Are you encountering challenges in your marriage and in search of biblical advice for marriage problems? There are so many bible verses on marriage problems and I know they will help someone going through a difficult time in their marriage. 

Marriage is such a beautiful thing, but it also has its challenges. That is why the bible in John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

So it means that even if you encounter marriage problems, you can still experience peace, that is why the bible in Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Table of Contents

• Bible Verses On Marriage Problems 
• Bible Verses On Marriage And Divorce
• Bible Verses Against Marriage Destroyers
• Psalms For Marriage Problems
• Bible Verses For Hurting Wife
• Bible Verses About Being Hurt By Husband
• Bible Verses To Strengthen A Marriage

Bible Verses On Marriage Problems

1. Bible verses on marriage problems: Lack of affection (Esther 4:11, Genesis 30:31)

Lack of affection is one of the marriage problems also found in the bible. In the book of Esther 4:11, Queen Esther said thirty days had passed since she was called to go to the king. 

Initially, the king loved her, but as time went on he neglected her. But fortunately, after she had prayed and fasted, she found favor in his sight again. 

The other bible character that was not loved by her husband was Leah, Jacob’s wife. The Bible in Genesis 30:31 says, “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.”

2. Bible verses for fertility problems (Genesis 25,30 and 1 Samuel 1)

When a couple struggles to conceive, it can lead to marriage problems. The couple might blame each other, or compare themselves to others or even try other alternative means of having children. 

There are multiple bible characters who had fertility issues, but God eventually came through for them. This includes Sarah, Rebekah, Rachael, Hannah, and Elizabeth. Here are some bible verses for marriage problems: 

      I.         The story of Isaac when he prayed for Rebekah in Genesis 25:21

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.

II. The story of Rachael and Jacob in Genesis 30:1-3, 22-24

“When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” Jacob became angry with her and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?” Then she said, “Here is Bilhah, my servant. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her.”

Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.”

From this bible story, it is evident that the lovebirds had marriage problems as a result of infertility. She was jealous of her sister who had kids and she even threatened to kill herself. And because of her statement, her husband Jacob was angry with her. 

She resorted to alternative means of having a child. Nowadays it means she would have gone for surrogacy or even adoption, which is not a comfortable idea for some couples.

But God later gave her a child named Joseph.

III. The story of Elkanah and Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:4-7

“Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb.Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?””

From this bible verse, it is clear that Hannah had marriage problems because she didn’t have children. And her rival constantly reminded her that although she was loved by their husband, she still does not have children. 

3.     Bible verses about infidelity and forgiveness (Malachi 2:14-16, Hosea 3:1 and 2 Samuel 11)

Infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce in marriage. There are multiple bible characters that cheated on their spouses. 

I. God said do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth in Malachi 2:14-16

You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

II. The story of Hosea and Gomer in Hosea 3:1

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”

So here Gomer had cheated on her husband and the husband distanced himself from her. But God told him to reconcile with her.

III. The story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11

David cheated with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba and even got her pregnant in 2 Samuel 11:2-5.

Many couples go through such problems where their spouse makes a child out of wedlock and are forced to make some difficult choices and to forgive.

Read more: Effective tips on how to deal with a cheating husband

4. Bible verses on communication issues in marriage (Colossians 3:18-19, James 1:19, Numbers 30:10-12)

There are often communication issues in marriage. Examples of communication issues include verbal abuse, lack of communication, not listening to each other, not consulting each other, etc. 

In Colossians 3:18-19 the bible says, “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

And James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”

Numbers 30:10-12, “If a woman living with her husband makes a vow or obligates herself by a pledge under oath and her husband hears about it but says nothing to her and does not forbid her, then all her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand. But if her husband nullifies them when he hears about them, then none of the vows or pledges that came from her lips will stand. Her husband has nullified them, and the Lord will release her.”

This scripture shows that some women take out debt or commit themselves without discussing it with their husbands first. 

5. Bible verses on intimacy with your spouse (1 Corinthians 7:1-5)

Intimacy or the lack thereof is another marriage destroyer. The Bible recommends that in order for the marriage to be healthy, couples should not deprive each other.

“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. 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.”

6. Difference in beliefs and values (1 Corinthians 7:12-13)

“To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.”

So the bible says that interfaith marriage should not be a cause for divorce, people can still work through the marriage.

7. Bible verses on marriage problems: Alcohol abuse (Ephesians 5:18)

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,”

8. Financial issues in marriage (Genesis 31:1-3, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 5:8, Haggai 1:6)

When a man doesn’t have his own resources or doesn’t provide for the family or loves money too much or is struggling to make ends meet, it can cause a strain on the marriage.

Jacob was working for his father-in-law Laban, which later caused conflict. If you read Genesis 31:1-3 the bible says, “Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been. Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

1 Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Haggai 1:6 says, “You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

9. Spouse rejecting your other kids (Genesis 21:9-11)

The bible also makes reference to marriage problems as a result of illegitimate kids or kids that were born out of wedlock.

Abraham had a child with Hagar their slave and later Sarah his wife was no longer comfortable with their presence. 

