When physical intimacy fades in marriage, it can create distance and misunderstandings between partners. The Bible addresses the role of sex within marriage, highlighting its importance for a healthy bond and mutual satisfaction. According to Scripture, intimacy between husband and wife is not only for procreation but also a way to strengthen their relationship. Through understanding the Bible’s perspective, couples can explore ways to bring affection and closeness back, helping to restore connection and understanding in their marriage.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Talking Behind People’s Back
What Does The Bible Say About No Sex In 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 emphasizes the importance of sexual intimacy within the boundaries of marriage. It highlights the need for each individual to have a committed partner to fulfill their sexual desires, thereby avoiding the temptation of sexual immorality.
Marriage provides a safe and fulfilling environment for the expression of sexual intimacy, promoting the physical, emotional, and spiritual connection between husband and wife.
1 Corinthians 7:5
“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 verse highlights the importance of regular sexual intimacy between spouses. It urges couples not to withhold themselves from each other, except for a mutually agreed-upon period of abstaining for spiritual purposes.
By continuing to have a healthy sexual relationship, couples safeguard themselves against temptation and promote a stronger bond in their 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 passage encourages husbands to delight in their wives’ physical attributes and to find joy and satisfaction in their marital relationship.
It emphasizes the beauty and excitement of sexual love within the context of a committed marriage, promoting a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and lifelong affection.
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 calls for all to honor and respect the commitment and intimacy shared between husband and wife.
By keeping the marriage bed undefiled, couples demonstrate their obedience to God’s commandments and avoid the judgment that awaits those who engage in sexual immorality and adultery.
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 metaphorically portrays sexual intimacy in marriage as a personal and exclusive source of satisfaction. It encourages individuals to find fulfillment within their marriage and not seek gratification outside of it.
Being faithful and content in one’s own marriage helps to build trust, protect the sanctity of the marital bond, and maintain a healthy intimate 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 highlights the seriousness of sexual immorality and the need to flee from it. It emphasizes that sexual sins, in particular, have a unique impact as they defile the body, which is meant to be a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
As believers, we are reminded to honor God with our bodies, understanding that we were bought with the precious price of Christ’s sacrifice. By abstaining from sexual immorality, we glorify God and demonstrate our commitment to living a holy and righteous life.
Song of Solomon 4:9-10
“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. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!”
In this poetic passage, the love and desire between a husband and wife are beautifully depicted. It celebrates the captivating nature of love and affirms the superiority of marital intimacy over worldly pleasures.
It signifies the incredible connection and depth of love that can be experienced within the bond of marriage, reflecting God’s design for human relationships.
Proverbs 5:20
“Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?”
This verse serves as a warning against the consequences of engaging in sexual relationships outside of marriage. It urges individuals to resist the allure of forbidden relationships that lead to sin and destruction.
By focusing on the beauty and fulfillment found within one’s own marriage, the temptation to seek sexual satisfaction elsewhere can be overcome, preserving the sanctity and integrity of the marital union.
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.”
This verse directs believers to live a sanctified life, set apart from the immorality of the world. It emphasizes the need to abstain from sexual immorality and exercise self-control in honoring one’s body.
By living in accordance with God’s will and embracing sexual purity within marriage, we demonstrate our commitment to holiness and bring glory to Him who has called us to a higher standard.
Proverbs 6:32
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”
This verse highlights the destructive consequences of adultery. It warns against the lack of wisdom involved in engaging in extramarital affairs, emphasizing the harm that it brings to oneself.
By understanding the detrimental effects of adultery, individuals are encouraged to safeguard their marriages, cherishing the exclusive bond they share with their spouse.
Ephesians 5:3
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.”
This verse calls believers to live a life that is distinct from the immorality of the world. It exhorts us to refrain from any form of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed, emphasizing the need for holiness in our conduct.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be a shining example of purity and righteousness, reflecting God’s character and bringing honor to our identity as saints.
Matthew 5:28
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
In this verse, Jesus addresses the issue of lust and its connection to the sin of adultery. He emphasizes that the thoughts and intentions of our hearts matter before God.
By recognizing the gravity of lustful thoughts and actively guarding our hearts and minds, we can strive to maintain purity in our thoughts, honoring our marriage vows and preserving the sanctity of our relationships.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not meant for sexual immorality but rather for the service and glory of the Lord. It emphasizes that our bodies are intimately connected to our relationship with Christ.
By understanding the purpose and value of our bodies, we can appreciate the significance of maintaining sexual purity and honoring God in our physical actions.
Proverbs 7:6-7
“For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense.”
In this passage, a cautionary tale is presented about a young man lacking wisdom who falls into the trap of sexual temptation. It serves as a reminder to be vigilant and discerning in the face of allurements.
By learning from the mistakes of others, we can guard ourselves against the pitfalls of sexual immorality and make wise choices that honor God and protect our marriages.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the urgency of fleeing from sexual immorality. It highlights that such sin affects not only our spirit but also our physical bodies.
By actively avoiding situations and temptations that can lead to sexual immorality, we keep ourselves pure and preserve the integrity of our bodies as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 6:27-29
“Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes into his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished.”
This verse uses vivid illustrations to convey the inevitable consequences of adultery. Just as fire burns and hot coals scorch, engaging in an extramarital relationship will lead to negative repercussions.
By recognizing the destructive outcomes of infidelity, we are encouraged to remain faithful to our spouses and protect the sanctity of our marriages.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
In this verse, believers are instructed to put to death the sinful desires and inclinations of the flesh, including sexual immorality, impurity, and evil desires.
By actively seeking to eliminate these behaviors from our lives and surrendering them to God, we display our commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Him and in accordance with His Word.
Galatians 5:16
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse reminds believers of the importance of walking in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us in resisting the desires of the flesh, including sexual immorality.
By relying on the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance, we can overcome temptations and live in a manner that is pleasing to God, upholding the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity.
1 Corinthians 7:1
“Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: ‘It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.'”
This verse acknowledges the question concerning abstaining from sexual relations, indicating that there were differing views among the Corinthians. However, it is important to understand this verse within its specific context and not as a general command or prohibition.
The larger passage goes on to address the importance of sexual fulfillment within marriage, indicating that it is good and appropriate for married couples to engage in sexual relations as a means of maintaining a healthy, loving bond.
Song of Solomon 2:7
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
This verse encourages individuals to exercise restraint and wisdom in matters of love and sexuality. It advises against rushing or awakening romantic emotions prematurely.
By waiting for the appropriate time and context, such as marriage, we can enjoy the fullness and beauty of God’s gift of physical intimacy within the boundaries He has established.
Proverbs 5:21
“For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.”
This verse reminds us that God sees and knows everything, including our actions and choices, particularly in the realm of sexuality. It emphasizes that we cannot hide from Him.
Understanding that God is aware of our lives and choices should motivate us to live in a manner that aligns with His will, including honoring the sacredness of marriage and displaying sexual integrity.
Romans 13:13
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”
This verse urges believers to live lives characterized by moral and honorable behavior. It specifically highlights the need to abstain from sexual immorality and sensuality, and instead, walk in a manner that reflects the light of Christ.
By living in a way that is pleasing to God and refraining from indulging in sinful behaviors, we demonstrate our commitment to following His teachings and upholding the sanctity of marriage.
Matthew 19:5-6
“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 verse emphasizes the divine institution of marriage and the sacred bond it creates between a husband and wife. It declares that, once united in marriage, the two individuals become one flesh.
By recognizing the permanence and significance of this union, we are motivated to honor and cherish our spouses, including abstaining from any form of sexual immorality that seeks to dilute or disrupt this sacred union.