The bond of marriage is a commitment, with Scripture encouraging spouses to “forsake all others.” Learn what the Bible says about loyalty, trust, and prioritizing a marital relationship.
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What Does The Bible Say About Forsaking All Others In Marriage
Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
This verse emphasizes the commitment and unity of marriage. It teaches that a man should forsake his parents and prioritize his relationship with his wife, becoming united as one.
By leaving behind the influence and dependency on their parents, a husband and wife are able to establish a strong foundation for their own family and prioritize their commitment to each other.
Matthew 19:5-6
“and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Jesus reaffirms the teaching from Genesis, stressing the permanence of the marriage bond. He emphasizes that when a man and woman come together in marriage, they become one, and it is God who has united them.
This verse reminds us of the sacredness of marriage and warns against any attempt to separate or break the bond that God has established. It encourages couples to remain committed and faithful to each other, even in the face of challenges.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
This verse highlights God’s disapproval of divorce and the importance of love and faithfulness within marriage. It warns against the harm caused by a husband who mistreats or divorces his wife without just cause.
It serves as a reminder for couples to cherish and honor the marital covenant, treating each other with love, respect, and commitment. It calls believers to guard their spirit, remaining faithful and true to their spouse.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.”
In this verse, Paul provides instructions on marriage directly from the Lord. He advises against separation or divorce, encouraging spouses to remain married and seek reconciliation if problems arise.
Divorce is seen as an undesirable outcome, and this verse stresses the importance of working through difficulties and maintaining the marital bond. It encourages couples to prioritize the preservation of their marriage and to seek resolution and restoration.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse calls husbands to sacrificially love their wives, following the example set by Christ’s love for the church. It encourages husbands to put the needs and well-being of their wives before their own.
By selflessly giving of themselves, husbands demonstrate their commitment to their wives and their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of their marriage. This verse reminds husbands of their responsibility to love and support their wives unconditionally.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
Here, husbands are urged not only to love their wives but also to treat them with kindness, gentleness, and respect. It cautions against using harsh or hurtful words or actions toward one’s spouse.
This verse reminds husbands of the importance of fostering a loving and nurturing environment within the marriage, where their wives feel valued, cherished, and emotionally safe.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Here, husbands are encouraged to be understanding, considerate, and respectful towards their wives. They are called to honor their wives as equal heirs of God’s grace.
This verse emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and partnership within marriage. It teaches that the way husbands treat their wives impacts their relationship with God, emphasizing the need for love and respect in order to maintain a healthy spiritual life.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the value and blessing of having a wife. It suggests that finding a wife is a gift from God, and it brings favor from the Lord.
It reminds husbands of the importance of cherishing and valuing their wives, recognizing them as precious gifts from God. It encourages husbands to be grateful for their wives and to treat them with love and honor.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes that a wise and capable wife is a blessing from God. It contrasts material possessions that are passed down through generations with the rare and valuable gift of a virtuous wife.
It encourages husbands to recognize the unique qualities of their wives and to appreciate them as a divine provision. It reminds husbands that their spouse is worthy of honor and respect, far surpassing any material possessions.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This verse praises the exceptional value of a virtuous and capable wife. It compares her worth to that of precious jewels, highlighting her significance and importance in the life of her husband.
It reminds husbands to recognize and appreciate the many qualities and contributions of their wives. Just as jewels are treasured and protected, husbands are encouraged to honor and cherish their wives for their unique and invaluable qualities.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'”
These verses celebrate the virtuous wife and acknowledge her greatness. It shows the appreciation of her children and her husband, who praises her as surpassing all other women.
These verses serve as a reminder for husbands to affirm and uplift their wives, expressing gratitude for their contributions and virtues. It encourages husbands to honor and acknowledge the importance of their wives in the family and in their lives.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
These verses celebrate the joys of marital intimacy and the delight that comes from being united with one’s spouse. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing and finding joy in the physical and emotional union within marriage.
It encourages husbands to be fully devoted to their wives, enjoying and embracing the intimacy that God has designed for them. It depicts the beauty and satisfaction that can be found in a loving and committed marital relationship.
Proverbs 6:32-33
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.”
These verses warn against the destructive consequences of adultery. It highlights the serious nature of betraying one’s spouse and the harmful repercussions that follow.
