Topical Encyclopedia The relationship between a wife and her husband is a foundational aspect of biblical teaching, reflecting both divine order and the covenantal nature of marriage. The Scriptures provide guidance on the roles, responsibilities, and dynamics within this sacred union.Creation and Purpose The relationship between husband and wife is rooted in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:18, the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper." This establishes the wife as a companion and helper, designed to complement and support her husband. The term "helper" (Hebrew: ezer) signifies a role of strength and partnership, not inferiority. Unity and Oneness The marital relationship is characterized by unity and oneness. Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This profound union signifies a deep, intimate bond that transcends mere physical connection, encompassing emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. Roles and Responsibilities The New Testament further elaborates on the roles within marriage. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This submission is not a call to subservience but a voluntary, respectful yielding that mirrors the church's relationship with Christ. Mutual Love and Respect While the wife is called to submit, the husband is equally charged with loving his wife sacrificially. Ephesians 5:25 commands, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This love is selfless, nurturing, and protective, creating an environment where the wife can flourish. Partnership and Co-heirship The Apostle Peter emphasizes the partnership aspect of marriage in 1 Peter 3:7: "Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered." This verse highlights the spiritual equality and shared inheritance in Christ, urging husbands to honor and respect their wives. Proverbs 31: The Virtuous Wife Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a portrait of the virtuous wife, illustrating her industriousness, wisdom, and fear of the Lord. She is depicted as a woman of strength and dignity, who manages her household with skill and care, earning the respect and praise of her husband and children. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of the wife's relation to her husband is one of mutual respect, love, and partnership. It is a dynamic relationship that reflects the divine order and serves as a testament to God's design for marriage. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 2:18,23,24And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 11:3-12 Library Whether Husband and Wife are Mutually Bound to the Payment of the ... Whether Affinity Remains after the Death of Husband or Wife? Whether a Person Contracts Affinity through the Marriage of a ... Whether Affinity is a Cause of Affinity? Whether Matrimony is a Kind of Joining? Whether Husband and Wife are Equal in the Marriage Act? On Marriage. The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner Why all Things Work for Good Whether Fear is Appropriately Divided into Filial, Initial ... Resources What does it mean to be a godly wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a Christian wife? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the account of Potiphar's wife? | GotQuestions.org Wife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |