What does the Bible say about abuse from a spouse?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns cruelty, violence, intimidation, and faithless betrayal in marriage, calling spouses to covenant love, honor, gentleness, and repentance. Husbands are commanded to love sacrificially, not harshly, and to live considerately with their wives (Colossians 3:19; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7). Malachi 2:13-16 exposes treachery within marriage and affirms God’s concern for the vulnerable. While believers should pursue forgiveness and peace where possible (Ephesians 4:32; Proverbs 15:1), forgiveness does not require enduring ongoing danger or concealing evil. Those suffering abuse should seek safety, wise pastoral care, trusted support, and appropriate civil protection, while abusers must repent, accept accountability, and bear fruit consistent with true faith.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.
- Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;
- 1 Peter 3:7
You husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.
- Proverbs 22:10
Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; Yes, quarrels and insults will stop.
- Malachi 2:13-16
[13] This again you do: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn't regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand. [14] Yet you say, 'Why?' Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant. [15] Did he not make one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. [16] For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence!' says Yahweh of Hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously.
- Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than to share a house with a contentious woman.
- Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Malachi 2:16
For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence!' says Yahweh of Hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously.
- James 5:16
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
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