Wedding rings are a common symbol of marriage, but do they have biblical roots? While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention rings, it speaks about the covenant of marriage in profound ways. Understanding the significance of symbols like wedding rings through a biblical lens can deepen our appreciation of the marriage commitment.
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What Does The Bible Say About Wedding Rings
Ephesians 5:31-32
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This verse reminds us of the sacred union between a husband and wife. It symbolizes the deep bond and unity that is formed in marriage, where two individuals become one in both heart and spirit.
Wedding rings serve as a visible reminder of this covenant. They are a physical representation of the commitment and love shared between two individuals, a constant symbol of the marriage vows and the lifelong promise to stand by each other’s side.
Malachi 2:14
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage. It reminds us that God bears witness to the vows made between a husband and wife, and expects them to honor their commitment to one another.
Wedding rings serve as a constant reminder of this covenant and the fidelity that is expected within marriage. They symbolize the promise of loyalty and serve as a symbol of trust and commitment between spouses.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”
This verse celebrates the joys and blessings that come from a good and godly marriage. It highlights the importance of finding a faithful and virtuous spouse, and acknowledges the favor bestowed upon those who have been blessed with such a partner.
Wedding rings serve as a visible representation of this favor and blessing. They symbolize the goodness and favor of the Lord in bringing two individuals together in marriage, and remind us to cherish and nurture the relationship.
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 is often read at weddings and beautifully captures the essence of love. It serves as a guide for marital harmony and sets the standard for the qualities and behaviors that should be present in a loving relationship.
Wedding rings, as symbols of love and commitment, constantly remind the wearers of these qualities and encourage them to embody them in their daily lives. They serve as a tangible reminder to be patient, kind, faithful, and forgiving towards one another, fostering a thriving and loving 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 highlights the importance of leaving behind one’s family and cleaving to their spouse. It emphasizes the unique bond that is formed in marriage, where two individuals become united and intimately connected.
Wedding rings symbolize this unity and serve as a constant reminder to hold fast to one’s spouse. They represent the commitment to prioritize the marriage relationship above all others, strengthening the marriage bond and reinforcing the importance of a strong and lasting partnership.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This verse praises and honors the value and worth of a virtuous and exceptional wife. It recognizes the unique qualities and contributions that a loving and godly wife brings to a marriage.
Wedding rings serve as a visual reminder of this priceless treasure. They symbolize the preciousness and worth of one’s spouse, serving as a constant reminder to cherish, value, and uphold the honor and dignity of the marriage relationship.
Matthew 5:31-32
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
This verse highlights the seriousness and permanence of the marriage covenant. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and warns against the devastating consequences of divorce.
Wedding rings symbolize the commitment to honor and cherish the marriage vows. They serve as a constant reminder of the solemn pledge to remain faithful and work towards resolving conflicts and challenges within the marriage, thereby strengthening the marital bond.
Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
This verse acknowledges the rarity of true and unwavering love. It highlights the significance of finding a faithful and trustworthy partner, one who demonstrates consistent love and commitment.
Wedding rings serve as a constant visual reminder of this commitment to faithfully love and support one another. They symbolize the intention to be a faithful spouse, nurturing and cultivating a relationship grounded in love, trust, and loyalty.
Song of Solomon 6:3
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies.”
This verse expresses the deep connection and exclusivity between lovers. It conveys the profound sense of belonging and possession that exists within a loving relationship.
Wedding rings serve as a tangible declaration of this ownership and affection. They symbolize the bond between two individuals, proclaiming that they belong to one another, and serve as a constant reminder of the special and unbreakable connection shared in marriage.
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
This verse emphasizes the central role of love in harmonizing and strengthening relationships. It underscores the importance of love in cultivating unity and maintaining peace within a marriage.
Wedding rings symbolize this love that binds everything together. They serve as a reminder to consistently choose love as the foundation for all interactions and decisions, fostering a harmonious and thriving relationship.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of love. It emphasizes the significance of deep love and forgiveness in overcoming and healing the hurts and offenses that can occur in relationships.
Wedding rings symbolize this deep love and forgiveness. They serve as a reminder to extend grace and forgiveness to one another, allowing love to cover and heal any relational wounds that may arise, fostering a spirit of unity and reconciliation within the marriage.
