The Bible is clear about its teachings on marriage—describing it as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. Open marriage, where partners are not exclusively committed, goes against the biblical ideal of faithfulness and the deep spiritual bond that marriage is meant to reflect.
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What Does The Bible Say About Open 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 emphasizes the sacredness of the marital bond between a man and a woman. It affirms the principle of exclusivity and commitment in marriage, offering no room for the concept of open marriage.
God’s intention for marriage is for a man and a woman to come together as one, forsaking all others. Open marriage goes against this foundational principle, undermining the unity and fidelity that God desires within the marriage covenant.
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 speaks to the importance of each spouse having their own exclusive relationship within the bounds of marriage. It promotes faithfulness and monogamy as a safeguard against sexual immorality.
An open marriage contradicts this teaching, as it allows for multiple partners outside the marital relationship, potentially leading to the temptation of sexual immorality and straying from God’s design for marriage.
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.””
Jesus reaffirms the divine intention for marriage, insisting on the exclusive union between one man and one woman. He emphasizes that once married, they become one flesh, symbolizing the deep unity and commitment between the couple.
This verse clearly establishes that marriage was designed by God to be a permanent union between two individuals, making the idea of an open marriage contradictory to the biblical understanding of this sacred institution.
Proverbs 5:15-18
“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. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
This passage encourages marital faithfulness and guards against seeking pleasure outside of one’s own spouse. It portrays the idea of enjoying and cherishing the exclusive connection with one’s partner.
An open marriage would contradict this wisdom, diminishing the significance of the marital bond and promoting behavior that is contrary to the commitment and fidelity God calls couples to uphold.
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 sacredness of marriage and maintains that the marriage bed should remain pure and undefiled. It highlights God’s standard of holiness and warns of His judgment for those who engage in sexually immoral behavior, including adultery.
An open marriage violates the sanctity of marriage and compromises the principle of the marital bed being kept pure, as it allows for multiple partners and sexual encounters outside the boundaries of the marriage covenant.
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 unity between husband and wife, highlighting the divine purpose of their union. It stresses the importance of faithfulness and warns against being unfaithful to one’s spouse.
An open marriage undermines the unity and faithfulness that God desires, potentially leading to the breakdown of the family unit and hindering the fulfillment of God’s desire for godly offspring.
1 Corinthians 6:16
“Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh.’”
In this verse, the apostle Paul brings attention to the profound significance of sexual intimacy within the context of marriage. He draws a parallel between the union in marriage and the unity formed through sexual relations.
An open marriage, which allows for sexual connections outside of the marital relationship, contradicts the principle of marital unity and diminishes the sanctity of the marriage bond as expressed through sexual intimacy.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse calls husbands to love their wives and treat them with kindness and gentleness. It reflects the biblical directive for husbands to honor and cherish their wives as an expression of Christ-like love.
An open marriage would introduce complexity and potential harm to the relationship, highlighting the importance of exclusivity and emotional safety within the marriage covenant.
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul advises younger widows to remarry and fulfill their responsibilities as wives and mothers. It reflects the biblical norm of marriage as a context for nurturing and raising children in a stable and committed relationship.
An open marriage detracts from the stability and security necessary for healthy family dynamics, potentially leading to the compromise of raising children in an environment that deviates from God’s design for the family.
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 significance of a virtuous and loyal wife who brings honor and joy to her husband. It highlights the importance of trust, fidelity, and commitment within the marital relationship.
In an open marriage, trust and fidelity may be compromised, undermining the strength and happiness of the marital bond. It can lead to feelings of shame and brokenness, contradicting God’s desire for a healthy and flourishing 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.”
Jesus elevates the standard of righteousness regarding adultery, teaching that it is not only the physical act but also the condition of the heart. He emphasizes the importance of purity in thought and intention.
An open marriage may expose individuals to temptations and opportunities for lustful desires, undermining the call to purity and faithfulness in both heart and actions as taught by Jesus.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse calls husbands to sacrificially love their wives, exemplifying the selfless love that Christ demonstrated for the church. It emphasizes the significance of husbands caring for, protecting, and cherishing their wives.
