Respect is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, and the Bible specifically encourages wives to respect their husbands. This respect is not about blind obedience but about honoring and supporting each other as partners in a godly marriage.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Purity Before Marriage
What Does The Bible Say About Respecting Your Husband
Ephesians 5:22
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.
This verse emphasizes the importance of wives showing respect and submission to their husbands, just as they would to the Lord. It highlights the biblical principle of marital hierarchy, where husbands are the head of the household and wives are called to honor and support their leadership.
Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
This verse reminds husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church. It also reiterates the call for wives to respect their husbands. Mutual respect and love form the foundation of a healthy marriage, with each partner honoring and supporting one another in their respective roles.
Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Similar to Ephesians 5:22, this verse encourages wives to submit to their husbands in a manner consistent with the Lord’s will. It highlights the God-ordained order in marriage, where the husband holds the role of spiritual headship.
1 Peter 3:1
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.
This verse emphasizes the significance of a wife’s behavior in influencing her unbelieving husband. By demonstrating respect and submission, wives can potentially lead their husbands to Christ through the power of their actions, even without words.
1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Here, husbands are urged to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. They are reminded to remember their wives’ equality as fellow heirs of God’s grace and to be mindful of their responsibility to maintain a harmonious marriage for the sake of their prayers and spiritual well-being.
1 Corinthians 11:3
But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
This verse outlines the divine order of authority within the family. It affirms that God has established a hierarchical structure where Christ is the head of men, men are the heads of women, and God is the head of Christ. Understanding and honoring this God-ordained structure is vital in respecting the role of husbands.
Proverbs 31:11-12
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
This passage describes the virtuous wife who is a blessing to her husband. By gaining her husband’s confidence and consistently bringing him good, she demonstrates her respect and love for him. The wife’s actions, characterized by kindness and integrity, contribute to a healthy and respectful marital relationship.
1 Timothy 2:12-13
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
This verse communicates the Apostle Paul’s instruction regarding gender roles in the church. It underlines the importance of women respecting the leadership role assigned to men. The reference to the order of creation, with Adam being formed before Eve, reinforces the divine design for male authority.
Titus 2:4-5
Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
These verses depict the older women’s role in mentoring and guiding younger women within the church. They are encouraged to teach and model qualities such as love, self-control, purity, and submission to their husbands. By doing so, younger women can effectively reflect God’s Word and disallow any criticism or reproach.
1 Peter 3:5-6
For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
This passage references the godly women of the past, such as Sarah, who exemplified respect and submission to their husbands. Their actions displayed their trust in God’s plan and their commitment to honor their husbands’ leadership. By emulating their faith and obedience, wives today can be counted as true daughters of Sarah.
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Husbands are instructed to love their wives and avoid treating them with harshness or cruelty. This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands showing tenderness, understanding, and affection towards their wives, fostering an atmosphere of respect and love within the marriage.
Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
This proverb highlights the tremendous impact a wife can have on her husband’s honor and reputation. A wife of noble character, marked by her respect and devotion, brings honor and blessing to her husband. However, a wife who behaves disgracefully can bring shame and pain, creating a decaying effect on her husband’s well-being.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.
These verses emphasize the mutual responsibility of spouses to meet each other’s needs within the marriage. Both husbands and wives are encouraged to prioritize their partner’s satisfaction and to willingly yield themselves to one another, creating an environment of mutual respect and care.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
This verse applies to all believers and encompasses the qualities needed for healthy relationships, including marriage. It calls for mutual understanding, love, compassion, and humility. These traits are essential for husbands and wives to cultivate respect and harmony in their marital bond.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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.
While not directly about respecting husbands, these verses outline the qualities of selfless love that should characterize all relationships, including marriage. By embodying these attributes, husbands and wives can foster an atmosphere of respect, trust, and mutual honor within their marriage.
1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love.
This simple yet powerful statement reminds believers, including husbands and wives, to approach every aspect of life and relationships with love. By applying love as the guiding principle in their actions, husbands and wives can cultivate a relationship marked by respect, understanding, and harmonious partnership.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
This verse emphasizes the attitude believers, including spouses, should have towards one another. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are essential in fostering an environment of respect and harmony within marriage. By imitating God’s forgiveness, husbands and wives can maintain a loving and respectful relationship.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Known as the “Golden Rule,” this verse highlights the universal principle of treating others with respect and kindness. Applied to marriage, husbands and wives are called to honor and respect one another as they would desire for themselves. This principle serves to foster mutual respect and consideration within the marital relationship.
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of honoring it. By maintaining purity within the marriage and remaining faithful to one another, husbands and wives demonstrate their respect for the sacred covenant they have entered into before God.
Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
This verse, highlighting the institution of marriage, explains the sacred bond formed between a husband and wife. The unity of marriage calls for mutual respect, support, and the honoring of this unique and intimate relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.
This proverb emphasizes the influence a wife has in creating a nurturing and respectful home. By acting wisely and honoring her husband, a wife contributes to the construction and maintenance of a harmonious household, while disrespect and foolishness can lead to its destruction.
Proverbs 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
This verse warns against the detrimental effects of constant strife and discord within a marriage. It underscores the significance of maintaining a spirit of respect, peace, and unity, as these elements are key to a thriving and fulfilling marital relationship.
Ephesians 5:28
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
This verse calls husbands to love their wives just as they love themselves. By valuing and cherishing their wives, husbands demonstrate respect for their spouses and acknowledge their equal worth as partners in marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Ultimately, the foundation of any relationship, including marriage, should be a deep and genuine love for one another. When love is at the forefront, there is an atmosphere of grace, forgiveness, and respect that covers and enables couples to navigate and overcome challenges together.