It serves as a reminder to husbands of the importance of fidelity and faithfulness within marriage. It cautions against engaging in actions that can lead to the ruin of their own lives and the devastation of their relationship with their spouse.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of keeping the marriage bed pure and undefiled. It warns against engaging in sexual immorality and adultery, as God will judge those who act in such a manner.
It calls husbands to honor and respect the boundaries of their marriage, safeguarding their relationship from the temptations and destructive consequences of infidelity. It encourages husbands to prioritize faithfulness and purity within their marital relationship.
Proverbs 2:17
“whom forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.”
Here, the verse highlights the unfaithful wife who forsakes the covenant of her marriage and forgets her commitment to her spouse and to God.
It serves as a reminder to wives, and indirectly to husbands, of the importance of remaining faithful and loyal within the marriage. It depicts the consequences of forsaking the marital bond and straying from the path of righteousness.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
These verses focus on the heart and the thoughts of a person. Jesus expands the understanding of adultery beyond the act itself, emphasizing that even entertaining lustful thoughts towards someone who is not one’s spouse is considered adultery in God’s eyes.
It serves as a reminder to husbands to guard their hearts and minds, cultivating purity and honoring the commitment they have made in marriage. It challenges husbands to resist temptations and to remain loyal and faithful to their wives.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This verse portrays the positive impact of a virtuous wife on her husband. It compares her to a crown, symbolizing honor, beauty, and dignity.
It reminds husbands to appreciate and cherish their wives as a source of pride and joy in their lives. Conversely, it cautions against the detrimental effects of a wife who brings shame and dishonor to her husband, likening it to rotting bones.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse highlights the responsibility of husbands and fathers to provide for their families. It emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of their spouse and children, both practically and emotionally.
It challenges husbands to prioritize the well-being and welfare of their family members, reminding them that neglecting this responsibility is a denial of their faith. It calls husbands to exhibit faithfulness, provision, and care for their loved ones.
Ephesians 5:28
“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
This verse encourages husbands to love their wives as they love themselves, promoting a mutual and selfless love within the marriage. It emphasizes that the well-being and happiness of a wife is intimately connected to the well-being and happiness of her husband.
It reminds husbands that by loving, cherishing, and caring for their wives, they are also nurturing and caring for themselves. It calls husbands to prioritize the needs and desires of their wives, fostering a deep and meaningful connection within the marital relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This verse points out the impact a wife can have on her home. It highlights the wisdom of a godly and prudent woman who contributes to the building and nurturing of her household.
It serves as a reminder to husbands to appreciate and support their wives’ efforts in creating a harmonious and nurturing environment within the home. It warns against actions or behavior that can lead to the destruction of the marital and familial bond.
Proverbs 15:17
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.”
This verse highlights the importance of love and harmony within a marriage, emphasizing that a simple and humble meal shared in love is better than a lavish feast accompanied by animosity and discord.
It reminds husbands that the quality of their relationship with their spouse is more important than material possessions or wealth. It encourages husbands to prioritize cultivating love, forgiveness, and unity within their marriage.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
These verses provide a description of the characteristics of love. They serve as a guide for husbands in demonstrating love toward their wives, showcasing the selfless and enduring nature of true love.
It challenges husbands to show patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness in their interactions with their wives. It encourages them to prioritize the well-being and happiness of their spouse and to maintain love even in the face of challenges and difficulties.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
These verses promote selflessness and humility within marriage. They call husbands to consider the needs and interests of their wives as equally important as their own.
It challenges husbands to prioritize the well-being and happiness of their wives, willingly sacrificing their own desires and ambitions for the sake of their marriage. It encourages husbands to create an environment of mutual support, love, and care within their relationship.
Proverbs 31:11-12
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
These verses celebrate the trust, faithfulness, and goodness of a wife toward her husband. They depict a relationship built on mutual respect, support, and reliability.
They remind husbands to cherish and appreciate the trust they have in their wives. It encourages husbands to reciprocate this trust and to appreciate the goodness and care that their wives consistently provide throughout their married life.
These Bible verses provide invaluable wisdom and guidance for husbands and wives in their marital relationships. They emphasize the importance of love, faithfulness, mutual respect, sacrifice, and unity within marriage. By adhering to these teachings, couples can build strong and lasting bonds, fostering a nurturing and harmonious partnership centered around God’s principles. Through the power of God’s word, husbands and wives can navigate the challenges and joys of married life, growing together in love, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.