Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Abusive Relationships?
10 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Abusive Relationships in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about abusive relationships. This collection of 15 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Abusive Relationships
- 1
- 2Proverbs 21:9
“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. a brawling: Heb. a woman of contentions a wide: Heb. an house of society”
KJV - 3
- 4Isaiah 43:1
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”
KJV - 5Matthew 18:15
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
KJV - 6Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted , to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”
KJV - 7Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
KJV - 8
- 9Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
KJV - 10
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Abusive Relationships? (4 Verses)
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. a brawling: Heb. a woman of contentions a wide: Heb. an house of society”
“Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:”
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Abusive Relationships? (6 Verses)
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted , to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
“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.”
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Abusive Relationships
- 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 relationships. 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 relationships 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 relationships 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 relationships needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about abusive relationships 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 relationships, 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 Relationships?
You have studied 10 verses about abusive relationships. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.