Every marriage faces hard seasons. Whether it’s emotional distance, conflict, communication breakdown, betrayal, or loss of trust, trouble in marriage can feel isolating and overwhelming. But you are not alone—and you are not without hope.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of marriage struggles. It offers timeless wisdom, encouragement, and reminders of God’s love and faithfulness. Scripture can help heal wounded hearts, restore relationships, and guide couples back toward unity and understanding.
If you’re looking for direction or reassurance, these Bible verses about trouble in marriage will speak to your heart. Each verse is followed by a short explanation to help you reflect on how it applies to your situation.
1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
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.
Explanation:
Marriage is meant for mutual support. Even in struggles, helping each other brings strength and renewal.
2. Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Explanation:
Love requires humility and patience—especially during conflict. These qualities build lasting peace.
3. Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Explanation:
Forgiveness is vital in marriage. Holding onto hurt only causes deeper division, but grace brings healing.
4. Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Explanation:
Gentleness defuses tension. Responding calmly can shift the tone of any argument.
5. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Explanation:
Love doesn’t ignore problems but helps us extend grace and move toward healing together.
6. Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Explanation:
Marriage is sacred. Even in trouble, this verse reminds us of God’s design for unity.
7. James 1:19
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Explanation:
Listening well can prevent many misunderstandings. Slowing down your responses fosters peace.
8. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Explanation:
This passage defines the kind of love marriages are meant to reflect—consistent, forgiving, and kind.
9. Ephesians 5:33
Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Explanation:
Love and respect are the core needs of both spouses. Honoring each other can repair broken trust.
10. Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make your paths straight.
Explanation:
When you don’t have the answers, trust God. He can direct your marriage back to a place of peace.
11. Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Explanation:
Marriage trouble tests your endurance. Keep praying and holding onto hope—God is faithful.
12. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Explanation:
Marriage means walking through challenges together. Sharing the load can lighten the emotional weight.
13. Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Explanation:
God is near when your heart is hurting. You’re never facing marriage struggles alone.
14. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.
Explanation:
Honoring marriage involves commitment and purity—both emotionally and physically.
15. Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive other people… your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Explanation:
Forgiveness isn’t optional in love. It’s a step toward healing both hearts and relationships.
16. Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Explanation:
God is in the business of healing. No pain in your marriage is too deep for Him to touch.
17. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
A wife must not separate from her husband… and a husband must not divorce his wife.
Explanation:
This encourages reconciliation over separation, when possible, reflecting God’s heart for restoration.
18. Proverbs 31:11
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Explanation:
Trust and mutual respect are key to a strong marriage. Trouble can often be traced to a breakdown in one or both.
19. Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.
Explanation:
God offers strength for the battles in your relationship. Lean into His presence and promise.
20. Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation… present your requests to God.
Explanation:
God welcomes your worries. Bring your marriage concerns to Him in prayer for peace and clarity.
21. Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Explanation:
Not every wrong needs to be fought. Sometimes grace means choosing to let go.
22. Romans 15:5
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other.
Explanation:
God can align your hearts again. He brings encouragement when you feel like giving up.
23. Psalm 85:10
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Explanation:
A godly marriage blends love, loyalty, and peace. These must be pursued even during trials.
24. Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
Explanation:
Trouble is not a sign that God has left you. He walks with you through every storm in your marriage.
25. 2 Timothy 2:24
The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone.
Explanation:
Avoiding unnecessary arguments can protect your relationship. Choose kindness over pride.
26. Malachi 2:16
The man who hates and divorces his wife… does violence to the one he should protect.
Explanation:
Marriage is meant to be a place of safety, not harm. God values commitment and gentleness.
27. Proverbs 11:29
Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind.
Explanation:
Selfishness and anger can destroy a home. Wisdom leads to peace and stability.
28. 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
Explanation:
Love that’s rooted in God can push out fear and insecurity in marriage.
29. Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Explanation:
Do your part to bring peace in your relationship. Even small acts of humility can make a difference.
30. Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Explanation:
When you work for peace in your marriage, you’re reflecting God’s heart and bringing blessing.
31. Proverbs 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Explanation:
Ongoing conflict wears down a home. Pursue peace and healthy communication daily.
32. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Explanation:
This kind of love doesn’t quit easily. It fights for the relationship with faith and hope.
33. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…
Explanation:
Let God shape your character. These traits bring healing and strength to a hurting marriage.
34. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.
Explanation:
Positive words can bring life to a troubled marriage. Speak encouragement, even when it’s hard.
35. Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you… He will take great delight in you.
Explanation:
You are deeply loved by God. His delight in you gives you hope and strength to love your spouse well, even in tough times.
Hope for Marriages Facing Trouble
These 35 Bible verses about trouble in marriage remind us that struggles are real, but so is God’s power to heal, restore, and strengthen. No matter what season you’re in, God sees your heart and invites you to trust Him with your relationship.
Healing takes time, humility, and commitment—but with God, reconciliation and renewed love are always possible.
Which verse spoke to your heart today? Share your thoughts, personal experiences, or favorite Scriptures about marriage in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.