The Bible highlights the unique and valuable role women play in marriage. It emphasizes love, respect, and partnership. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture inspires women to live out their calling in marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Women’S Role In Marriage
Ephesians 5:22-24
“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. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”
This verse highlights the biblical perspective on the role of women in marriage. It emphasizes the importance of wives submitting to their husbands as a way of honoring God. However, it is essential to note that submission does not imply inferiority, but rather a willingness to work harmoniously in a marriage partnership.
Submission in marriage follows the example of Christ and the church, where Christ lovingly leads the church, and the church willingly submits to His leadership. It is a call for wives to respect their husbands’ leadership, trust in their decision-making, and contribute to a healthy and fruitful marriage.
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 emphasizes the impact of a woman’s behavior and character within her marriage. It encourages wives to exhibit purity and reverence, displaying Christ-like attributes that can influence their husbands positively. While submission is essential, a godly woman’s character and conduct can have a powerful, transformative effect on her husband.
By demonstrating Christ’s love, grace, and wisdom in their actions and attitudes, wives have an opportunity to draw their husbands closer to God. This verse reminds women of their influential role in marriage and encourages them to live out their faith authentically, serving as a living testimony of God’s love and truth.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“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. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This verse highlights the value and significance of a virtuous and capable wife. It portrays a woman who is a blessing to her husband and brings him great benefit. The noble character of a wife not only enhances the marriage but also contributes to the overall well-being of the family.
This verse recognizes the importance of a wife’s trustworthiness, competence, and positive influence in meeting the needs of her husband and family. It inspires women to aspire to become women of noble character, whose actions and attitudes bring honor and blessings to their husbands and households.
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 mutual responsibility and selflessness within the marriage relationship. It highlights the importance of each spouse fulfilling their marital duties and meeting one another’s needs, including physical intimacy.
Both husbands and wives are encouraged to yield to one another, recognizing that their bodies belong to their spouse and not solely to themselves. This verse promotes open communication, mutual consent, and the understanding that withholding intimacy for prolonged periods can leave room for temptation and discord within the marriage.
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.”
This verse provides guidance to younger widows regarding their role and responsibilities. It encourages them to consider remarriage and embrace the responsibilities of marriage and motherhood. The verse also emphasizes the significance of effectively managing their homes and guarding against behaviors that may bring about criticism and malicious gossip.
While this verse specifically addresses younger widows, the principles of marriage and homemaking can be applied universally to women, illustrating the importance of creating a God-honoring and secure environment within the home.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the role of older women in guiding and instructing younger women in their marriages and families.
It encourages older women to live with reverence, avoiding harmful behaviors, and teaching what is good. By imparting wisdom and modeling godly characteristics, older women can encourage younger women to love their spouses and children, practice self-control, purity, and kindness, and prioritize their homes.
Genesis 2:18
“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
This verse reveals the divine purpose for a woman’s role in marriage. God created woman as a suitable helper for man, emphasizing the importance of companionship, partnership, and support within the marital relationship.
As a helper, a woman plays a vital role in fulfilling her husband’s needs, providing love, encouragement, and assistance. This verse affirms the significance of a wife’s presence in a husband’s life and underscores the intended unity and interdependence between spouses.
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 underscores the impact of a wife’s character and conduct on her husband’s well-being and reputation. A virtuous wife, marked by noble character, brings honor and blessings to her husband, symbolized by a crown.
In contrast, a wife who lacks character and integrity can deteriorate her husband’s happiness and bring shame. This verse serves as a reminder of the profound influence a wife’s attitude and behavior can have on her husband’s overall life and public image.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
This verse highlights the divine role in providing a wise and discerning wife. It suggests that a woman with prudence and wisdom is a gift from God, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s guidance in choosing a life partner.
While external possessions and inheritance have their value, this verse emphasizes that a prudent wife, characterized by wisdom, discretion, and discernment, is a unique blessing that surpasses material wealth.
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 focuses on the responsibilities of husbands in their marriages. It calls husbands to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor, recognizing them as equal partners and heirs of God’s grace.
By valuing their wives’ worth and partnering with them in the journey of life, husbands foster an atmosphere of love, unity, and spiritual growth within the marriage. It reminds husbands that treating their wives poorly can hinder their prayers and hinders the fullness of God’s blessings in their lives.