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 beautifully portrays the loyalty and devotion that should exist within a marital relationship. It showcases the commitment to remain steadfast and united with one’s spouse, regardless of the circumstances.
Wedding rings symbolize this unwavering commitment and willingness to journey through life together. They serve as a constant reminder to remain loyal and supportive of one another, promising to be there through both the joys and the trials, till death do us part.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of friendship and support within a marriage. It recognizes the significant role of a spouse in providing love, companionship, and loyalty, especially during challenging times.
Wedding rings symbolize this deep friendship and support. They serve as a constant reminder to be a faithful and supportive friend to one’s spouse, offering love, encouragement, and strength, even during the most difficult seasons of life.
Genesis 24:67
“Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”
This verse highlights the comfort and solace that a spouse can bring. It depicts the love and support that can be found within a marital relationship, providing healing and consolation in times of grief or loss.
Wedding rings symbolize this source of comfort and strength. They serve as a reminder of the love and companionship that a spouse offers, offering solace and reassurance during life’s trials and sorrows.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
This verse emphasizes the divine source of love and highlights the significance of loving one another as a reflection of God’s love.
Wedding rings symbolize this love that comes from God. They serve as a constant reminder to love one another as God loves us, to demonstrate unconditional love, grace, and mercy, and to continually seek His guidance in cultivating a loving and Christ-centered marriage.
Song of Solomon 2:16
“My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.”
This verse expresses the deep sense of belonging and mutual ownership within a marital relationship. It conveys the exclusivity and commitment between two individuals.
Wedding rings symbolize this ownership and commitment. They serve as a visual representation of the cherished bond between husband and wife, proclaiming that they belong to one another and reinforcing the commitment to care for and cherish one another, just as Christ cares for His church.
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 significant impact that a spouse can have on their partner’s life. It underscores the importance of having a virtuous and honorable spouse, whose qualities bring joy and honor to the marriage relationship.
Wedding rings symbolize this honor and joy. They serve as a constant reminder of the value and worth of one’s spouse, and the role they play in bringing blessings and happiness to one’s life.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of commitment and the sanctity of marriage. It establishes the principle of remaining faithful and honoring the marriage vows, discouraging divorce except in extreme circumstances.
Wedding rings symbolize this commitment and sacredness of marriage. They serve as a visible reminder of the promise to remain faithful and work towards reconciliation and unity, fostering a lifelong commitment to the marriage relationship.
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 verse emphasizes the importance of physical intimacy within marriage. It underscores the mutual responsibility to fulfill one another’s needs and the importance of maintaining a healthy and intimate relationship.
Wedding rings symbolize this physical connection and commitment to meeting one another’s needs. They serve as a visual reminder to prioritize and nurture the physical aspect of the marriage relationship, fostering emotional and physical intimacy.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse highlights the significance of inner qualities and character over external appearances. It celebrates the virtuous and godly wife, honoring her for her reverence and devotion to the Lord.
Wedding rings symbolize this inner beauty and character. They serve as a reminder to value and cherish the godly qualities and virtues of one’s spouse, appreciating and celebrating their devotion to the Lord and their commitment to living out their faith in the marriage relationship.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse acknowledges the divine gift of a wise and discerning spouse. It recognizes the wisdom and discernment that can come from the Lord as a blessing within a marriage.
Wedding rings symbolize this divine gift and guidance. They serve as a reminder of the wisdom and discernment that the Lord provides, guiding and directing the marriage relationship, and reminding us that a godly spouse is a precious gift from above.
Matthew 19:5-6
“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 verse reaffirms the sacredness and permanence of the marriage covenant. It underscores the divine institution of marriage and discourages any attempts to break the marital bond.
Wedding rings symbolize this sacred union. They serve as a constant reminder of the divine joining together of two lives and the commitment to honor and preserve the marriage covenant, the two becoming one flesh in both spirit and purpose.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of surrendering our plans and desires to the Lord. It recognizes that ultimately, God is the one who orders and directs our steps.
Wedding rings symbolize this surrender to God’s plan. They serve as a reminder to trust in His guidance and surrender our individual hopes and dreams to His perfect will, seeking His wisdom and direction in every aspect of the marriage journey.