The concept of marriage is central to many faiths, but in Christianity, it is particularly significant as it reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church. The New Testament offers insight into God’s design for marriage, emphasizing that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman.
This relationship is grounded in love, respect, and mutual commitment. The Bible speaks about marriage in many passages, offering wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for couples.
In this post, we will explore 15 Bible verses from the New Testament about marriage between a man and a woman, showing the importance of this relationship in God’s plan.
1. Matthew 19:4-6
“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.'”
Explanation: In these verses, Jesus refers back to the creation account in Genesis to affirm that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. He emphasizes the sanctity of this union, asserting that no one should separate what God has joined together. This shows how the New Testament reaffirms the biblical concept of marriage as between a man and a woman.
2. Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Explanation: Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 in Ephesians to explain the relationship between husbands and wives. He highlights the unity that marriage creates, symbolizing the deep bond that is established when a man and woman come together in marriage. This verse echoes the New Testament view that marriage is a sacred, God-ordained relationship.
3. Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
Explanation: Paul provides practical guidance on how husbands and wives should treat each other. While wives are instructed to respect their husbands, husbands are commanded to love their wives with gentleness and kindness. This balance of love and respect reflects the biblical view of marriage between a man and a woman.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
Explanation: Paul addresses the importance of marriage as a protection against sexual immorality. This verse reinforces the idea that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, and that sexual relationships should take place within this context. Marriage provides a healthy framework for intimacy, designed by God.
5. Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the sacredness of marriage. It calls for respect and purity in the marital relationship, affirming that marriage, between a man and a woman, is a holy institution that should be treated with honor. Sexual immorality and adultery are condemned in this context.
6. 1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Explanation: This verse encourages husbands to treat their wives with respect and understanding. It recognizes the partnership between a husband and wife, both of whom are heirs of God’s grace. The passage highlights the mutual respect and love that should exist in the marriage relationship.
7. Matthew 19:9
“And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
Explanation: Jesus speaks about the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce. He affirms that marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Divorce is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality, reflecting the permanence of the marital bond.
8. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.”
Explanation: Paul reiterates Jesus’ teaching on the permanence of marriage. He instructs married couples to stay together, emphasizing that separation and divorce should only be considered in extreme circumstances. This reinforces the New Testament’s view of marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.
9. Ephesians 5:22-23
“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, his body, and is himself its Savior.”
Explanation: In this passage, Paul explains the roles of husbands and wives in marriage. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as an act of respect, while husbands are called to love and care for their wives as Christ does for the Church. This illustrates the biblical model of marriage, where mutual respect and love create a harmonious relationship.
10. 1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
Explanation: This verse highlights the spiritual structure within marriage. Christ is the head of the man, and the man is the head of the wife. This relationship mirrors the divine order and emphasizes the responsibilities that both husbands and wives have within marriage. It underscores that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God with distinct roles for each partner.
11. Romans 7:2
“For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.”
Explanation: Paul explains the law surrounding marriage and divorce in this passage. A married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive. This reinforces the permanence of the marriage bond between a man and a woman, where divorce is only permitted upon the death of one spouse.
12. 1 Timothy 3:2
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
Explanation: Paul speaks about the qualifications for church leaders, emphasizing that they should be “the husband of one wife.” This phrase upholds the ideal of monogamous marriage between one man and one woman, reflecting God’s intention for faithful, committed relationships.
13. Titus 2:4-5
“And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”
Explanation: Paul instructs older women to teach younger women to love and honor their husbands. This passage highlights the importance of nurturing marital relationships with love, respect, and mutual support. It reinforces the New Testament view of marriage as a sacred partnership between a man and a woman.
14. 1 Corinthians 7:39
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
Explanation: Paul explains that marriage is a lifelong commitment. If a spouse dies, the surviving partner is free to remarry, but they should do so in the Lord, meaning they should marry someone who shares their faith. This verse underscores the permanence of the marriage bond between a man and a woman.
15. Mark 10:6-9
“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Explanation: Jesus affirms the creation story in Genesis, declaring that marriage is between a man and a woman. He emphasizes the unity of marriage, where two individuals become one flesh, and warns against separating what God has joined together.
Conclusion
The New Testament offers clear teachings on the biblical definition of marriage—one man and one woman united in a lifelong covenant. These 15 Bible verses show the spiritual significance of marriage, emphasizing the mutual love, respect, and commitment required in this sacred relationship.
Marriage, according to the New Testament, is not only a union of two people but also a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church.
As you reflect on these verses, consider how they shape your understanding of marriage. How can you apply these principles to strengthen your relationships and live out God’s design for marriage?
Share your thoughts and favorite verses in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!