1 Corinthians 11:9
“Neither was the man created for woman, but woman for man.”
This verse reflects the order of creation and the purpose behind the creation of woman. It emphasizes that woman was created to be a companion, helper, and suitable partner for man.
While men and women have equal value in God’s eyes, this verse affirms the unique role and purpose of women in relation to men. It highlights the inherent interdependence and complementary nature of man and woman within the divine design.
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
This verse commends the virtue of a wise woman who imparts knowledge and guidance through her words. It emphasizes the importance of women using their speech to share wisdom and speak words of encouragement and truth.
A woman’s words hold power and influence, capable of building and shaping her marriage, family, and community. This verse encourages women to speak with wisdom, reflecting God’s truth and grace in their communication.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
This verse reminds women that true beauty lies not in external appearance but in the character of the heart. It encourages them to cultivate inner beauty characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit.
While there is nothing wrong with adorning oneself, this verse emphasizes that external beauty fades, while the inner beauty of a gentle and peaceful spirit carries eternal value in God’s sight.
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 depicts the loyalty and devotion of Ruth, showcasing a woman’s commitment to her family and God. It reveals the sacrificial love and dedication that can exist within a marital relationship.
Ruth’s response exemplifies the deep bond and unity that should flourish in a marriage, emphasizing the importance of standing by one another, supporting each other, and remaining faithful through all circumstances.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”
This verse emphasizes the blessing and favor that comes from discovering a suitable wife. It acknowledges the significance of a wife in a man’s life, bringing goodness, joy, and God’s favor into the marriage.
This verse encourages men to value and cherish their wives, recognizing the blessings that come from the union of two hearts joined together in love and partnership.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse highlights the mutual responsibilities within marriage. It first addresses wives, encouraging them to submit to their husbands in a manner that aligns with the Lord’s will.
On the other hand, husbands are called to love their wives unconditionally, demonstrating kindness, tenderness, and empathy. This verse emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, love, and healthy communication within the marriage relationship.
1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
While not directly addressing the role of women in marriage, this verse provides guidance for maintaining healthy relationships within marriages and beyond.
It exhorts both husbands and wives, as well as all individuals, to cultivate unity, empathy, love, and a spirit of humility. It emphasizes the importance of responding to conflicts or wrongdoings with grace and blessing rather than retaliation. Such characteristics are vital for fostering healthy, thriving marriages.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse specifically addresses husbands, instructing them to love their wives and avoid being harsh or unkind. It emphasizes the significance of a husband’s love and the impact it can have on the marriage relationship.
A husband’s love should mirror Christ’s sacrificial love for the church, characterized by gentleness, tenderness, and a willingness to listen and understand. This verse encourages husbands to foster an atmosphere of love, trust, and respect where both spouses can flourish.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse addresses the topic of remarriage for widowed women. It affirms the principle that a woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. However, in the event of her husband’s passing, she is free to marry again.
While this verse specifically references the context of widowhood, it also implies the importance of seeking a partner who shares a commitment to the Lord, emphasizing the significance of a spiritual union within a marital relationship.
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 verse highlights the divine institution of marriage and the unique unity created through the joining of a man and a woman. It emphasizes the sacred and lifelong nature of the marital bond.
God’s design for marriage involves the complete union of two individuals into one. This verse underscores the importance of honoring and preserving the sacred union, reminding couples to remain committed and work towards unity, even amidst challenges and difficulties.
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 fidelity in marriage. It instructs husbands and wives to refrain from separating or divorcing one another.
While this verse acknowledges that marital issues may arise, it encourages reconciliation and working towards restoration rather than resorting to divorce. It reinforces the biblical perspective on the permanence and sanctity of marriage.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This powerful verse echoes the divine intention of marriage and the command to preserve the unity that God Himself has established.
Marriage, when entered into with God’s blessing, is a sacred covenant that should be honored and safeguarded. This verse reminds couples of the divine mandate to remain united and resist any attempts to separate what God has joined together.
Genesis 1:27-28
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’”
This verse highlights the equal worth and value of both men and women who were created in the image of God. It reflects God’s intention for men and women to fulfill their unique roles and responsibilities in partnership and harmony.
God’s blessing and command to be fruitful and multiply not only apply to procreation but also to the idea of building fruitful and purposeful lives together. This verse emphasizes the importance of unity, mutual respect, and stewardship in marriage.