Looking for wedding ceremony readings, scriptures on love or guidance for your marriage? Here are beautiful Bible verses about marriage and love.
There are a lot of Bible verses about marriage, love, relationships and commitment. However, with 66 books and more than 30,000 verses across the Old Testament and New Testament to flip through, it can be hard to find the perfect passage for the occasion. Whether you're looking for Bible verses about marriage to include in your Christian wedding ceremony, love scriptures to write in an engagement card, or God's teachings about marriage and commitment providing encouragement, these quotes are a source of comfort and meaning to many.
To help you in that very endeavor, we've gathered some of our favorite and the most popular Bible verses about marriage and love from the New International Version (NIV) and English Standard Version (ESV) translations. We also have expert tips from Rev. Roxanne Birchfield of Married by Rev. Roxy, known both for her service as a Chaplain in the United States Army Reserves and as 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're experiencing, especially when you're in the throes of planning a wedding ceremony.
Bible verses in this article:
Bible Verses About Marriage & What They Mean
If you're wondering what the Bible says about marriage, the verses we've gathered below may be a helpful starting point for understanding God's promises for marriage. Whether you're looking for marriage Bible verses for your wedding vows or simply want meaningful marriage scriptures for your officiant to share during their wedding sermon, finding a special passage is a great way to ensure your vow exchange is beautiful and memorable. There is also the infamous musical rendition of 1 Corinthians 13:2-7 "Love is patient, love is kind" — "Love" recorded by Joni Mitchell — that could be suitable for a musical interlude.
Rev. Birchfield advises that "couples should consider some of the lessons or tools they've learned in premarital counseling and find marriage scriptures that speak to that. Passages chosen should also be scriptures that are hopeful in nature and that will guide them as they head into the adventure and unknown of their marriage."
To remember these verses long after your big day has passed, you could consider having them memorialized 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
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." (NIV)
Meaning: This Bible verse is among the most famous love quotes ever since it describes the beautiful characteristics of love and marriage. It emphasizes that no matter how gifted you are if you don't have love you are nothing.
2. Colossians 3:14-17
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from 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." (NIV)
Meaning: It's important to love God as much as you love your spouse and your neighbor. This particular Bible verse emphasizes how love combines every virtue together to form a perfect unity.
3. Genesis 2:18-24
"Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, 'This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a young man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (ESV)
Meaning: A marital bond is so intimate that "two become one". The union of two human beings yearning for community and finding it in one another is the great climax of this creation story.
4. Matthew 19:4-6
"'Haven't you read,' he replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united 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.'" (NIV)
Meaning: As two become one from God, you will be unified emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
5. Song of Solomon 3:4
"I have found the one whom my soul loves." (ESV)
Meaning: You will have unity with your spouse.
6. Genesis 1:27-28
"So 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 have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" (ESV)
Meaning: The marriage community is a sacred reflection of the family of God. God's relationship with Jesus is the blueprint of the ideal husband and wife relationship and the wish for that faith to be spread widely across the globe.
7. Ecclesiastes 4:9
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." (NIV)
Meaning: Having someone to lean on through good and bad times is a sacred gift.
8. Ecclesiastes 4:12
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV)
Meaning: A cord of three strands refers to both the Holy Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—as well as, marriage: two spouses in unity with God.
9. Mark 10:9
"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (NIV)
Meaning: As marriage under God decrees that you are one, let no mere mortal separate your sacred union.
10. Isaiah 62:5
"For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." (ESV)
Meaning: This verse highlights the intensity of God's grace, compassion, patience, mercy and love.
11. Ephesians 4:2-3
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (NIV)
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 each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Meaning: This famous Bible verse about marriage emphasizes the true power of love, one of life's greatest blessings.
13. Romans 13:8
"Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." (ESV)
Meaning: This marriage Bible verse is about the importance of faithfulness.
14. Isaiah 54:10
"'For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (ESV)
Meaning: This marriage scripture conveys the importance—and intertwinement—of love and faith.
15. Psalm 143:8
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you." (NIV)
Meaning: Falling in love may seem scary at first, but as any married couple will tell you, it's well worth the risk. Trusting another person wholeheartedly is an incredible thing, and this Bible verse eloquently expresses just that.
Inspirational Love Scriptures
In the immortal words of the clergyman from The Princess Bride in his speech about marriage, "love, true love, will follow you forever." The power of love is at the center of relationships and marriage, so it's no surprise that Scripture has a lot to say about the powerful concept. These Bible verses about love are inspiring and would work well in your wedding vows. A short verse or an excerpt would also fit seamlessly as a love quote used in wedding decor or as well wishes in a wedding card.
16. 1 Corinthians 16:14
"Let all that you do be done in love." (ESV)
17. Psalm 85:10-11
"Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky." (ESV)
18. Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (Song of Songs 8:6-7)
"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for 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 cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised." (ESV)
19. Psalm 143:8
"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you lift up my soul." (ESV)
20. 1 John 4:11-18
"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made 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 so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (NIV)
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 these is love." (NIV)
23. Song of Solomon 4:9 (Song of Songs 4:9)
"You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace." (ESV)
24. Proverbs 10:12
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." (NIV)
25. John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (ESV)
Good Bible Verses for a Relationship
Beyond what the Bible says about marriage, God has a lot to say about relationships as well. From friendships to dating and engagement, 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 stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (ESV)
27. Ruth 1:16-17
"But Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.'" (ESV)
28. Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (NIV)
29. James 1:19-20
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (ESV)
30. Philippians 4:4-9
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever 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." (NIV)
31. Titus 1:8
"but hospitable, a lover of good, without a lack of self-control, upright, holy, and disciplined." (Abbreviation, ESV)
Scriptures on Commitment
Commitment is a big part of both marriage and dating relationships. If you're in a rut and need a bit of encouragement to press on in the commitment you've made to your S.O., these Bible scriptures may be a source of help and inspiration to you. Or if you're not in a relationship, but are looking for a meaningful quote to put in a wedding card to a nearly-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
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." (NIV)
34. 1 John 4:20
"If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for 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. Acts 2:42
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (ESV)
37. Galatians 6:8-9
"For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)
38. Philippians 3:13-14
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (ESV)
39. Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (NIV)
Bible Verses for Your Husband
Looking for a Bible passage to encourage your husband or fiancé? Both the Old Testament and New Testament are packed with words specifically geared toward motivating and inspiring men to love and serve in their most closely held relationships. As with all Bible verses, it can be helpful to read entire passages surrounding a Bible verse that piques your interest to ensure it isn't taken out of context and meaning isn't being wrongly ascribed to the words you're reading.
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40. Ephesians 5:25-33
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife 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 a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." (ESV)
43. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
"Hear, O 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 are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (NIV)
44. Malachi 2:14-15b
"But you say, 'Why does he not?' Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth." (ESV)
45. Titus 2:6-7
"Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be 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 about 2,000 years ago, there are many verses with sentiments that still feel resonant today.
If you're in the midst of crafting your wedding program but having a hard time selecting passages that speak to the modern nature of your partnership, Rev. Birchfield advises working in tandem 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 a background in 'chaplaincy' where they have worked in pluralistic places such as the military, hospitals and other corporate environments as opposed to exclusively a church. Chaplaincy seeks to motivate and initiate meaningful use of each individual's beliefs and attitudes into 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 still being sincere to their own convictions."
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46. Proverbs 31:10-12
"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." (ESV)
47. Proverbs 3:13-18
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed." (NIV)
48. Proverbs 12:4a
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown…" (ESV)
49. 1 Peter 3:7
"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman… since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." (Abbreviation, ESV)