The Bible is often a source of inspiration for couples getting married. It contains words of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration that can provide comfort and guidance for the journey ahead. Choosing a scripture reading for your wedding can be a difficult task, but it is one that can add depth and meaning to your ceremony. Here are some ideas for what to read from the Bible at your wedding.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Perhaps the most famous scripture reading for weddings comes from 1 Corinthians 13. This passage is known as the “Love Chapter” and it describes the qualities of love. The passage reads,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
This passage is a popular choice for weddings because it beautifully describes the type of love that couples should strive for in their marriage – a love that is patient, kind, and selfless.
Ephesians 5:22-33
Another popular scripture reading for weddings comes from Ephesians 5. This passage describes the roles of husbands and wives in marriage. The passage reads,
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do 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.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
This passage can be a controversial choice for weddings because some people interpret it to mean that wives should submit to their husbands. However, it can also be interpreted as a call to serve one another in love and to put the needs of your spouse before your own.
Ruth 1:16-17
The book of Ruth is a beautiful love story that can provide inspiration for couples getting married. This passage comes from the moment when Ruth, a widow, chooses to stay by Naomi’s side instead of returning to her own people. The passage reads,
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”
This passage is a beautiful example of the type of commitment that couples should strive for in their marriage – a commitment that says “where you go, I will go.”
Genesis 2:18-24
This passage from Genesis describes the creation of Adam and Eve and the establishment of marriage. The passage reads,
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’
Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.’
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
This passage is a beautiful reminder that marriage was established by God and that it is a sacred union between a man and a woman.
Conclusion
Choosing a scripture reading for your wedding can be a difficult task, but it is one that can add depth and meaning to your ceremony. Whether you choose a passage that describes the qualities of love, the roles of husbands and wives, the commitment of Ruth, or the establishment of marriage, the Bible offers a wealth of inspiration for couples getting married. May these words of wisdom provide guidance and comfort for the journey ahead.
FAQ
What Bible verse to read at a wedding?
Choosing a Bible verse to read at a wedding is a special and meaningful way to include a spiritual aspect in the ceremony. There are many verses in the Bible that beautifully convey the essence and significance of love, commitment, and marriage. One popular Bible verse that is often read at weddings is 1 Peter 4:8, which reads “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” This verse emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, forgiveness, and acceptance between two people in a marriage. It reminds us that love is the foundation of a strong and lasting relationship, and that it is through love that we are able to overcome any obstacles in our journey together.
Another common Bible verse that is read at weddings is from Ephesians 4:2, which says “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and understanding in a marriage. It encourages us to be kind and compassionate towards our partners, even when we are faced with challenges or difficulties.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is another popular Bible verse that is often read at weddings. This verse reads “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” These verses beautifully summarize what it means to truly love another person. They highlight the importance of selfless love, trust, and hope in a marriage, and they remind us that love is not just an emotion, but a choice that we make every day.
When choosing a Bible verse to read at a wedding, it is important to choose a verse that reflects the couple’s values, beliefs, and personalities. Whether you choose a popular verse or something more personal, reading from the Bible can bring a sense of depth and spiritual connection to a wedding ceremony, making it a truly memorable and meaningful occasion.
Why is 1 Corinthians 13 read at weddings?
One of the most common Biblical passages read at weddings is 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter, commonly referred to as the “Love Chapter,” provides a beautiful and poetic description of love that many couples resonate with. The passage has become a staple in modern Christian wedding ceremonies, even for those who may not regularly attend church.
The chapter begins with the phrase, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” This sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, emphasizing that without love, all other actions are meaningless. Throughout the chapter, love is depicted as patient, kind, not envious or rude, not easily angered, and always persevering.
So, why is 1 Corinthians 13 read at weddings? One reason is that it speaks to the core of marriage itself. Marriage is a covenant relationship based on love and commitment. The couple is committing to love one another through the good and the bad, to be patient and kind, and to persevere in their love for one another. 1 Corinthians 13 highlights these aspects of love, making it a fitting passage to read during a wedding ceremony.
Additionally, the passage goes beyond simply describing romantic or marital love. It speaks to the love that God has for his people and the love that all people are called to have for one another. This universal message resonates with many individuals, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings because it beautifully and poetically describes the love that is at the heart of a marriage. It speaks to the core of the covenant relationship that the couple is entering into and highlights the importance of love, patience, kindness, and perseverance. Its universal message of love resonates with many individuals, making it a fitting passage to include in wedding ceremonies.
What is the Colossians 3 wedding reading?
