Scripture to help you write promises shaped by commitment, love and faithfulness.
Writing vows is less about finding a perfect sentence and more about naming the life you intend to build. Let scripture supply a sturdy image—a journey, a bond, a promise—then add the details only you and your partner know. Read each passage aloud, notice its rhythm, and keep the line that sounds natural in your voice. These KJV and WEB selections can open your vows, support a personal promise, or become a refrain you repeat at the altar. Keep your final vows specific, gracious and short enough to be heard by everyone in the room.
Use these passages when your vows need the language of a deliberate, lasting choice.
Ruth 1:16–17
KJV
Whither thou goest, I will go… thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.
WEB
Where you go, I will go… Your people will be my people, and your God my God.
Borrow the journey image, then name one real place or season you will face together.
Joshua 24:15
KJV
As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
WEB
As for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.
A strong line for vows that include shared spiritual practice.
Hosea 2:19–20
KJV
I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness… and thou shalt know the LORD.
WEB
I will betroth you to me forever… in loving kindness and in compassion… and you will know Yahweh.
Use selectively as a poetic promise, with your officiant’s guidance.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
KJV
Charity suffereth long, and is kind… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
WEB
Love is patient and is kind… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Turn one quality into a concrete promise: “I will practice patience when…”
Colossians 3:14
KJV
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
WEB
Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
A memorable closing line after your personal promises.
1 John 4:7
KJV
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God.
WEB
Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God.
Use as an opening invitation to love beyond the two of you.
Proverbs 3:3–4
KJV
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee… write them upon the table of thine heart.
WEB
Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you… Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Connect mercy and truth to a promise about how you will handle conflict.
Hebrews 13:4
KJV
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled.
WEB
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled.
A brief covenant reading for a traditional service.
Read the verse first, then explain in one sentence why it matters to your relationship. Follow with a specific promise—how you will listen, repair, celebrate or serve. You can quote a full line, paraphrase its image, or use the reference as a quiet epigraph. Keep your own voice at the center.
Ruth 1:16–17 is a natural fit for lifelong partnership, while 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 describes the daily habits that make love durable. Colossians 3:14 offers a concise closing line. The best choice is the one you can explain honestly and live out after the ceremony.
One to three sentences is usually enough. A short quotation leaves room for your personal promises and keeps the ceremony moving. If a longer passage is important, ask the officiant to read it as a separate ceremony reading, then echo one phrase in your vows.
Yes. KJV carries a formal cadence and WEB is easier for many guests to understand. For a polished service, choose one translation for the spoken vows and list both in your program or on your website. Always label the translation beside the reference.