What Does the Bible Say About Husband and Wife?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Marriage is one of the most important relationships in life.

It is a bond created by God, meant to be filled with love, respect, and commitment.

But what does the Bible say about the roles of a husband and wife?

Does Scripture provide guidance on how they should treat each other?

The Bible offers clear teachings on marriage, showing that it is not just a human institution but a divine covenant.

A strong marriage is built on love, sacrifice, and faith, with both husband and wife working together as one.

Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about this sacred relationship.

Marriage Was Designed by God

Marriage was not an idea created by humans—it was designed by God from the very beginning.

Genesis 2:24 states, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

This verse shows that marriage is more than just a partnership.

It is a deep and sacred union where two people become one.

God created marriage to be a lifelong commitment, a relationship where husband and wife support, love, and grow together.

The Role of the Husband

The Bible gives clear instructions about the role of a husband.

Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

This is a high calling.

A husband is not just to love his wife in words but through action, sacrifice, and devotion.

Jesus gave everything for His church—even His life.

A husband is called to love his wife with that same level of commitment.

Colossians 3:19 also reminds husbands, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

This means a husband should treat his wife with gentleness and respect, avoiding anger, harsh words, or cruelty.

A husband is also called to be a leader in his home—not in a controlling way, but as someone who leads with wisdom and humility.

1 Corinthians 11:3 says, “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

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This does not mean that a husband is superior to his wife.

It means he has the responsibility to lead in a way that honors God, making decisions that benefit the whole family.

The Role of the Wife

The Bible also speaks about the role of a wife in marriage.

Ephesians 5:22-24 states, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”

The word “submit” can be misunderstood.

It does not mean a wife is less important or has no voice in marriage.

Instead, it means that she respects and supports her husband’s leadership, working together as a team.

Submission in marriage is not about control—it is about unity.

It is about a wife trusting her husband as he follows God’s guidance.

Proverbs 31:10-12 also describes a godly wife:

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

A godly wife is strong, wise, and valuable.

She builds up her husband and contributes to the success of the marriage.

Love and Respect in Marriage

One of the key principles in a strong marriage is love and respect.

Ephesians 5:33 sums it up perfectly:

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”

Husbands are called to love their wives deeply, and wives are called to respect their husbands.

When both husband and wife follow this principle, marriage becomes a place of joy and harmony.

Love is more than just emotions—it is action.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes what true love looks like:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

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A marriage built on this kind of love will stand strong through every trial.

The Importance of Faith in Marriage

A healthy marriage is not just based on love and respect—it is built on faith.

When both husband and wife put God at the center, their marriage becomes stronger.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

The third strand in marriage is God.

When a husband and wife seek Him together, their relationship is strengthened against the challenges of life.

Praying together, reading Scripture, and encouraging one another in faith can transform a marriage.

Dealing with Conflict in Marriage

No marriage is perfect.

Every couple will face disagreements and struggles.

But the Bible gives guidance on handling conflict in a godly way.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

This means couples should not hold onto anger.

They should work through their problems with patience and grace.

James 1:19-20 also offers wisdom:

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Listening is one of the most powerful ways to resolve conflict.

When both husband and wife choose to listen instead of react, they can find solutions together.

The Power of Forgiveness in Marriage

Forgiveness is essential in any relationship, but especially in marriage.

Colossians 3:13 instructs, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

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No one is perfect.

Both husband and wife will make mistakes.

But holding onto bitterness can destroy a marriage.

Jesus taught about the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22 when Peter asked Him how many times we should forgive.

Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for love to grow.

Husbands and Wives Serving Each Other

A successful marriage is built on service.

Galatians 5:13 says, “Serve one another humbly in love.”

When both husband and wife focus on meeting each other’s needs, their love deepens.

Jesus set the greatest example of service when He washed His disciples’ feet.

John 13:14-15 says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Marriage works best when both partners serve with humility and love.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God.

Husbands are called to love and lead with humility.

Wives are called to respect and support with grace.

Together, they build a relationship based on love, faith, and service.

Marriage is not always easy, but when God is at the center, it becomes a source of great joy and strength.

Through love, respect, faith, and forgiveness, a husband and wife can build a lasting, God-honoring marriage.

If you are married, may these biblical truths encourage you to grow closer to your spouse and to God.

And if you are preparing for marriage, may these words guide you to build a strong foundation for a lifelong commitment.