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Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Colossians 3:19 · King James Version

Meaning

When the Bible instructs husbands to love their wives and not be bitter against them, it is emphasizing the importance of showing love and kindness towards one's spouse. This verse highlights the need for husbands to treat their wives with respect, affection, and consideration. By loving their wives, husbands are called to prioritize their well-being, happiness, and emotional needs. Additionally, the verse cautions against harboring bitterness towards one's spouse, as bitterness can poison a relationship and create resentment. Instead, husbands are encouraged to communicate openly, resolve conflicts peacefully, and cultivate a loving and harmonious partnership with their wives. Ultimately, this verse underscores the significance of mutual love, understanding, and support within a marriage, fostering a strong and lasting bond between husband and wife.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them," it is important to delve into the context of the passage within which it is situated. This verse, found in the New Testament book of Colossians, emphasizes the importance of mutual love and respect within the marital relationship. The theological interpretation highlights the biblical mandate for husbands to actively demonstrate love towards their wives, mirroring the sacrificial love that Christ has for the Church. This love is meant to be selfless, enduring, and characterized by kindness and compassion. Additionally, the instruction to not be bitter against wives speaks to the need for husbands to guard against harboring negative feelings or resentments towards their spouses, but instead to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and understanding. Through word studies, it becomes evident that the term "bitter" conveys a sense of harshness or acrimony, underscoring the call for husbands to treat their wives with gentleness and grace. In essence, this verse encourages husbands to prioritize love and unity in their marriages, reflecting the love that God has for His people.

Colossians 3:19 in other translations

American Standard Version

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

World English Bible

Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.

Douay-Rheims

Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter towards them.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Husbands, loue your wiues, and be not bitter vnto them.