Intimacy in marriage is cherished in the Bible as a gift from God. The scriptures discuss the importance of love, commitment, and closeness between spouses. This bond not only strengthens marriages but also reflects the love God has for us. The Bible’s view on marital intimacy highlights respect, love, and unity as essential parts of a healthy relationship.
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What Does The Bible Say About Intimacy In Marriage
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 highlights the intimate union between a husband and wife, emphasizing the commitment to leave their respective families and become united as one.
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 poetic verse showcases the deep emotional and physical connection between spouses, expressing the admiration and captivation they feel towards each other.
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 importance of mutual and regular sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage, highlighting its role in strengthening the bond between spouses and guarding against temptation.
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 poetic verse encourages husbands to find joy and satisfaction in their wives’ physical beauty and to fully embrace the love and intimacy they share.
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 emphasizes the significance of the marital relationship in providing a healthy outlet for sexual desires, thereby guarding against the temptation of engaging in sexual immorality.
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 underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of keeping the marital relationship pure and free from any form of sexual immorality.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse celebrates the blessing of finding a life partner and highlights the favor and grace that come from the Lord as a result of entering into a marital relationship.
Malachi 2:14-15
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
This passage admonishes those who have been unfaithful to their spouses, reminding them that God is a witness to their marital covenant and the importance of remaining faithful to their partners.
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 metaphorical passage urges husbands and wives to find fulfillment in each other’s intimacy and to guard against seeking satisfaction outside of their marital relationship.
Ephesians 5:22-33
“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. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her […] Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
This passage speaks to the mutual submission and sacrificial love that should exist between husbands and wives, fostering an environment of intimacy, trust, and respect within the marital relationship.
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.”
This verse highlights the importance of husbands treating their wives with understanding, honor, and respect, recognizing their equal standing as heirs of God’s grace and ensuring that their prayers remain unhindered.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This proverb emphasizes the significant role a virtuous and supportive wife plays in bringing joy, honor, and fulfillment to her husband and illustrates the negative impact of a spouse who brings shame and dishonor to the marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
This famous passage on love applies to the marital relationship as well, emphasizing the qualities of selflessness, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and endurance that should characterize a husband and wife’s love for each other.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages spouses to prioritize their love for each other, recognizing that a genuine and deep love has the power to forgive and overlook each other’s shortcomings and mistakes.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
This passage extols the value of a virtuous and trustworthy wife, emphasizing her role in bringing prosperity, security, and lifelong support to her husband.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”
This verse encourages husbands to find joy and contentment in their relationship with their wives, recognizing that the union of marriage is a gift from God that should be cherished and enjoyed throughout their lives.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This proverb emphasizes the divine providence of a wise and discerning wife, highlighting the invaluable blessing she is to her husband and their marriage.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.’”
This passage beautifully depicts the deep loyalty, dedication, and devotion between Ruth and her husband, highlighting the lasting commitment spouses should have towards each other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
This passage emphasizes the strength and support found in the marital bond, highlighting the benefits of companionship, unity, and resilience that arise from a husband and wife’s partnership.
1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
This verse encourages spouses to cultivate a love that is deeply rooted in God’s love, recognizing that it is through God’s love that they can truly love and know each other.
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
This verse emphasizes the pivotal role of love in maintaining unity and harmony within the marital relationship, serving as the foundation for all other aspects of marriage.
Proverbs 20:6-7
“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”
This proverb encourages husbands to not only profess their love but also to demonstrate faithfulness and integrity, recognizing the lasting positive impact their character and fidelity will have on their children and future generations.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This proverb highlights the influential role a wise and virtuous wife plays in building a strong and loving home, while also cautioning against the destructive consequences of negative attitudes and actions within marriage.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
This verse reinforces the sacredness and permanence of the marital union, emphasizing that the bond formed by God should be held in the highest regard and protected from any attempts to separate or dissolve it.
In the sacred institution of marriage, intimacy plays a pivotal role in fostering a deep and profound connection between husband and wife. These Bible verses explore different aspects of intimacy within marriage, highlighting the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual unity. From the joy and satisfaction found in marital intimacy to the mutual submission, sacrificial love, and fidelity required in a healthy marriage, these verses provide guidance and encouragement for couples seeking to strengthen and nourish their bond. The verses also emphasize the divine origin of marriage and the need to honor, cherish, and protect this sacred union. Ultimately, intimacy in marriage reflects the divine love and intimacy between God and His people, serving as a testament to the beauty and purpose of marital relationships.