Marriage is a sacred bond that reflects God’s love for His people. Today, we’ll see what the Bible says about a husband’s role in cherishing and honoring his wife in a way that glorifies God.
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What Does The Bible Say About How A Husband Should Treat His Wife
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse teaches husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Husbands are called to prioritize their wives’ well-being and to be willing to lay down their own desires and needs for the sake of their wives.
It emphasizes the importance of selflessness, putting the needs of one’s spouse above one’s own. Husbands should strive to love their wives unconditionally, as Christ loves the church, and be willing to make sacrifices for their wives’ spiritual, emotional, and physical welfare.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse urges husbands to love their wives and, equally importantly, to avoid being harsh or cruel towards them. Husbands should demonstrate kindness, patience, and gentleness in their interactions with their wives.
The verse emphasizes the significance of maintaining a loving and respectful attitude towards one’s wife. Husbands are called to foster an atmosphere of love, understanding, and support within the marriage, treating their wives with tenderness and compassion.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the value and blessing of a wife. It encourages husbands to recognize that their wives are a precious gift from God and a source of favor in their lives.
Husbands are called to appreciate the unique qualities and contributions of their wives, recognizing them as a source of joy, companionship, and divine favor. It reminds husbands to be grateful for the blessings that their wives bring into their lives.
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 instructs husbands to be considerate, respectful, and understanding towards their wives. It emphasizes the importance of treating wives with honor and recognizing their equal worth as heirs of God’s gracious gift of life.
Husbands are called to be attentive to their wives’ needs, feelings, and emotions. They should strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, where both spouses feel valued and cherished. It also highlights the connection between the quality of a husband’s relationship with his wife and his relationship with God, urging husbands to treat their wives well so that their prayers are not hindered.
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 emphasizes the mutual responsibility and selflessness required in marital relationships. It encourages husbands to fulfill their marital duties towards their wives and highlights the equal importance of fulfilling these duties on both sides.
It teaches that spouses should not view their bodies as solely their own but recognize their obligation to each other. By yielding authority over their bodies to their spouses, they demonstrate a willingness to prioritize the physical intimacy and emotional connection within the marriage.
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 verse praises the qualities of a virtuous woman and acknowledges the importance of trust and loyalty between spouses. A husband should have complete confidence in his wife and recognize her contributions to his life as valuable.
Husbands are called to support and appreciate their wives, valuing their efforts and accomplishments. By nurturing an environment of trust and respect, husbands can encourage their wives to flourish and thrive in their personal and marital roles.
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 describes the divine intent for marriage, which involves leaving one’s parents and forming a deep, inseparable bond with one’s spouse. It signifies the unique unity and intimacy that husbands and wives are called to experience in their marital relationship.
Husbands should recognize the sacredness of their union and commit themselves to fostering a strong bond of oneness with their wives. They are called to prioritize their relationship with their wives and actively invest in its growth, seeking to understand, support, and love their wives as one flesh.
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 fulfill their role as providers for their families. It stresses the importance of husbands taking care of their wives and households, ensuring their needs are met physically, emotionally, and financially.
Husbands are called to be diligent in their efforts to support and care for their families. By fulfilling their duty as providers, they demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their wives and contribute to the stability and security of their households.
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 verse portrays the joy and satisfaction that come from a loving and passionate marital relationship. Husbands are encouraged to find delight and rejoice in their wives, recognizing the beauty and blessings of their union.
Husbands are called to cultivate a deep emotional and physical connection with their wives, delighting in their love and affection. By nurturing a strong and passionate bond, husbands can experience fulfillment and lasting happiness within their marriages.
Proverbs 21:9
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
This verse cautions husbands against the negative consequences of a contentious and quarrelsome wife. It highlights the significance of harmony and peace within the marital relationship.
Husbands are encouraged to foster an atmosphere of understanding and collaboration, working towards unity rather than engaging in constant strife. They should seek resolution through open communication, patience, and the willingness to listen and understand their wives’ perspectives.
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 famous passage from Corinthians provides a blueprint for the characteristics of love, and these qualities should be exemplified by husbands towards their wives. Love should be patient, kind, humble, and selfless.
Husbands are called to treat their wives with respect and honor, avoiding behaviors that dishonor or harm them. They should strive to keep their emotions in check, not allowing anger or resentment to cloud their interactions. Instead, they are encouraged to forgive, protect, trust, and persevere in their love and commitment towards their wives.
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 recognizes the impact a wife has on her husband’s reputation and well-being. It underscores the significance of a wife’s character and behavior in the overall dynamics of the marriage.
