Engagement is a sacred commitment, a precursor to the covenant of marriage. The Bible offers profound wisdom and guidance on matters of love, commitment, and the sanctity of relationships.
This compilation presents 30 “Bible Verses for Engagement,” accompanied by commentary, aiming to inspire and guide couples as they embark on this significant journey toward a lifelong partnership.
- Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Commentary: The foundational principle of leaving, cleaving, and becoming one emphasizes the unity and commitment in marriage.
- 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.”
Commentary: The Apostle Paul’s definition of love serves as a guide for the selfless and enduring love required in an engagement and marriage.
- Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”
Commentary: Steadfast love and faithfulness are foundational qualities that bring favor and success in relationships.
- 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
Commentary: The assurance that perfect love, grounded in God, removes fear and fosters a secure and trusting relationship.
- 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.”
Commentary: Paul’s advice on cultivating humility, gentleness, and patience for the sake of unity and peace in relationships.
- Song of Solomon 8:7
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”
Commentary: A poetic affirmation of the enduring and priceless nature of true love.
- 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
Commentary: Peter’s emphasis on the power of love to forgive and overcome shortcomings in a relationship.
- Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Commentary: Love serves as the binding force that harmonizes all aspects of a relationship.
- Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'”
Commentary: Ruth’s commitment to Naomi exemplifies loyalty and steadfastness in relationships.
- Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Commentary: Jesus’ declaration underscores the sacred and unbreakable bond in marriage.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
Commentary: Solomon’s wisdom on the strength and support found in a companionship built on love and commitment.
- 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
Commentary: A simple yet profound directive from Paul, emphasizing the centrality of love in all actions.
- Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
Commentary: Paul’s counsel on mutual respect and love within the context of marriage.
- Philippians 2:2-3
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Commentary: Unity, love, and humility are emphasized as keys to joy and harmony in relationships.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:12
“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.”
Commentary: Paul’s prayer for an abundance of love, extending not only to one another but to all.
- 1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
Commentary: Recognizing God’s love as the source and inspiration for human love.
- Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Commentary: The sacrificial and selfless nature of Christ-like love within marriage.
- Mark 10:9
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Commentary: Reiterating the sacredness and permanence of the union established by God.
- 1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
Commentary: Paul’s counsel on the God-given institution of marriage as a remedy against temptation.
- Genesis 24:67
“Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. So, Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”
Commentary: The tender depiction of Isaac’s love and comfort in his marriage to Rebekah.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Commentary: Paul elevates love as the preeminent virtue that surpasses even faith and hope.
- Colossians 3:20-21
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
Commentary: A reminder of the importance of family dynamics and mutual respect in a Christ-centered home.
- 1 John 3:18
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
Commentary: John’s call to genuine and practical expressions of love rather than mere verbal declarations.
- 1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Commentary: Peter’s counsel on the importance of understanding and honoring one’s spouse for unhindered prayers.
- Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Commentary: Paul encourages a spirit of genuine affection and mutual honor within relationships.
- Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Commentary: The call to kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness as reflections of God’s grace.
- Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
Commentary: Acknowledging the blessing and favor that come with finding a life partner.
- Ephesians 5:33
“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Commentary: Mutual love and respect are highlighted as essential components of a healthy marriage.
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the supremacy of love over extraordinary gifts or achievements.
- Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Commentary: Acknowledging the gift of children as part of the blessings that flow from a marriage grounded in God’s love.
May these “Bible Verses for Engagement” and their accompanying commentaries inspire and guide couples as they embark on the journey of engagement and, ultimately, marriage. May the principles of love, commitment, and faithfulness, rooted in God’s Word, be a source of strength and joy throughout the exciting and transformative stages of their relationship.
Read: 30 Bible Verses For Encouragement And Healing (With Commentary)