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What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

God's design for marriage, roles, love, and building a Christ-centered union

Quick Answer

The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, designed by God in Genesis 2:24: "A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Ephesians 5 describes marriage as reflecting Christ's love for the church, with mutual submission, sacrificial love, and respect as foundations.

Updated November 28, 2025
6+ Bible verses
Table of Contents

God's Original Design for Marriage

Understanding marriage as God created it from the beginning.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Genesis 2:24 (ESV)

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."

Mark 10:9 (ESV)

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord."

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

Love, Roles, and Responsibilities in Marriage

Biblical guidance on how husbands and wives should love and serve each other.

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Ephesians 5:25 (ESV)

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church."

Ephesians 5:22-23 (ESV)

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

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