Engagement is an exciting time for many couples, but what does the Bible say about this period of preparation for marriage? While modern engagement rituals may not be found in Scripture, the Bible offers valuable guidance for couples preparing for a lifetime commitment.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Parents Being Wrong
What Does The Bible Say About Engagement
Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
This verse emphasizes the sacred nature of marriage and the commitment that comes with leaving one’s family to be joined to one’s spouse. It highlights the unity and intimacy that should exist between husband and wife.
The concept of leaving and cleaving introduces the idea of separation from parents and forming a new family unit. It underscores the importance of prioritizing the marital relationship above all others.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
This verse recognizes the blessing and favor that come from finding a suitable spouse. It suggests that a healthy, God-honoring marriage brings great joy and satisfaction.
Marriage is designed to be a source of companionship, support, and partnership. It is a significant relationship that should be treasured and nurtured.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
These verses acknowledge that marriage is not necessarily for everyone and affirm the value of singleness. However, for those who struggle with sexual temptation or desire companionship, marriage is presented as a valid and honorable option.
Marriage provides a legitimate outlet for physical intimacy and can help fulfill the innate human need for love and companionship.
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This scriptural passage reaffirms the sanctity and permanence of marriage. It emphasizes that God’s design is for a man and a woman to become united in a lifelong partnership.
Marriage is more than a legal contract; it is a divine union that should be cherished and protected. It invites couples to cultivate a deep emotional, spiritual, and physical connection that aligns with God’s original intention.
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel.
This verse expresses God’s strong disapproval of divorce. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the marriage covenant and the importance of working towards reconciliation rather than opting for divorce.
Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment, and divorce should be seen as a last resort, only permissible in cases of unrepentant infidelity or abandonment.
Ephesians 5:22-23
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
This passage addresses the roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives within the context of marriage. It calls wives to submit to their husbands’ leadership, just as the church submits to Christ.
Submission, in this context, does not imply inferiority or silence but reflects a partnership in which the husband takes the lead and the wife supports and respects his leadership.
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 demonstrate towards their wives. It mirrors the selfless love Christ showed for the church by giving up his life.
Husbands are encouraged to prioritize the well-being, spiritual growth, and emotional needs of their wives. It sets a high standard for husbands to follow in their pursuit of loving and serving their wives.
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
This verse highlights the central importance of love in marriage. Love serves as the foundation for all other virtues and behaviors within the marital relationship.
Love is the glue that holds a marriage together, fostering unity, forgiveness, and understanding. It encompasses selflessness, patience, kindness, and all other qualities necessary for a thriving marriage.
Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
This verse emphasizes the value of a godly and wise spouse. It suggests that finding a spouse who possesses wisdom, discernment, and a strong character is a gift from God.
Choosing a partner who aligns with God’s principles and values can greatly contribute to the success and happiness of a marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This verse emphasizes the power of love to forgive, reconcile, and restore relationships. Love has the capacity to overcome disagreements and imperfections within marriage.
When couples choose to love each other deeply, they create an environment where grace, forgiveness, and understanding thrive.
Proverbs 31:10-11
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
This passage celebrates the value and worth of a virtuous wife. It highlights the trust, honor, and stability that she brings to her husband’s life.
When a husband can fully trust his wife and knows that she is dedicated to his well-being, it fosters a deep sense of security and contentment in the marriage.
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.
This well-known passage describes the attributes and behaviors of genuine love. It sets a standard for how love should be demonstrated within a marriage.
Love within marriage is characterized by patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and selflessness. It is not easily angered or resentful but remains steadfast and hopeful.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.
This verse emphasizes the influence and responsibility that a wife has in creating a nurturing and harmonious home environment.
A wise woman makes intentional choices that contribute to the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her family. Conversely, a foolish woman’s actions can lead to the destruction of the home.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
This verse speaks to the importance of raising children in accordance with God’s principles and teachings.
Parents, together as a married couple, have the crucial role of instilling values, fostering spiritual growth, and modeling a Christ-centered life for their children.
1 Peter 3:1-2
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, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
These verses address wives married to unbelieving husbands and encourage them to influence their spouses through their godly conduct.
A wife’s devotion, respect, and purity of life can have a profound impact on her husband, potentially leading him to discover faith in Christ.
Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
This verse emphasizes the significant role a wife plays in the life of her husband. A virtuous and honorable wife brings honor and joy to her husband, while a disrespectful or unfaithful wife causes great pain and distress.
It highlights that a husband’s well-being and reputation are closely tied to the character and conduct of his wife.
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
This verse places value on inner qualities and a woman’s reverence for the Lord rather than focusing solely on external attractiveness.
A woman who possesses a deep reverence for God and seeks to live in accordance with His will is worthy of praise and admiration.
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.
These verses celebrate the joy and satisfaction that can be experienced within a marital relationship.
They encourage husbands to find delight and fulfillment in their wives, experiencing intimacy and affection both physically and emotionally.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
This passage beautifully captures the intensity and permanence of love within a committed relationship.
Love is portrayed as an unbreakable bond that withstands even the fiercest challenges and obstacles. It is a love that is priceless and irreplaceable.
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.
This passage emphasizes the importance of fulfilling each other’s physical needs within the marriage relationship.
It highlights the mutual responsibility to prioritize physical intimacy, while also recognizing the need for times of prayer and fasting.
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 stresses the sanctity and purity of the marriage relationship. It intends to protect the institution of marriage from any form of sexual immorality, including adultery and promiscuity.
It serves as a reminder that God views marriage as a sacred covenant and holds individuals accountable for their actions within the bounds of marriage.
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
This verse recognizes the blessing and favor that come from finding a suitable spouse. It suggests that a healthy, God-honoring marriage brings great joy and satisfaction.
Marriage is designed to be a source of companionship, support, and partnership. It is a significant relationship that should be treasured and nurtured.
Proverbs 31:28
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
This verse speaks to the honor and respect that a wife and mother can receive within her familial relationships.
When a wife fulfills her role with wisdom, love, and selflessness, her family members will recognize her value and bless her with praise and appreciation.
Proverbs 5:15-18
Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
These verses symbolically describe the exclusive and intimate nature of the marriage relationship.
They encourage spouses to find satisfaction and fulfillment within their own marriage, guarding against infidelity or sharing intimate connections with others.
Proverbs 30:18-19
There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman.
This passage acknowledges the mystery and wonder of romantic relationships, particularly the attraction and connection between a man and a woman.
It highlights the unique dynamics and emotions involved in romantic love, which are part of God’s design for marriage.