Bible verses about marriage
For marriage, start with Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:33 and Proverbs 18:22. They cover how a couple is joined, how each partner is asked to treat the other, and why finding a spouse is called good. All eleven verses are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
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.
In the World English Bible
Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.
The first line the Bible gives on marriage, from the opening chapters. Leaving home, joining together, becoming one household.
2.Ephesians 5:25-28
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
In the World English Bible
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without defect. Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.
Paul's picture of a husband's love is sacrificial, modeled on how Christ loved the church. It sets the bar high instead of handing out power.
3.Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
In the World English Bible
Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
One line summing up the passage before it: husbands love, wives respect. Short enough for a fridge magnet.
4.Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
In the World English Bible
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.
A proverb about the good fortune of finding a spouse. Plenty of people put it on wedding cards.
5.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
In the World English Bible
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone? If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Two do better than one, and a cord of three strands is hard to snap. A practical case for sharing life with someone.
6.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.
In the World English Bible
But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Asked about divorce, Jesus points back to Genesis and the original design for marriage. Heavy, so read it with care.
7.Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
In the World English Bible
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled; but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
Short instruction to hold marriage in honor and stay faithful. Written to a church, not as a rule for strangers.
8.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.
In the World English Bible
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.
Brief household guidance from Paul. Each side gets a duty, and the husband's includes not being harsh. Read it with its time in mind.
9.Proverbs 5:18-19
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
In the World English Bible
Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
Wisdom writing with some warmth in it: enjoy the spouse you have, and keep your affection at home.
10.1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
In the World English Bible
You husbands, in the same way, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as also being joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
Peter asks husbands to live with understanding and respect, and he ties it to prayer. Practical and short.
11.Proverbs 19:14
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
In the World English Bible
House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Houses and money get inherited. This proverb says a sensible spouse is a different kind of gift.
7-day plan
For your marriage
Seven short readings for couples who want to love each other well. They cover patience, gentle words, forgiveness, serving, friendship and praying together.
See the planFree
Get one verse every morning
Today's verse, a short reflection and a prayer. Free, no account.
Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about marriage?
Genesis 2:24 is a good place to start. The first line the Bible gives on marriage, from the opening chapters. Leaving home, joining together, becoming one household.
What does the Bible say about a husband and wife?
Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:6-9 describe marriage as two people joined into one household. Ephesians 5:25-28 and 5:33 ask for love and respect from each side. Colossians 3:18-19 and 1 Peter 3:7 add short instructions in the same spirit. Reading them alongside their original setting helps.
Which verses work for a wedding card or vows?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 is a popular reading because of the cord of three strands. Proverbs 18:22 and Genesis 2:24 are short enough to print on a card. Proverbs 5:18-19 is warmer and fits vows.
Related topics
Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.