Monogamy, or being faithful to one partner, is supported in the Bible. Today, we’ll explore why this commitment matters to God and how it strengthens families. Through scripture, we see God’s plan for lasting love and loyalty.
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What Does The Bible Say About Monogamy
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 emphasizes the sacred bond between a husband and wife. It teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment where two individuals become united as one.
Matthew 19:4-6
“He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.””
This passage reaffirms the importance of monogamous marriage by highlighting God’s original design for humanity. It emphasizes that marriage is a divine union and should not be easily broken.
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.”
In this verse, Paul advises believers to pursue monogamous relationships as a way to guard against sexual immorality. It promotes the idea of exclusive commitment within marriage.
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 passage celebrates the joy and satisfaction found in a faithful and loving marital relationship. It encourages spouses to find delight and fulfillment in each other.
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 sanctity of marriage and the importance of maintaining purity within the marital relationship. It warns against sexual immorality and highlights the consequences of such actions.
Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
This verse reiterates the divine establishment of marriage and the unity it brings between husband and wife. It emphasizes the lifelong commitment that should be upheld within the marital covenant.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This verse praises the value of a virtuous and faithful wife in a monogamous marriage. It highlights the blessing and honor that a loving and supportive wife brings to her husband.
Mark 10:9
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Jesus emphasizes the indissolubility of marriage and the sacredness of the marital bond. It teaches that human beings should not seek to tear apart what God has joined together.
Song of Solomon 6:3
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies.”
This verse illustrates the intimate and exclusive connection between two lovers. It portrays the beauty and devotion shared between spouses in a monogamous relationship.
1 Timothy 3:2
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
When outlining the qualifications for church leaders, Paul emphasizes that an overseer should be committed to one spouse. This verse reinforces the importance of monogamy within leadership roles.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
This verse praises the value and rarity of a faithful and virtuous wife. It highlights the immeasurable worth of a woman who exemplifies the qualities of a loving and supportive partner.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse instructs husbands to love their wives unconditionally and treat them with kindness and respect. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing and cherishing the marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“To the married, I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.”
In this verse, Paul addresses the topic of separation and divorce within marriage. He urges spouses to remain committed to their marital covenant and promotes seeking reconciliation rather than dissolution.
Malachi 2:15
“Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of preserving the marital union and remaining faithful to one’s spouse. It highlights the significance of raising godly children within the context of a monogamous marriage.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse recognizes the blessing and favor that comes from finding a suitable and faithful wife. It affirms the value and significance of a monogamous marital relationship in the eyes of God.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
This verse addresses the topic of remarriage after the death of a spouse. It affirms that a widow is free to remarry, but emphasizes the importance of choosing a spouse who shares the same faith.
Proverbs 31:11
“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.”
This verse highlights the trust and confidence that a husband should place in his faithful wife. It emphasizes the mutual support and unity within a monogamous 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 depicts Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. It exemplifies the devotion and faithfulness that should characterize marital relationships.
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.”
Jesus addresses the issue of adultery by emphasizing the importance of purity of heart. He teaches that faithfulness in marriage extends beyond physical actions and encompasses one’s thoughts and intentions.
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
This verse establishes the order and authority within the marital relationship. It emphasizes the husband’s responsibility as the head of the family, highlighting the importance of mutual submission and respect.
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 encourages spouses to find satisfaction within their own marital relationship and not seek fulfillment outside of it. It promotes exclusive commitment and fidelity.
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 instructs husbands to treat their wives with understanding, honor, and respect. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a harmonious and loving relationship within marriage.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.”
This poetic passage describes the power and intensity of love within a faithful marriage. It portrays the unbreakable bond between husband and wife, demonstrating the depth of commitment and devotion.
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. It highlights that a suitable spouse is a gift from God and brings blessings to the marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This verse reminds believers of the pivotal role that love plays in relationships, including marriage. It encourages spouses to choose love and forgiveness, promoting unity within the marital bond.
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 verse acknowledges the rarity of finding a truly faithful spouse. It recognizes the blessing that comes from having a righteous and committed partner, highlighting the positive influence it has on the family.
Matthew 19:5
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
This verse reiterates the importance of leaving behind previous familial attachments and clinging to one’s spouse. It underscores the unity and exclusivity of the marital relationship.