The Bible provides clear guidance on the role of a husband, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and leadership. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, demonstrating care, respect, and humility. Let’s explore what scripture says about the biblical model of husbandhood.
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What Does The Bible Say About How A Husband Should Be
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 importance of leaving behind the family of origin and coming together as one with a spouse. It reflects the commitment, unity, and selflessness required in a marriage relationship.
A husband should prioritize his wife above all other relationships and strive to create a strong bond of intimacy and unity, where both partners are devoted to each other’s well-being and growth.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse instructs husbands to love their wives selflessly and with kindness, avoiding any form of harshness or cruelty. It highlights the importance of nurturing a loving and respectful atmosphere within marriage.
A husband should actively demonstrate love, care, and affection towards his wife, treating her with gentleness, understanding, and patience. This verse reminds husbands to prioritize their role as a loving and compassionate partner.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse compares the sacrificial love of Christ for the church to the way husbands should love their wives. It calls husbands to emulate Christ’s selflessness, unconditional love, and willingness to make sacrifices.
A husband should be willing to lay down his own desires, interests, and even his life, if necessary, to protect, support, and cherish his wife. This verse highlights the sacrificial aspect of love in marriage.
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 emphasizes the importance of husbands being considerate and respectful towards their wives. It encourages husbands to recognize the equal value and significance of their wives as partners and co-heirs in God’s kingdom.
A husband should treat his wife with honor, dignity, and understanding, considering her feelings, needs, and contributions. This verse emphasizes that a husband’s treatment of his wife is directly linked to the quality of his relationship with God.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the blessing and favor that a husband receives from God when he finds a wife. It emphasizes the value and importance of the marital relationship as a precious gift from God.
A husband should cherish and appreciate his wife, recognizing her as a source of blessing and favor in his life. This verse reminds husbands to be grateful for the partnership they have with their wives.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of a husband to provide for his family. It highlights the importance of meeting the physical, emotional, and financial needs of one’s spouse and children.
A husband should take his role as a provider seriously, ensuring the well-being and security of his family. This verse underscores the significance of fulfilling one’s familial obligations as a demonstration of faithful stewardship.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
This verse encourages husbands to cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness within their marriage. It highlights the importance of extending grace and mercy towards one’s spouse, just as God has shown us.
A husband should actively choose to let go of resentments, practice forgiveness, and treat his wife with kindness and empathy. This verse reminds husbands to foster an atmosphere of love and acceptance in their relationship.
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.”
This verse speaks to the mutual responsibility and selflessness that should exist within the marital relationship. It emphasizes the importance of meeting one another’s physical needs and desires.
A husband should prioritize the sexual intimacy and satisfaction of his wife, recognizing the equal importance of their needs and desires. This verse encourages husbands to cultivate a selfless and mutually satisfying sexual relationship with their wives.
Proverbs 31:28
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her”
This verse highlights the role of a husband in affirming and appreciating his wife’s contributions and virtues. It speaks to the importance of verbalizing praise and admiration towards one’s spouse.
A husband should actively recognize and commend his wife for her efforts, character, and achievements. This verse encourages husbands to be supportive and encouraging, creating an atmosphere of affirmation and appreciation.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse serves as a general principle for all aspects of life, including marriage. It reminds husbands to approach their relationship and responsibilities with an attitude of love.
A husband should strive to demonstrate love in action, making decisions, and interacting with his spouse in a way that reflects the selfless and unconditional love of Christ. This verse encourages husbands to be guided by love in their thoughts, words, and actions.
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 emphasizes the impact of a wife on her husband’s life and reputation. It underscores the importance of a husband’s choice of a virtuous and honorable wife.
A husband should value and honor his wife as a precious asset and a source of pride. This verse reminds husbands to seek a wife of noble character who will bring joy and blessing into their lives.
Ephesians 5:28
“So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.”
This verse highlights the unity of husband and wife as one flesh. It emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence within marriage.
A husband should care for his wife in the same way he cares for himself, considering her needs, desires, and well-being as equal to his own. This verse reminds husbands that by loving and caring for their wives, they ultimately bless themselves.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse speaks to the importance of seeking God’s guidance and provision in choosing a wife. It highlights the significance of a wise and discerning wife in the life of a husband.
A husband should acknowledge that a virtuous and prudent wife is a gift from God, and he should cherish and value her wisdom, insights, and support. This verse encourages husbands to recognize the divine source of a wise and discerning spouse.
Proverbs 31:11
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.”
This verse underscores the importance of trust and confidence within the marital relationship. It speaks to the trust a husband can place in his wife’s character, abilities, and judgment.
A husband should have faith in his wife and trust her to make wise decisions and choices. This verse encourages husbands to foster an atmosphere of trust and mutual reliance, resulting in the mutual benefit and prosperity of both partners.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“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.”
This famous passage describes the characteristics of true love. It speaks to the selflessness, humility, and forbearance required within a marital relationship.
A husband should strive to embody these qualities in his relationship with his wife, demonstrating patience, kindness, and forgiveness. This verse encourages husbands to cultivate a love that is marked by compassion, generosity, and understanding.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the impact of a wife’s attitudes, actions, and words on the overall well-being of her marriage and family.
A husband should support and assist his wife in cultivating a nurturing and harmonious home environment. This verse reminds husbands to affirm the efforts of their wives in building a loving and peaceful household.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”
This verse encourages husbands to find joy and delight in the companionship and love of their wives. It speaks to the value and significance of enjoying life together.
A husband should prioritize spending quality time with his wife, cherishing the moments of laughter, fellowship, and shared experiences. This verse reminds husbands to appreciate the gift of marital love in the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse emphasizes the permanence and sacredness of the marital covenant. It highlights the commitment and fidelity that should characterize a husband’s relationship with his wife.
A husband should steadfastly hold on to the vows and promises made on their wedding day, guarding the unity and sanctity of the marriage. This verse reminds husbands to actively work towards preserving and strengthening their marital bond.
Song of Solomon 8:7
“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 poetic verse extols the enduring and unbreakable nature of true love. It speaks to the depth and resilience of love, even in the face of challenges or difficulties.
A husband should hold onto and nurture the love he has for his wife, recognizing its immeasurable worth. This verse encourages husbands to value and cherish their love, understanding that it is a priceless treasure.
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.”
This verse speaks to the influence and impact a wife’s character and behavior can have on her husband. It emphasizes the power of a godly and respectful wife to draw her husband closer to God.
Although this verse is directed towards wives, it reminds husbands to appreciate and encourage the spiritual growth and virtue of their wives. A husband should foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and support, allowing his wife’s faith to flourish.
Proverbs 31:23
“Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”
This verse speaks to the role of a wife in enhancing her husband’s reputation and standing within the community.
A husband should appreciate and support his wife’s contributions and achievements, recognizing her as a partner who uplifts and supports him. This verse encourages husbands to value the positive impact their wives have on their public image and influence.
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
This verse addresses the order and authority within the family structure. It highlights the husband’s role as the head of the household.
A husband should embrace his leadership role with humility, wisdom, and servant-heartedness. This verse reminds husbands to lead their families in accordance with God’s principles, seeking His guidance and direction in all decisions.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse emphasizes the value of a wife’s character and reverence for God over external beauty or worldly charm.
A husband should recognize and praise his wife for her godly character, virtue, and devotion to the Lord. This verse reminds husbands to honor and appreciate a wife whose faith and fear of the Lord are her greatest adornments.