Sex in marriage is a gift from God meant to strengthen the bond between husband and wife. Today, we’ll see what the Bible teaches about this sacred and beautiful part of marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sex In A Marriage
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
This verse teaches that sexual intimacy is designed to be enjoyed within the confines of marriage, as a way to avoid falling into sexual immorality. It promotes the idea of each individual having their own spouse, emphasizing faithfulness and exclusivity in the marriage relationship.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
This passage celebrates the joy and pleasure of sexual intimacy within marriage. It encourages husbands to find delight in their wives and to be constantly filled with their love, recognizing the beauty and grace of their spouses.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Here, the importance of honoring the institution of marriage is highlighted. The marriage bed is to be kept pure and free from any form of sexual immorality or infidelity, as it is considered a sacred and holy space. This verse also emphasizes the accountability individuals have in their sexual conduct.
Song of Solomon 4:9
“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.”
This verse portrays the deep emotional and physical attraction that exists between a husband and wife. It celebrates the profound connection and affection within a marital relationship, acknowledging the power of love and desire.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This passage emphasizes the mutual responsibility and authority that spouses have over each other’s bodies. It encourages regular sexual intimacy within marriage, while also recognizing the importance of prayer and devotion. The verse acknowledges that intentional periods of abstinence can be agreed upon, but it is vital to maintain a healthy sexual relationship.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse calls believers to flee from sexual immorality and to recognize the sacredness of their bodies. It reminds us that as followers of Christ, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with honor and respect. Glorifying God in our bodies includes maintaining sexual purity within the boundaries of marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-23
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.”
While this verse primarily speaks to the roles within marriage, it indirectly implies the importance of sexual intimacy within the context of submission and mutual respect. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ, and husbands are to love their wives sacrificially.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse acknowledges the blessing in finding a spouse and affirms the favor that comes from the Lord. It implies that within the marital relationship, including sexual intimacy, there is a divine blessing and favor that accompanies it.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
While this verse primarily addresses how husbands should treat their wives, it implies the importance of maintaining a healthy and respectful marital relationship. A healthy sexual relationship is part of honoring and understanding one another, ultimately leading to unhindered prayers.
Exodus 20:14
“You shall not commit adultery.”
This commandment makes it clear that sexual relationships outside the bounds of marriage are forbidden. It reiterates the significance of faithfulness and exclusivity within the sacred institution of marriage.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This passage highlights that sexual purity extends beyond physical actions and includes the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Jesus emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s mind and heart against lustful thoughts or desires, reinforcing the need for sexual purity within marriage.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
These verses emphasize the significance of sexual purity, urging believers to abstain from any form of sexual immorality. They highlight the need for self-control and maintaining holiness and honor in one’s sexual conduct, distinguishing believers from those who do not know God.
1 Corinthians 7:9
“But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
This verse acknowledges the innate human sexual desire and encourages those struggling with self-control to consider marriage as a solution. It recognizes that marriage provides a healthy outlet for sexual desire, helping individuals avoid falling into sin.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse describes the establishment of marriage as an exclusive union between a man and a woman. It signifies the intimate bond that is formed within marriage, including the physical aspect of becoming one flesh, which encompasses sexual intimacy.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.”
This passage uses the metaphor of water to illustrate the importance of marital fidelity and sexual exclusivity. It encourages individuals to find satisfaction within their own spouse and not seek sexual gratification elsewhere.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse emphasizes that our bodies are not meant for sexual immorality but for honoring the Lord. It highlights the importance of using our bodies, including our sexuality, in a way that aligns with God’s purposes and brings glory to Him.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse recognizes the significance of a wise and virtuous wife, highlighting that she is a blessing from the Lord. It indirectly acknowledges the importance of a healthy sexual relationship within marriage, as part of the overall blessings of a godly spouse.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring marriage and keeping the marriage bed pure and undefiled. It warns of God’s judgment upon those who engage in sexual immorality or commit adultery, underlining the seriousness of such actions.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
These words from Paul encourage believers to actively avoid sexual immorality. It highlights the unique nature of this sin, as it directly impacts one’s own body. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sexual purity and the need to guard against temptation.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage lists sexual immorality as one of the works of the flesh. It serves as a warning that those who persist in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. It reaffirms the importance of sexual purity and the need to live according to the Spirit rather than the desires of the flesh.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
This verse calls believers to put to death the earthly desires within them, including sexual immorality. It emphasizes the need to reject impurity, evil desires, and covetousness, recognizing that such attitudes are considered idolatry. It serves as a reminder to live in accordance with God’s standards of holiness.
Romans 13:13-14
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
This passage encourages believers to live lives of virtue and intentionally avoid participating in behaviors associated with sexual immorality. It stresses the importance of walking in the light and not succumbing to the temptations of the flesh, but instead clothing oneself with Christ.