Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.” (WEB)
The foundation of marriage: leaving, joining, and becoming one.
Bible Verses About Marriage
The Bible treats marriage as a covenant of love, unity and faithfulness, a partnership meant to reflect God's own faithful love. These verses speak to couples building a marriage that lasts.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (WEB)
The pattern of love every marriage is built to grow into.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor... A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (WEB)
Marriage is stronger together, and strongest with God woven in.
Colossians 3:14
“Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.” (WEB)
Love is the thread that holds everything else together.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly,” a call to sacrificial love.
Mark 10:9
“What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” Marriage as a covenant to protect.
Applying these verses
1 Corinthians 13 is worth reading together, slowly, putting your own names in place of “love” as a gentle check on how you treat each other. Ecclesiastes 4 reminds couples that a marriage held together by God (“a threefold cord”) has a strength two people alone don't.
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Open Verse FinderFrequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about marriage?
The Bible describes marriage as a covenant in which two become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24), built on sacrificial, patient love (1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:25), and meant to be lasting (Mark 10:9). It presents marriage as a reflection of God's faithful love.
What is a good Bible verse for a wedding?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (the “love” passage) and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (“A threefold cord is not quickly broken”) are among the most popular wedding readings.
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