From the very beginning, the Bible presents marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman. It’s a covenant relationship designed not just for companionship, but also to reflect God’s love, unity, and purpose.
While the world’s views may shift, the Bible clearly lays out God’s original and enduring plan for marriage.
In this post, we’ll look at key Bible verses that affirm the one man and one woman design, revealing God’s heart for marriage, commitment, and love.
Key Takeaways Before We Begin
- God created marriage to be between one man and one woman.
- This relationship reflects love, unity, and mutual support.
- Biblical marriage is a lifelong covenant, not just a contract.
- These verses show how God’s design brings blessing and purpose.
15 Bible Verses About One Man and One Woman in Marriage
1. Genesis 2:24
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Explanation:
This foundational verse reveals God’s original design for marriage. One man and one woman becoming “one flesh” is the model set at creation.
2. Matthew 19:4-6
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Explanation:
Jesus reaffirms the Genesis account, confirming that marriage is a divine union between male and female, joined by God Himself.
3. Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Explanation:
Paul echoes the Genesis design here, emphasizing unity, intimacy, and the exclusive bond between a husband and wife.
4. Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
Explanation:
This verse highlights the blessing that comes from marriage between a man and a woman. It shows that marriage is something God smiles upon.
5. 1 Corinthians 7:2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
Explanation:
Paul encourages faithfulness and purity through the structure of biblical marriage—one man, one woman, committed to one another.
6. Malachi 2:14-15
Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously…
And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed.
Explanation:
God speaks against breaking marriage vows and confirms that He made man and woman one to raise children in godliness.
7. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…
Explanation:
Though not only about marriage, this passage reflects the beauty of a partnership—mutual support and strength, which is central to God’s design.
8. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Explanation:
Marriage, according to God’s design, is to be honored and protected. This verse affirms the sacredness of a monogamous relationship.
9. Mark 10:6-9
But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Explanation:
Jesus again quotes Genesis, showing that God’s intent for marriage has not changed—it’s still one man, one woman, joined by Him.
10. Song of Solomon 6:3
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine…
Explanation:
This verse expresses the love and mutual belonging between a man and a woman in covenant. Marriage is marked by exclusivity and affection.
11. Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Explanation:
Paul gives practical guidance for marriage roles—each partner loving and respecting the other within a one-man, one-woman covenant.
12. Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Explanation:
The foundation of human relationship starts here. Male and female were both created with purpose and designed to complement one another.
13. 1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel…
Explanation:
Husbands are called to honor their wives and treat them with care. This verse emphasizes respect and understanding in the marriage relationship.
14. Deuteronomy 24:5
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.
Explanation:
This Old Testament law shows the value God places on nurturing the marital bond, especially early in marriage.
15. Matthew 19:8
He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
Explanation:
Jesus points back to the beginning—showing that God’s true design for marriage was never about separation, but unity.
Final Thoughts: One Man, One Woman — God’s Good Design
These Bible verses about one man and one woman reveal God’s intentional and loving design for marriage. It’s a relationship that reflects unity, commitment, and covenant love. No matter what culture says, the Word of God stands firm: marriage was created by God, for one man and one woman to walk together in love, faithfulness, and purpose.
What Does Marriage Mean to You?
Have any of these verses shaped your view of marriage or relationships? Do you have a favorite verse about love or covenant?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s honor and uphold God’s beautiful design together.