Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Unhappy Marriages?
10 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Unhappy Marriages in the Bible
What does the Bible say about unhappy marriages? Browse 16 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Unhappy Marriages
- 1Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
KJV - 2
- 3Malachi 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 - 4Matthew 19:6
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
KJV - 5Matthew 19:9
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
KJV - 6
- 7
- 8Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
KJV - 9Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
KJV - 10James 1:1
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Unhappy Marriages? (3 Verses)
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
“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 Unhappy Marriages? (7 Verses)
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;”
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;”
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Unhappy 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 unhappy 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 unhappy 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 unhappy 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 unhappy marriages needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about unhappy 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 unhappy 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 Unhappy Marriages?
You have studied 10 verses about unhappy marriages. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.