Holy Bible Online 
Marriage is a sacred union established by God, and the Bible provides clear principles on how a husband should act to build a healthy and harmonious relationship.
Understanding and applying these teachings is essential for a happy and lasting marriage. Here are the main duties of a husband according to the Bible:
1. Love Your Wife as Christ Loves the Church
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
- Ephesians 5:25
Loving your wife as Christ loved the Church is one of the greatest challenges for a husband. Ephesians 5:25 teaches that this love should be sacrificial—willing to set aside personal interests for the good of the wife.
Christ gave His life for the Church, demonstrating a deep and unconditional love. The husband is called to reflect that same level of commitment, seeking to understand his wife’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
This love must also be practical and consistent. It includes daily displays of affection, attentive listening, and support in difficult moments. Love is not just a feeling, but an action—expressed through kindness and encouraging words.
When a husband commits to loving this way, he creates an environment of security and respect in the home, strengthening the couple’s bond.
2. Lead with Wisdom and Humility
But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,and the head of Christ is God.
- 1 Corinthians 11:3
The role of leadership in the home, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:3, is often misunderstood. Leading doesn’t mean being authoritarian or forcing one’s will—it means guiding with wisdom and humility.
A biblical leader seeks God in prayer before making important decisions and values his wife’s perspective. He sets an example through integrity, justice, and love in all his choices.
Humility is essential for good leadership. It means acknowledging mistakes, asking for forgiveness when necessary, and being open to growth. Leadership also involves serving the family and prioritizing their needs over his own. This Christlike leadership fosters a spirit of cooperation and unity in the marriage.
3. Provide for the Needs of the Home
Providing for the home is more than just ensuring material support—it means caring for all the needs of the family. In 1 Timothy 5:8, the Bible teaches that anyone who does not care for their own family denies the faith.
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
- 1 Timothy 5:8
The husband has the duty to work responsibly, aiming to create a stable environment where his wife and children can live with dignity. This doesn’t necessarily mean wealth, but rather effort and dedication.
Beyond material provision, providing also includes offering emotional and spiritual support. A husband should be present, helping his wife and children face life’s challenges with encouragement and guidance.
By caring for his family’s well-being, the husband mirrors God’s care for His people and strengthens the bonds that hold the home together.
4. Respect and Honor Your Wife
Respecting and honoring your wife is fundamental to a healthy marriage. In 1 Peter 3:7, the Bible urges husbands to treat their wives with consideration and respect.
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
- 1 Peter 3:7
Respect means recognizing that your wife is an equal partner, created in God’s image. Her opinions, desires, and feelings should be valued and taken into account when making decisions for the home.
Honoring your wife goes beyond respect. It means showing—through words and actions—that she is cherished. Small gestures, such as expressing gratitude, offering compliments, and supporting her dreams, help create an atmosphere of love and security.
When a husband honors his wife, he reflects God’s design for marriage, promoting harmony and joy in the relationship.
5. Be Faithful in All Areas
Faithfulness in marriage is a sacred principle that goes far beyond avoiding infidelity. In Proverbs 5:18, the Bible encourages the husband to delight in his wife and remain devoted to her. This includes being loyal in thoughts, words, and actions—avoiding situations that might compromise trust in the relationship.
May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
- Proverbs 5:18
Faithfulness also involves emotional and spiritual commitment. A husband should invest time and energy into nurturing the relationship, showing his wife that she is his priority. This devotion strengthens the bond between husband and wife and builds a solid foundation for facing life’s challenges together.
6. Be Patient and Understanding with Your Wife
Patience and understanding are essential virtues for a husband. Colossians 3:19 warns husbands not to treat their wives harshly. This means cultivating an attitude of tolerance and empathy, especially during moments of conflict or misunderstanding.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
- Colossians 3:19
A patient husband seeks to understand his wife’s perspective, recognizing that everyone has limitations and struggles.
Understanding is also shown through practical actions—such as actively listening and offering support in difficult moments. When a husband acts with patience and kindness, he fosters a home filled with peace and respect, where love persists even in adversity.
7. Be the Spiritual Leader of the Home
The husband plays a key role as the spiritual leader of the family. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua boldly declares:
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
- Joshua 24:15
This means being an example of faith—encouraging prayer, Bible reading, and involvement in church activities. A husband should help guide his family in the ways of the Lord.
Nurturing spirituality in the home also strengthens the marriage relationship. Praying together and discussing biblical principles deepens the bond between husband and wife. When the husband embraces this calling, he fulfills God’s purpose and lays a solid foundation for his family to grow in grace and love.
The Role of the Man in the Relationship
The man’s role in the relationship is one of loving leadership and respect, guided by biblical principles. Ephesians 5:25 teaches that a husband should love his wife as Christ loved the Church—with dedication and sacrifice. This means caring for, protecting, and valuing his wife.
The Bible also exhorts men to treat their wives with understanding, recognizing their worth as co-heirs of God’s grace. Additionally, Colossians 3:19 advises against bitterness, promoting a peaceful environment. A man who follows these teachings reflects God’s design and builds a strong, lasting relationship according to His Word.
See also: