The role of a husband in a Christian marriage is one of sacrificial leadership, spiritual headship, and loving provision. Scripture clearly outlines the responsibilities of the husband within the marital relationship.
Paul instructs:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)
This love is not passive or self-serving. It mirrors the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ. The husband is called to nourish, cherish, and lead his wife spiritually:
“So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28)
He must not be harsh or domineering:
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.” (Colossians 3:19)
Instead, he is to dwell with his wife with understanding, honoring her as a co-heir of grace:
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
The husband’s headship is not about superiority, but order and responsibility. He will give account before God for how he leads his home.
His role includes provision:
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
Ultimately, a Christian husband is called to reflect Christ in word, action, and attitude. Laying down his life in love, leading with humility, and pointing his household toward the Lord.
