The Bible paints a clear picture of the role and responsibilities of a husband. It speaks of love, leadership, and service within marriage. Today, we’ll see what Scripture teaches about being a husband in God’s eyes.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Finding A Spouse
What Does The Bible Say About A Husband
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse emphasizes the sacrificial love that husbands are called to have for their wives. It teaches that husbands should love their wives in the same selfless manner that Christ loved the church and ultimately gave His life for it.
By loving their wives sacrificially, husbands are to prioritize their spouse’s well-being and spiritual growth above their own desires. This verse sets a high standard for husbands, encouraging them to imitate Christ’s love in their marriages.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This proverb recognizes the blessing that a wife is to her husband. It affirms that finding a wife is not merely a chance occurrence but a gift from the Lord, as she brings goodness and favor into his life.
Therefore, husbands are to cherish and appreciate the wife that God has given them. This verse reminds husbands of the value and importance of their wives as partners in life and recipients of God’s favor.
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.”
This verse highlights the importance of husbands being considerate and respectful in their relationship with their wives. It acknowledges the differences in physical strength but emphasizes equal value as both husband and wife are heirs of God’s grace.
Husbands are called to treat their wives with honor, recognizing their equal worth in God’s eyes. This verse also highlights the connection between the quality of a husband’s relationship with his wife and his relationship with God, emphasizing the significance of treating one’s spouse well.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse calls husbands to love their wives and to avoid being harsh or unkind towards them. It reinforces the importance of displaying love through gentle and compassionate behavior.
Husbands are encouraged to speak words of kindness, to treat their wives with tenderness, and to show patience in times of difficulty. This verse promotes a loving and nurturing relationship between a husband and wife.
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 passage highlights the sacred union between a husband and wife. It signifies that leaving one’s family of origin and establishing a new family unit is part of God’s design.
A husband is called to prioritize his relationship with his wife, as they are joined together in a profound and intimate bond. This verse emphasizes the importance of commitment and unity in marriage.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This proverb acknowledges that a wise and discerning wife is a gift from the Lord. It suggests that a wife’s wisdom and discernment are more valuable than material possessions.
It reminds husbands of the immeasurable value of a wife who possesses godly wisdom, and encourages them to treasure and appreciate their spouse’s wisdom as a blessing from God.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“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. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
These verses speak to the importance of sexual intimacy within marriage. They affirm that both husband and wife have a responsibility to fulfill each other’s needs within the context of a loving and committed relationship.
The passage also recognizes the need for mutual consent and occasional periods of abstaining for focused prayer. However, it encourages couples to come together regularly to prevent temptation and to maintain a healthy physical and emotional connection.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse highlights the responsibility of husbands to provide for their families. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the physical and material needs of their household are met.
By fulfilling this duty, husbands demonstrate their faith and commitment to their families. This verse urges husbands to prioritize their role as providers and caretakers within their homes.
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 compares the impact of a wife of noble character versus a dishonorable wife on her husband. It portrays a wife who possesses noble character as a source of honor and pride to her husband, bringing joy and fulfillment.
Conversely, a wife who lacks character and integrity is depicted as a burden and a source of deep sorrow to her husband. This verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating qualities of virtue and righteousness in marital relationships.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse presents a broad exhortation for all Christians, including husbands. It encourages a lifestyle characterized by love in every aspect and interaction.
Husbands are called to love their wives fully, demonstrating love not only in words but also in actions. This verse underscores the central importance of love in all relationships, including that between a husband and wife.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse describes the remarkable value of a wife who possesses noble character. It highlights that such a wife is precious and invaluable, surpassing the worth of even the most precious gemstones.
Husbands are called to recognize and celebrate the exceptional qualities of their wives. This verse encourages husbands to appreciate and cherish the godly character displayed by their spouse.
Genesis 2:18
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'”
This verse highlights the creation of woman as a helper suitable for man. It reveals God’s design for marriage and the complementary nature of the husband-wife relationship.
Husbands are encouraged to recognize and value their wives’ role as their companion, helper, and supporter. This verse emphasizes the importance of partnership and unity in marriage.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse provides a perspective on beauty and worth that goes beyond external appearances. It highlights the lasting value of a wife who reverences and honors the Lord.
Husbands are called to recognize and esteem the godliness and inner character of their wives. This verse encourages husbands to commend and honor their wives for their spiritual commitment and devotion to God.
1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…”
Though this verse specifically addresses the qualifications of an overseer in the church, it provides an example of the character traits that should be present in all husbands.
Husbands are called to be faithful, self-controlled, and respectable in their conduct both within their marriages and in all aspects of life. This verse encourages husbands to strive for godly qualities and moral integrity.
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 teaches that husbands are to love their wives as they love themselves. It highlights the interconnectedness of a husband and wife, viewing the two as one unit.
Husbands are called to prioritize the well-being and care of their wives, recognizing that they are an integral part of themselves. This verse emphasizes the importance of selfless love and unity within marriage.
Song of Solomon 7:10
“I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.”
This verse expresses the intimate and exclusive relationship between a husband and wife. It portrays a deep sense of belonging and desire between the two.
Husbands are called to cultivate a passionate and devoted love for their wives. This verse highlights the special bond that exists within marriage, where each spouse belongs wholly to the other.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse highlights the importance of love as the foundation for strong and healthy relationships. It emphasizes the power of love to forgive and overcome faults and shortcomings.
Within the context of marriage, husbands are called to love their wives deeply, covering any mistakes or offenses with love and grace. This verse encourages husbands to prioritize genuine and selfless love in their relationships.
Proverbs 27:15
“A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm.”
This proverb uses vivid imagery to describe the impact of constant conflict and nagging within a marriage. It warns against the negative consequences of a wife who is always argumentative or confrontational.
Husbands are called to promote peace and unity within their marriages, striving to foster an atmosphere of harmony and understanding. This verse encourages husbands to seek reconciliation and work towards resolving conflicts peacefully.
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.”
These verses from the famous “love chapter” of the Bible provide a comprehensive description of love. They encompass the qualities that should be present in all relationships, including marriage.
Husbands are called to love their wives in a way that reflects the characteristics of love mentioned in these verses. This passage encourages husbands to demonstrate patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and faithfulness in their love towards their wives.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This passage celebrates the physical intimacy and enjoyment within the confines of marriage. It encourages husbands to find delight and satisfaction in their relationship with their wives.
Husbands are called to cherish and honor the intimate connection they share with their wives. This verse highlights the importance of sexual fulfillment and the deep joy that can be found in the marital relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This proverb contrasts the actions and outcomes of a wise and foolish woman. It emphasizes the influence that a wife has in either building or damaging her home.
Husbands are encouraged to value and support their wives’ efforts in nurturing and building a healthy and loving home. This verse reminds husbands to appreciate the wisdom and contributions of their wives in maintaining a harmonious family life.
Ruth 1:17
“Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me.”
This statement by Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi, demonstrates unwavering loyalty and commitment. It exemplifies the depth of love and devotion a wife can have towards her husband.
Husbands are called to reciprocate such devotion and sacrificial love, to be faithful and committed to their wives through all circumstances. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of marital love.