15 Important Bible Verses About Wives (With Commentary)

The role of a wife is significant in a marriage, and the Bible provides guidance and wisdom for wives seeking to cultivate a loving and supportive relationship with their husbands.

Whether you’re a wife or desiring insights into the biblical perspective on marriage, let’s delve into some inspiring Bible verses about wives and discover the beautiful truths they reveal.

Bible Verses About Wives

Proverbs 31:10-12

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”

This passage from Proverbs describes the invaluable worth of a wife who is trustworthy, diligent, and loving. A husband who has such a wife is truly blessed, as she brings him benefits both in the present and over the course of their lifetime together.

1 Peter 3:1-2

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

This passage speaks directly to wives and their role within a marriage. Wives are called to respect and submit to their husbands, even in situations where the husband may not be a Christian. Through their godly behavior, wives have the potential to influence their husbands towards faith and obedience to the Lord.

Proverbs 14:1

“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”

This wisdom proverb emphasizes the great influence that wives have in building up or tearing down their household. The actions and choices of a wife have a significant impact on the overall well-being of the family.

Ephesians 5:22-24

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”

Ephesians 5 is a well-known passage that contains instructions for both husbands and wives in a marriage. Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands and respect their leadership, just as the church submits to Christ. This requires humility, trust, and a deep understanding of God’s design for marriage.

Titus 2:3-5

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

In this passage, Paul instructs older women to teach younger women how to fulfill their important roles within the family. Wives are called to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, and kind. By living out these virtues, wives can reflect the glory of God and prevent the Word from being discredited.

Colossians 3:18-19

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

Another passage that addresses the roles of both husbands and wives, this verse instructs wives to submit to their husbands in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. Husbands are called to love their wives and treat them with gentleness and kindness, rather than cruelty or harshness.

Proverbs 31:26

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

This verse describes the wise and gentle nature of a godly wife. Wives who speak words of wisdom and kindness can have a powerful impact on their husbands, children, and those around them, lifting spirits and spreading joy.

1 Corinthians 7:3-5

“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

In this passage, Paul speaks about the physical relationship between husbands and wives. Both have an obligation to fulfill the needs of the other, and to avoid withholding physical intimacy without mutual agreement. This promotes unity and intimacy within the marriage, which can help protect against temptations from Satan.

Proverbs 31:11

“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.”

In this verse, the heart of a husband who has an excellent wife is described as filled with trust and confidence. A wife who is trustworthy and supportive can bring many blessings to her husband, helping him to thrive in all areas of his life.

1 Peter 3:7

“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

While not specifically addressing wives, this passage provides a valuable perspective for husbands to consider in relation to their wives. Husbands are called to live with their wives in an understanding and honoring way, recognizing their equal status as heirs of God’s grace. By treating their wives with love and respect, husbands can help to ensure that their prayers are not hindered by any relational strife.

Proverbs 31:28

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her”

This verse describes the value that wives have in the eyes of their family members. Children and husbands who have a wise and loving wife can recognize and honor her contributions to their lives.

Genesis 2:18

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”

This verse from the beginning of Genesis emphasizes God’s plan to create a helper for Adam. Wives are specifically designed by God to fill this role, offering support, companionship, and help to their husbands in all areas of life.

1 Corinthians 11:8-9

“For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.”

This controversial verse has been interpreted in a number of ways, but it highlights the unique role that wives play in relation to their husbands. Women were created to be helpers and partners to men, but this does not imply any sort of inferiority or submissiveness on the part of women.

Proverbs 31:29-30

“‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Another verse from Proverbs 31 highlights the importance of a wife’s character over external qualities. While charm and beauty may be fleeting, a woman who fears the Lord and lives out her faith in every area of life is truly worthy of praise.

1 Timothy 2:11-15

“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.”

This passage has also been interpreted in a variety of ways, but it speaks to the idea of women maintaining a respectful and submissive attitude towards men in the church setting. Women should be eager to learn, but not seek to exercise authority over men.

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

This well-known verse emphasizes the incredible value that wives have within a man’s life. A husband who has a good and God-fearing wife is truly blessed, as she brings favor and blessing from the Lord.

What does the Bible say About Wives?

The Bible contains various passages and teachings about wives, reflecting the cultural context and norms of the times in which it was written. It’s important to understand that the biblical teachings on marriage and relationships are found in different books and written by various authors over centuries, so interpretations may vary.

In the Old Testament, wives are often portrayed as valued companions and helpers to their husbands. The book of Proverbs, for example, praises a virtuous wife who is supportive, hardworking, and full of wisdom. The institution of marriage is regarded as sacred and intended to be a lifelong commitment.

In the New Testament, particularly in the letters written by the apostle Paul, there are instructions for husbands and wives in the context of Christian marriage. Ephesians 5:22-33 is a well-known passage that addresses the roles of husbands and wives. It encourages wives to submit to their husbands as they submit to the Lord, and husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church.

It is important to note that interpretations of these passages can vary among different Christian denominations and scholars. Some see the concept of submission as one of mutual respect and partnership within the marriage, while others take a more traditional or hierarchical view.

It’s essential to approach the Bible with an understanding of historical context and cultural norms, recognizing that societal views on marriage have evolved significantly since biblical times. In modern interpretations, many Christians emphasize the mutual love, respect, and equality between spouses, seeking to create harmonious and loving relationships within the framework of Christian values.