The Bible presents caring for one's wife as a central duty for husbands, most explicitly in the New Testament epistles, though the theme recurs throughout Scripture.
Ephesians 5:25-29 is the most cited passage: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church." This calls husbands to a sacrificial, self-giving love modeled on Christ's love for the church, and frames caring for a wife as caring for one's own body since the two are described as "one flesh."
1 Peter 3:7 instructs husbands to "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." This ties honoring one's wife directly to a healthy spiritual life, suggesting neglect or disrespect has spiritual consequences.
Colossians 3:19 simply states: "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them," warning against bitterness or harsh treatment.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4 speaks of mutual obligation, including physical intimacy, describing spouses as having authority over each other's bodies — implying mutual care and consideration rather than one-sided demands.
Old Testament wisdom literature also touches on this theme: Proverbs 31 praises a virtuous wife and implies a husband's role in valuing her ("Her husband has full confidence in her... she is worth far more than rubies"), while Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages a man to "enjoy life with your wife, whom you love."
Across these texts, common threads emerge: sacrificial love, respect, gentleness, provision, and treating one's wife as an equal partner and "heir" in spiritual matters — not as property or subordinate in worth. Interpretations of related passages about headship and submission vary widely among denominations and theologians, and readers seeking doctrinal guidance often consult pastors or theological resources for deeper context.