Marriage is a sacred institution designed by God, where one man and one woman come together in a lifelong covenant. In today’s world, the meaning of marriage can often be misinterpreted, but the Bible remains the ultimate source of truth about relationships and the sanctity of marriage.
Through the Scriptures, we are reminded that God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman, forming a bond that mirrors His love for the church.
In this blog post, we will explore 35 Bible verses that reflect God’s design for marriage, highlighting His plan for one man and one woman to come together in unity, love, and commitment.
Bible Verses About One Man and One Woman
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: In this foundational verse, God establishes the institution of marriage. A man is to leave his family and unite with his wife, symbolizing the beginning of a new family unit. The phrase “one flesh” reflects the deep unity and intimacy intended in marriage.
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 reiterates the original plan for marriage, confirming that it is between a man and a woman. The unity created in marriage is so sacred that nothing should separate it, reinforcing the unbreakable bond designed by God.
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: This verse, echoed from Genesis, emphasizes the unity in marriage. The man and woman are not just living together, but are spiritually and emotionally joined as one. This union is reflective of Christ’s relationship with the church.
4. 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 addresses the importance of marital fidelity. He encourages men and women to be committed to one another, highlighting the beauty and necessity of the one-man, one-woman relationship in the context of marriage.
5. Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Explanation: This verse upholds the sanctity of marriage. It calls for purity in relationships, affirming that the bond between a man and a woman in marriage is honorable in God’s eyes.
6. Malachi 2:14-16
“Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.”
Explanation: God rebukes Israel for breaking the sacred covenant of marriage. He reminds them that marriage is a covenant, designed to bring about godly offspring. Faithfulness in marriage reflects God’s desire for commitment and purity in relationships.
7. Proverbs 18:22
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”
Explanation: This verse celebrates the blessing of finding a wife, underscoring the value and goodness that a godly wife brings into a man’s life. Marriage, according to God’s design, is a divine favor and a blessing.
8. Proverbs 31:10
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
Explanation: The Proverbs 31 woman is praised for her wisdom, strength, and godliness. This verse highlights the importance of a virtuous woman in a marriage, reflecting the ideal relationship between a man and a woman in God’s eyes.
9. 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: This verse lays the foundation for the creation of mankind. God created both male and female in His image, establishing the unique roles and purposes for both men and women. The creation of one man and one woman reflects God’s perfect plan for marriage.
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.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands treating their wives with honor and understanding. It underscores the mutual respect and equality in marriage, where both husband and wife are heirs of God’s grace.
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: This passage speaks to the roles of both husbands and wives in marriage. It calls wives to submit to their husbands in love, and husbands to love their wives sacrificially, reflecting Christ’s love for the church.
12. Matthew 5:31-32
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Explanation: Jesus teaches about the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that divorce should only occur in extreme cases, highlighting the sacredness of the one-man, one-woman covenant.
13. Romans 7:2-3
“For the woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.”
Explanation: Paul explains the binding nature of the marital covenant. It highlights the permanence of marriage and its dissolution only by the death of one spouse.
14. Genesis 2:18
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
Explanation: God recognizes that man should not be alone, and thus, He creates woman to be his helper and companion. This verse affirms the complementary nature of marriage between one man and one woman.
15. Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Explanation: Husbands are called to love their wives with sacrificial love, as Christ loved the church. This sets a high standard for the relationship between a man and a woman, reflecting the deep, selfless love intended in marriage.
Conclusion
The Bible offers clear guidance on marriage, emphasizing the union of one man and one woman as the foundation of the family. These 15 verses reflect God’s plan for a loving, committed, and sacrificial relationship between husband and wife.
As we reflect on these Scriptures, may we embrace God’s design for marriage and trust in His perfect will.
Call to Action: What is your favorite Bible verse about marriage and relationships? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below, and let’s continue to explore God’s beautiful plan for one man and one woman united in love.