Husbands are called to appreciate and honor their wives’ virtuous qualities, recognizing them as a source of pride and blessing. Conversely, they should strive to nurture a strong marital relationship and address any issues that may be detrimental, as a strained or toxic marriage can deeply affect a husband’s emotional and physical health.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the divine involvement in the gift of a wise and prudent wife. It implies that husbands should recognize the invaluable contribution of their wives’ wisdom and discernment within the family dynamic.
Husbands are encouraged to appreciate their wives’ insight, intelligence, and discernment. They should seek their wives’ counsel and wisdom in making important decisions, recognizing that their wives’ perspectives are a valuable asset in building a strong and successful marital relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the role of a wife in building and nurturing a successful household. It emphasizes the profound impact a wife’s actions and behaviors can have on the overall well-being of the family.
It reminds husbands to appreciate and support their wives’ efforts in creating a harmonious home, recognizing that a wise and virtuous wife contributes to the stability and flourishing of the marriage and family. Husbands are called to actively participate in the mutual building of a strong and loving home.
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.”
Although this verse addresses wives directly, it also has an indirect impact on husbands. It suggests that a wife’s respectful and godly behavior can influence her husband’s attitude and openness towards faith.
Husbands are called to create an environment of spiritual encouragement and support within the marriage, respecting their wives’ beliefs and contributing to their spiritual growth. By demonstrating love, purity, and reverence, wives can inspire their husbands to consider and embrace faith.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of the marital bond. It reminds husbands of the divine significance of their union with their wives and urges them to protect and nurture their marriages.
Husbands are called to cultivate an unwavering commitment to their wives and resist any temptations or influences that may threaten the unity of their marriage. They should be willing to invest the time and effort required to strengthen their relationship, guarding against anything that could lead to separation or division.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'”
This verse speaks to the impact a wife can have on her family and the importance of a husband’s affirmation and appreciation. It highlights the role of a wife as a source of blessing, love, and admiration within the home.
Husbands are called to recognize and express gratitude for their wives’ efforts in nurturing the family. They should affirm their wives’ value and contribution, praising them for their noble character and acknowledging that they surpass others in their selflessness and dedication.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness within the marital relationship. It underlines the exclusive nature of the sexual intimacy that husbands and wives should share.
Husbands are called to pursue physical intimacy solely within the marriage, honoring and fulfilling their wives’ needs in this aspect of their relationship. It encourages husbands to prioritize their wives’ emotional and physical well-being, fostering a loving and satisfying sexual connection built on trust, consent, and mutual desire.
Song of Solomon 4:9-10
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!”
This poetic passage celebrates the deep affection, desire, and admiration between spouses. It reflects the intense emotional connection and attraction that a husband is called to have towards his wife.
Husbands are encouraged to express their love and adoration for their wives, cherishing their beauty and character. They should openly communicate their appreciation, celebrating the unique qualities and love that they share with their wives.
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 fulfillment in their relationship with their wives. It recognizes that marital love and companionship are gifts from God, providing solace and purpose in the midst of life’s challenges.
Husbands are called to embrace and appreciate the blessings of their marital union, enjoying the journey of life alongside their wives. They should actively seek opportunities to strengthen their bond, invest in shared experiences, and cultivate a deep sense of love, happiness, and contentment within their marriages.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness within the marital relationship. It stresses the role of love in fostering unity, restoration, and growth.
Husbands are called to love their wives deeply, recognizing that love has the power to forgive and heal past hurts. They should prioritize forgiveness and understanding, embracing the opportunity to reconcile and rebuild their relationship whenever challenges arise.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 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 verse, spoken by Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi, portrays the depth of loyalty and commitment that husbands and wives should have towards each other. It signifies the strength and unity that husbands and wives should aspire to within their marriages.
Husbands are called to embrace a steadfast commitment to their wives, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and support. They should be willing to share in their wives’ joys and sorrows, walk alongside them through the journey of life, and prioritize their relationship above all else.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
This verse reminds husbands of the source of love and the pattern of love that they are called to follow. It acknowledges that God’s love for humanity is the model of love that husbands should strive to imitate.
Husbands are called to love their wives as an outpouring of the love they have received from God. They should seek to love their wives unconditionally, selflessly, and sacrificially, reflecting the transformative love that they have experienced through their relationship with God.
In summary, these Bible verses provide guidance and insight into how husbands should treat their wives. They emphasize the importance of sacrificial love, kindness, respect, faithfulness, appreciation, and support within marital relationships. Husbands are called to prioritize their wives’ well-being, nurturing a deep emotional and physical connection, and fostering an environment of love, unity, and honor within the marriage. By following these principles, husbands can cultivate strong, healthy, and fulfilling relationships with their wives, reflecting the love of Christ in their marital unions.