Celebrating an anniversary is a joyous occasion that marks the passage of time, commitment, and the enduring bond between two individuals. The Bible offers wisdom, guidance, and blessings for marriages.
Here, we present 30 Bible verses accompanied by commentary, each designed to inspire and affirm the love and commitment shared by those celebrating an anniversary.
Bible Verses For Anniversary
Genesis 2:24 (NIV):
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This foundational verse from Genesis highlights the divine institution of marriage and the unity that occurs between husband and wife.
Proverbs 18:22 (NIV):
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse underscores the value of a good wife as a blessing and favor from the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25 (NIV):
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
The sacrificial love of Christ serves as the model for husbands, emphasizing selflessness and devotion.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV):
“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.”
Known as the “Love Chapter,” these verses from Corinthians define the attributes of true love, providing a guide for marital relationships.
Colossians 3:14 (NIV):
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Love is presented as the unifying force that brings together all virtues, creating perfect unity in marriage.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV):
“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. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”
This passage emphasizes the strength and support found in the companionship of two individuals, especially in the context of marriage.
Mark 10:9 (NIV):
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus’ words affirm the sacred nature of the marital union, emphasizing its permanence and divine origin.
1 John 4:12 (NIV):
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
The expression of love in a marital relationship is seen as a tangible manifestation of God’s love.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (NIV):
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
These poetic verses from Song of Solomon vividly describe the enduring and unquenchable nature of love.
Matthew 19:5 (NIV):
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
Jesus reiterates the significance of the unity between husband and wife, emphasizing the divine purpose of marriage.
Romans 12:10 (NIV):
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
The call to devotion and honor within marriage reflects the principles of selflessness and mutual respect.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV):
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
The depth of love is presented as a powerful force that forgives and transcends imperfections.
Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV):
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
This psalm celebrates the blessing of children within the context of a marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (NIV):
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
These verses emphasize mutual responsibility and selflessness in fulfilling each other’s needs within marriage.
Proverbs 31:10 (NIV):
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
The depiction of a wife of noble character underscores her immeasurable value, likening it to precious gems.
Malachi 2:14-15 (NIV):
“The Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.”
These verses emphasize the sacred nature of the marriage covenant and the importance of faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV):
“Do everything in love.”
This concise verse serves as a universal guide for all actions within the context of a marital relationship.
1 Peter 3:7 (NIV):
“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.”
The call for husbands to be considerate and respectful highlights the importance of mutual understanding and partnership.
Proverbs 19:14 (NIV):
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
The emphasis on a prudent wife being a gift from the Lord reinforces the divine role in the union.
Proverbs 31:30 (NIV):
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse celebrates the enduring qualities of a woman who fears the Lord, placing value beyond external appearances.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV):
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Love is elevated as the greatest virtue, surpassing even faith and hope in its significance.
Hebrews 13:4 (NIV):
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
The call to honor marriage and maintain purity in the marital relationship is presented with a solemn reminder of God’s judgment.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV):
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
The principles of humility and selflessness are highlighted as essential for a harmonious marital relationship.
Proverbs 20:6-7 (NIV):
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
The rarity and value of unfailing love are contrasted with the blessings that follow a righteous and blameless life.
Romans 13:10 (NIV):
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Love is presented as the ultimate fulfillment of moral and ethical obligations, fostering a harmonious and caring relationship.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV):
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
The call to do all things for the glory of God extends to every aspect of life, including the marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:23 (NIV):
“Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”
This verse portrays the respect and honor bestowed upon a husband with a virtuous wife.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV):
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The directive to let one’s light shine extends to the marriage relationship, encouraging positive actions that bring glory to God.
Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV):
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
The virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, and love are presented as essential for maintaining unity in marriage.
Also Read: Bible Verses For A Funeral (With Commentary)
1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV):
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”
The prayer for increasing and overflowing love is a fitting conclusion, expressing the desire for a love that extends beyond the marital relationship to others.