Genesis 21:9-11 “But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.” The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 

10. Bible verses on marriage problems: parenting differences (Genesis 25:28)

Remember the story of Jacob and Esau the sons of Rebekah and Isaac? The Bible in Genesis 25:28 says that Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

This means that the parents were showing favoritism to the kids which was not right. And then Isaac wanted to bless his favourite child Esau but his wife ensured that the blessing went to her favourite child Jacob. 

Their parenting style made the brothers to grow up hating each other.

Read more: Bible verses for married couples

Bible Verses On Marriage And Divorce

The Bible has many verses that talk about marriage and divorce. The new testament gives more clarity on the issue of divorce. 

Initially, God did not design marriage for separation or divorce; that is why Genesis 2:24 says, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

But due to people’s hearts being hard; Moses permitted the people to write a certificate of divorce. 

11. Matthew 19:5-6

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.”

12. Malachi 2:16

“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.

13. Mark 10:2-9

Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” “What did Moses command you?” he replied. They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. ‘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.”

14. Deuteronomy 24:1

“If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house…”

15. 1.Matthew 5:32

but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

16. Romans 7:2

For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him.

17. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11

But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave, she must remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife.”

18. 1 Corinthians 7:12-13

To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.

19. 1 Corinthians 7:15

But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

20. Luke 16:18

“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

21.  Mark 10:11-12 

He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

22. Matthew 19:7-9

“Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Bible Verses Against Marriage Destroyers

There are so many things that can destroy a marriage but you can still find comfort and hope in these bible verses.

Marriage is a good thing, that is why it is constantly under attack. And when people are united, they can achieve much.

Marriages destroyers can even be internal, external or even as a result of spiritual forces.

Infidelity by the spouse, lack of affection and intimacy, infertility, disrespect, bad communication, financial issues, people and even expectations that are not being met can destroy a marriage. 

Also allowing certain people to influence you can lead to the destruction of your marriage. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Remember in Genesis 3:6 when Eve ate the fruit after she was convinced by the snake, God placed a curse on them. And before that, the husband now blamed her for giving him the forbidden fruit.

23. Matthew 19:6

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This bible verse is proof that God is against any form of marriage destroyers. He wants to see our marriages thrive.

24. Hebrews 13:4

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

God is against infidelity, which is a marriage destroyer. The marriage bed should not only be honoured by the woman or the man, but by both parties. Even the ones who are not married should not be sleeping with the married ones. 

25. Proverbs 6:32

Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; He who does so destroys his own soul.

26. Proverbs 6:24-26

To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; And an adulteress will prey upon his precious life.

27. 1 Corinthians 7:5-7

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.

28. Malachi 2:14-15

You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

29. Ephesians 5:33

Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

When the husband is loving to his wife and the wife respects her husband, their marriage will be able to withstand anything that comes their way.

30. 1 Peter 5:6-8

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The enemy is always looking for an opportunity to destroy the good things that have been started by God. That is why the bible says depend on Him and also keep watch. 

31. Exodus 20:14

 “You shall not commit adultery.

32. Ephesians 4:25

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

33.  Ephesians 4:26

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

34.  Ephesians 4:31

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

35. Ephesians 6:12-13

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Psalms For Marriage Problems

Are you encountering problems in your marriage? Here are Psalms you can turn to when things are hard. 

36. Psalms 62:8

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

37. Psalms 107:20

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

38. Psalms 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

39. Psalms 85:10

Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

40. Psalms 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

41. Psalm 67:1

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us

42. Psalm 127:1-3

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Read more: Bible Verses For Relationship Problems

43. Psalms 128:1-4

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.

Bible Verses For Hurting Wife

Are you a wife who is hurting? Maybe your husband has stopped loving you, or told you horrible words or is abusive or has lied to you several times. Or maybe you are struggling to conceive or you lost something or someone and you don’t know how to deal with the pain. 

The Bible in Job 14:7 says, “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.”

So your joy might have been cut down, but know that there is still hope for you.

44. 1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

45. Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

46. Psalm 120:1

In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.

47. Psalm 43:5

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

48. Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Read more: Joy and Happiness verses in the bible

Bible Verses About Being Hurt By Husband

49. 1 Peter 3:9

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.

50. Luke 6:27-28

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

51. Luke 6:35

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

52. 1 Peter 3:8

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

53. Ephesians 5:28-29

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church.

54. James 1:19

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Bible Verses To Strengthen A Marriage

Is your marriage shaking and no longer giving you joy like before? Here are bible verses to strengthen a marriage. 

55. 1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

56. Proverbs 5:18-19

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.

57. Ephesians 4:25-27

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

58. Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

59. Ephesians 5:22

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

60. Ephesians 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

61. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

62. James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

63. 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

64. Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”

65. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

66. Ecclesiastes 9:9

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”

67. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”

68. Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

69. Psalm 85:10

“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

70. Ephesians 4:2-3

“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

71. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 

72. Philippians 2:5-7

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Conclusion

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2). It is God’s will for your marriage to prosper. 

If you enjoyed reading this, please share it, you might just be an answer to someone who is going through a difficult time in their marriage.