The Colossians 3 wedding reading is a popular Bible passage that is often included in Christian wedding ceremonies. This passage is taken from the New Testament book of Colossians, which is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colossae. The passage begins with the words, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
In this passage, Paul calls on Christians to embody the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These are all qualities that are essential for a healthy and successful marriage. A compassionate and kind husband or wife is one who is supportive and caring, always ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Humility and meekness are also important qualities to cultivate, as they allow space for the other person’s needs and feelings. Patience is essential in any relationship, as it helps to resolve conflicts and prevent misunderstandings.
The passage goes on to encourage couples to bear with one another and to forgive each other. No marriage is perfect, and conflicts and disagreements are bound to happen. However, a willingness to forgive and work through differences is key to a successful marriage. The passage emphasizes that forgiveness is a core tenet of the Christian faith, and as such, couples should strive to forgive each other just as the Lord has forgiven them.
The Colossians 3 wedding reading is a powerful reminder of the values and virtues that are essential for a successful marriage. Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience are all qualities that couples should strive to cultivate in their relationship, while forgiveness and the ability to work through differences are essential for overcoming challenges and building a strong and lasting bond.
What is a good psalm for a wedding?
Choosing a psalm for a wedding can be a meaningful and spiritual part of the ceremony. The book of Psalms in the Bible contains many passages that are particularly fitting for a wedding, expressing themes of love, commitment, and the blessing of unity.
One of the most popular choices for a wedding psalm is Psalm 23, which emphasizes the love and guidance of God, and can be interpreted as a message of support for the newly married couple as they embark on a new life together. Psalm 45, often known as the “Wedding Psalm,” celebrates the beauty of the bride and the majesty of the king, making it a perfect psalm for a romantic and regal wedding ceremony.
Psalm 103 offers a message of gratitude and praise, thanking God for His blessings and acknowledging the ways in which He is guiding and supporting the couple in their union. Similarly, Psalm 128 speaks to the joys of family life and celebrates the blessings of children, making it a lovely choice for couples who are hoping to grow their family.
Lastly, Psalm 133, a metrical paraphrase, extols the blessing of unity among God’s people, making it the perfect psalm for a wedding that seeks to emphasize the power of love and togetherness.
The choice of psalm for a wedding should reflect the unique preferences and beliefs of the couple, but these psalms offer timeless and meaningful messages that can help to make a wedding ceremony truly special and powerful.
What are the 3 blessings of marriage?
Marriage is a union between two individuals who love and care for each other and are willing to spend their lives together. However, marriage is not just a partnership, but it is also a spiritual act that carries profound significance. According to the Bible, God created marriage, and He has three purposes for it: companionship, procreation, and redemption.
The first blessing of marriage is companionship. In the beginning, God recognized that it is not good for men to be alone, so He created a helper who corresponded to him. When two individuals get married, they become one flesh, and their companionship not only provides love and support, but it also brings joy and fulfillment to their lives. Having someone to share your accomplishments, challenges, and emotions with is a blessing that cannot be measured. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
The second blessing of marriage is procreation. Through marriage, God blessed mankind with the ability to reproduce and expand His creation. Procreation is a gift from God, and it is a vital purpose of marriage that strengthens the bond between two individuals. The Bible says in Genesis 1:27-28, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'”
The third and final blessing of marriage is redemption. Marriage is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. It shows God’s redeeming love for mankind, and it reminds us of our responsibility to love and serve one another. Through marriage, couples have the opportunity to grow in faith and become more like Christ as they learn to submit to one another and sacrifice for each other’s sake. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:25-27, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”
Marriage is not just a union between two people; it is also a sacred act that carries profound significance. God has three purposes for marriage: companionship, procreation, and redemption. These purposes are still relevant today and are essential for a healthy society. When couples focus on these blessings, they can create a strong foundation for their marriage that will last a lifetime.
What is Ephesians 5 22?
Ephesians 5:22 is a verse in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The verse is part of a larger passage that discusses how Christians should live in a way that reflects their faith. In this particular verse, the author instructs wives to be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord.
The passage goes on to explain that the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church. This comparison is significant in that it reinforces the idea that marriage is a sacred covenant that should be treated with the utmost reverence.
The passage does not suggest that women are inferior to men or that men should have complete control over their wives. Rather, it emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and love within the marriage relationship.
It’s worth noting that this verse and the larger passage it is a part of can be difficult for modern readers to interpret. Some feel that the language used is patriarchal and outdated. Others argue that the passage is still relevant in today’s world and that it teaches important values like love, respect, and selflessness.
Regardless of how one interprets it, it’s clear that Ephesians 5:22 has been a deeply influential passage in the Christian tradition. It has been the subject of countless sermons, books, and articles, and has shaped the way many people think about marriage and relationships.
