The Bible provides guidance on various aspects of life, including the roles and responsibilities within the context of marriage. Understanding the duties of a wife as outlined in the Scriptures is essential for fostering a healthy and harmonious marital relationship. The following compilation presents 30 Bible verses about wife duties, accompanied by insightful commentaries that delve into the biblical teachings.
Bible Verses About Wife Duties
Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV):
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.”
Proverbs 31:10 extols the value of a virtuous wife, emphasizing her priceless worth. It encourages a husband to recognize and appreciate the exceptional qualities of his wife.
Ephesians 5:22-24 (NKJV):
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”
Ephesians 5:22-24 addresses the concept of mutual submission within marriage. It calls wives to honor their husbands’ leadership, drawing parallels between the marital relationship and the relationship between Christ and the church.
1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV):
“But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
1 Corinthians 11:3 establishes a hierarchical order, emphasizing God’s design for authority. Wives are encouraged to acknowledge their husband’s leadership within the divine structure.
1 Peter 3:1-2 (NKJV):
“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”
1 Peter 3:1-2 highlights the transformative power of a wife’s respectful and godly conduct. It suggests that a wife’s actions can influence her husband positively, even in challenging situations.
Proverbs 18:22 (NKJV):
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:22 celebrates the favor and blessing a husband receives from the Lord when he finds a wife. It underscores the positive impact of a loving and supportive wife in a man’s life.
Titus 2:3-5 (NKJV):
“the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
Titus 2:3-5 outlines the role of older women in guiding younger wives. It emphasizes qualities such as love, discretion, and obedience, which contribute to a harmonious and godly family life.
1 Timothy 3:11 (NKJV):
“Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.”
1 Timothy 3:11 provides qualifications for the wives of deacons, stressing virtues such as reverence, temperance, and faithfulness. These qualities contribute to the overall spiritual atmosphere within a family.
Colossians 3:18 (NKJV):
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
Colossians 3:18 reiterates the biblical principle of wives submitting to their husbands, emphasizing the appropriateness of this conduct within the context of honoring the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:34 (NKJV):
“There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.”
1 Corinthians 7:34 draws attention to the unique focus of married women, highlighting the balance between caring for family matters and maintaining devotion to the Lord.
Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV):
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”
Proverbs 14:1 contrasts the wise and foolish woman, emphasizing the constructive or destructive impact a wife can have on her household. It encourages wives to contribute positively to the building of a strong and resilient home.
1 Timothy 5:14 (NKJV):
“Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”
1 Timothy 5:14 provides guidance to younger widows, urging them to marry, raise children, and manage their households. This approach safeguards against negative criticism and reproach.
Genesis 2:18 (NKJV):
“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'”
Genesis 2:18 establishes the foundational role of a wife as a helper comparable to her husband. This verse underscores the complementary nature of the marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NKJV):
“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 addresses the mutual responsibilities of husbands and wives concerning physical intimacy. It emphasizes the importance of meeting each other’s needs and avoiding unnecessary deprivation.
1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV):
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
1 Peter 3:7 calls husbands to understand and honor their wives, recognizing them as equal heirs of God’s grace. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of marital relationships with spiritual well-being.
1 Corinthians 11:9 (NKJV):
“Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.”
1 Corinthians 11:9 reinforces the created order, emphasizing that woman was created for man. This verse underscores the divine purpose behind the formation of the first woman as a suitable helper for the first man.
Proverbs 31:27 (NKJV):
“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:27 commends the industrious and attentive nature of the virtuous wife. It encourages wives to actively oversee and care for the well-being of their households.
1 Corinthians 14:35 (NKJV):
“And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.”
1 Corinthians 14:35 addresses the context of learning in the church, suggesting that questions be directed to husbands at home. This verse underscores the importance of respecting established roles within the worship setting.
1 Timothy 2:11-12 (NKJV):
“Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.”
1 Timothy 2:11-12 delineates instructions regarding women’s conduct in learning and teaching situations. It emphasizes the need for submission and a supportive role in specific church settings.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NKJV):
“Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.”
1 Corinthians 7:10-11 addresses the sanctity of marriage, discouraging wives from departing from their husbands. If separation occurs, the emphasis is on seeking reconciliation or remaining unmarried.
1 Peter 3:4 (NKJV):
“Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4 values the internal qualities of a wife, emphasizing the importance of a gentle and quiet spirit. This verse highlights the enduring beauty that holds great significance in God’s eyes.
Proverbs 12:4 (NKJV):
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
Proverbs 12:4 likens an excellent wife to a crown that brings honor to her husband. Conversely, a wife who brings shame is likened to a corrosive influence, emphasizing the impact of a wife’s character on her husband.
Proverbs 31:15 (NKJV):
“She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.”
Proverbs 31:15 portrays the industrious nature of the virtuous wife, emphasizing her commitment to providing for her household. This verse underscores the wife’s role in nurturing and caring for her family.
1 Corinthians 7:39 (NKJV):
“A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 7:39 addresses the marital bond and its duration, emphasizing the commitment of a wife to her husband as long as he lives. In case of a husband’s death, the widow is free to remarry, with the stipulation to marry within the faith.
Proverbs 31:26 (NKJV):
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
Proverbs 31:26 commends the wise and kind communication of the virtuous wife. This verse underscores the positive influence a wife can have through her words, reflecting both wisdom and kindness.
1 Corinthians 7:16 (NKJV):
“For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?”
1 Corinthians 7:16 addresses the potential spiritual impact of a believing wife on her unbelieving husband and vice versa. It underscores the redemptive influence spouses can have on each other.
Proverbs 31:20 (NKJV):
“She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:20 highlights the compassionate and charitable nature of the virtuous wife. This verse underscores the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need.
1 Corinthians 7:2 (NKJV):
“Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.”
1 Corinthians 7:2 emphasizes the role of marital intimacy as a safeguard against sexual immorality. It encourages husbands and wives to fulfill this aspect of their relationship, promoting fidelity within marriage.
Proverbs 31:28 (NKJV):
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
Proverbs 31:28 depicts the familial admiration and praise bestowed upon the virtuous wife. This verse underscores the impact of a wife’s character on her children and husband.
1 Corinthians 11:10 (NKJV):
“For this reason, the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”
1 Corinthians 11:10 addresses the symbolic use of a head covering, emphasizing the acknowledgment of authority. This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the divine order established by God.
1 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV):
“Nevertheless, she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.”
1 Timothy 2:15 addresses the role of women in childbearing and highlights the broader context of salvation through faith, love, holiness, and self-control. This verse emphasizes the holistic aspects of a woman’s spiritual life.
Conclusion: Bible Verses About Wife Duties
The Bible provides a rich tapestry of wisdom and guidance for wives, delineating their roles and responsibilities within the context of marriage. These verses underscore the significance of virtues such as submission, love, wisdom, and kindness, contributing to the overall well-being of the family and reflecting God’s design for marital relationships. Understanding and embodying these biblical principles can foster a flourishing and God-honoring marriage.
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