passages that speak to the modern nature of your association, rev. Birchfield advises working closely with your officiant. for couples who want to honor their faith, while avoiding “wives submit to your own husbands” and related verbiage, rev. Birchfield suggests “that these couples hire an experienced minister who may have ‘chaplain’ experience where they have worked in plural settings such as the military, hospitals, and other corporate settings rather than exclusively in a church. Chaplaincy seeks to encourage and initiate use of the beliefs and attitudes of each individual at the ceremony. A chaplain serves as a counselor and guide to the psycho-spiritual needs between the couple and their guests for the ultimate ceremonial experience while remaining true to their own convictions.”
46. proverbs 31:10-12
“a wife of noble character, who will find her? she is worth much more than rubies. her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. she brings him good, not evil, every day of his life”. (esv)
47. proverbs 3:13-18
“Blessed is he who finds wisdom, and he who obtains understanding, for her gain is better than the gain of silver, and her gain better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing that may be compared with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; hold fast to her, they are called blessed”. (nvi)
48. proverbs 12:4a
“the noble woman is her husband’s crown…” (esv)
49. 1 peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, honoring women… since they are co-heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers are not hindered”. (abbreviation, esv)