What does the Bible say about roles in marriage?
Scripture describes complementary roles in marriage: husbands are called to lead with sacrificial love modeled on Christ, wives to support that leadership with respect and partnership (Ephesians 5). Both are equal in dignity, both image-bearers, both heirs of the grace of life.
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her." The standard is the cross, not domination.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Submission is voluntary, dignified, and joins, not erases, the wife’s gifts.
Christians disagree on how broadly to apply these roles outside marriage. Within marriage, the call is clear: love and respect, modeled on Christ and the church.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.