An open marriage introduces complexity and potential harm to the relationship, creating an environment that contradicts the sacrificial love that husbands are called to display within their marriages.
Proverbs 6:32-35
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.”
This passage strongly condemns adultery and highlights the severe consequences that can result from it. It warns of the destruction, wounds, and dishonor that follow such actions.
An open marriage, with its allowance for multiple sexual relationships, may lead to feelings of jealousy, betrayal, and emotional harm, illustrating the potential negative repercussions that such a lifestyle can have on both individuals and the marriage itself.
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 intimacy and delight that should be shared within the marital relationship. It encourages husbands to find satisfaction and fulfillment in their wives, emphasizing the importance of exclusivity and enjoyment of one another.
An open marriage deviates from this teaching, risking a devaluation of the marital bond and potential discontentment, as it allows for seeking pleasure and satisfaction from sources outside of the spouse.
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 highlights the rarity and value of true faithfulness within human relationships. It underscores the blessing and positive impact that comes from living a life of integrity and commitment.
An open marriage does not align with the concept of faithfulness and may lead to broken trust, emotional pain, and discord within the family, hindering the blessings that can flow from a faithful and committed marriage.
Matthew 5:31-32
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and emphasizes the gravity of the commitment made in marriage. He teaches that, apart from sexual immorality, divorcing one’s spouse and entering into subsequent marriages would be considered adultery.
In the context of open marriage, the potential for multiple partners outside the marital relationship raises ethical concerns and questions the faithfulness and commitment that Jesus upholds within the marriage covenant.
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.”
The apostle Paul addresses the importance of mutual satisfaction and a healthy sexual relationship within marriage. He emphasizes the principle of shared authority over one another’s bodies and encourages regular intimacy to avoid temptations.
An open marriage may undermine the shared authority, exclusivity, and regularity of sexual fulfillment that Paul advocates. It could introduce unnecessary complexities and may increase the potential for temptation and lack of self-control.
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 virtues of an excellent wife, emphasizing her worth, trustworthiness, and the positive impact she has on her husband’s life. It highlights the importance of a healthy, loving, and faithful marital relationship.
An open marriage introduces possible harm to the trust, security, and well-being of the marital relationship, detracting from the blessings that can be found in a committed and faithful wife.
Proverbs 31:28
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
This verse depicts the respect, honor, and praise that a diligent and virtuous wife receives from her children and husband. It affirms the value of a faithful and committed wife within the family structure.
An open marriage may compromise the stability, trust, and admiration that a wife receives from her husband and children as it may lead to confusion, emotional distance, and potential harm to the family unit.
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 provides guidance for husbands to treat their wives with understanding, respect, and honor. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and cherishing one’s spouse within the marriage relationship.
An open marriage introduces complexity and potential harm to the relationship, creating an environment that contradicts the instruction to honor and care for one’s wife and can hinder a healthy spiritual life.
1 Corinthians 7:33
“But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife.”
Paul acknowledges the concerns and responsibilities that come with marriage, including the desire to please one’s spouse. This verse recognizes the importance of prioritizing the well-being and happiness of one’s spouse within the marital relationship.
An open marriage, with its allowance for multiple partners, may lead to divided attention and emotional distancing, potentially compromising the ability to wholeheartedly prioritize and please one’s spouse.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This proverb highlights that a wise and virtuous wife is a gift from God. It underscores the value and importance of a faithful and committed spouse within the marital relationship.
An open marriage may diminish the significance of this divine gift, potentially leading to strained relationships, unfulfilled expectations, and the absence of a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
Proverbs 5:20
“Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?”
This verse provides a cautionary warning against seeking intimacy outside of the marriage relationship. It challenges the allure of forbidden relationships, urging individuals to avoid engaging in adultery and promiscuity.
An open marriage, with its allowance for multiple partners, may lead to the embracing of such temptations and contribute to the breakdown of the marital union and personal morality.