Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Abusive Marriages?
11 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Abusive Marriages in the Bible
What does the Bible say about abusive marriages? Browse 20 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Abusive Marriages
- 1
- 2Malachi 2:16
“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. that he: or, if he hate her, put her away putting: Heb. to put away”
KJV - 3Matthew 5:27
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:”
KJV - 4Matthew 5:29
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. offend: or, do cause thee to offend”
KJV - 5Matthew 19:3
“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?”
KJV - 6Mark 10:2
“And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.”
KJV - 7Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
KJV - 8Ephesians 5:28
“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”
KJV - 9
- 10Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Abusive Marriages? (2 Verses)
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. that he: or, if he hate her, put her away putting: Heb. to put away”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Abusive Marriages? (9 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:”
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. offend: or, do cause thee to offend”
“The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?”
“And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.”
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Abusive Marriages
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about abusive marriages. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about abusive marriages and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about abusive marriages is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on abusive marriages needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about abusive marriages with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about abusive marriages, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Abusive Marriages?
You have studied 11 verses about abusive marriages. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.