The Bible describes a husband’s role mainly in terms of love, sacrifice, faithfulness, honor, and servant–leadership toward his wife and family.
Love and Sacrifice
Husbands are commanded to love their wives in an active, self‑giving way, modeled on how Christ loves the church, putting their wives’ good ahead of their own comfort or pride. This love includes kindness, gentleness, and refusing bitterness or harshness, even when marriage is difficult.
Leadership and Responsibility
The Bible presents the husband as having a unique responsibility to lead in the home, similar to how Christ leads the church, but that leadership is meant to be servant‑hearted, not selfish or controlling. He is called to care for his wife as he cares for his own body, taking responsibility for decisions and the spiritual direction of the family.
Honor and Understanding
Husbands are told to live with their wives “according to knowledge,” which means paying attention to them, listening, and treating them with honor and respect. Scripture warns that failing to honor a wife can even hinder a husband’s prayers, showing how seriously God takes this attitude.
Faithfulness and Unity
Marriage is described as a “one flesh” union, so a husband is called to be faithful sexually and emotionally, guarding the marriage against adultery and impurity. He is also urged not to abandon or lightly divorce his wife, but to pursue a lifelong covenant of unity and reconciliation where possible.
Provision and Spiritual Care
The Bible expects a husband to provide for his household’s needs and calls neglect of family responsibilities a serious spiritual failure. He is also urged to help lead his children in God’s ways and to encourage a home where Christ is honored, instruction in Scripture is normal, and love shapes discipline.
