Physical touch is an important part of relationships, but what does the Bible say about it before marriage? Scripture offers guidance on purity, respect, and boundaries in relationships. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about physical intimacy and its role before marriage.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About planting seeds
What Does The Bible Say About physical touch before marriage
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse emphasizes the sacredness and exclusivity of the physical union between a husband and wife within the covenant of marriage. It reminds us that God’s design for sexual intimacy is within the boundaries of marriage alone.
As a Christian, it is important to honor and respect this biblical principle by abstaining from any physical touch that is reserved for marriage. Engaging in premarital physical intimacy not only goes against God’s plan, but it can also lead to emotional and spiritual consequences. Waiting until marriage to engage in physical affection allows for the full expression of love and commitment within the covenant of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse urges believers to flee from sexual immorality. It reminds us that sexual sins, including premarital physical intimacy, have significant consequences, not only in the eyes of God but also in damaging our own bodies and wellbeing.
Choosing to abstain from physical touch before marriage is an act of obedience to God’s command to honor our bodies as His temple. It allows us to avoid the guilt, shame, and emotional baggage that can often accompany sexual sin. By upholding the biblical standard of purity, we can experience the joy and fulfillment God intends for us within the confines of a committed marital relationship.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
This passage highlights God’s desire for believers to live lives that are set apart and holy, including in the area of sexual purity. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and learning to honor God with our bodies.
Waiting until marriage for physical touch shows obedience to God’s will for purity and demonstrates respect for our future spouse. It allows us to develop self-discipline and cultivates a deeper trust in God’s timing, knowing that His plans for our relationships are perfect and that His ways are higher than our own.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
This verse highlights the importance of honoring the institution of marriage and keeping the marriage bed pure. It serves as a reminder that God takes our sexual purity seriously and that there will be consequences for those who engage in sexual immorality.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage aligns with God’s desire for us to respect the sanctity of marriage and uphold the purity of the marriage covenant. It allows us to enter into marriage with a clean conscience and avoid the potential complications that can arise from engaging in premarital physical intimacy.
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of sexual sin, including adultery. It points out the lack of wisdom and understanding of someone who engages in such immoral acts.
Choosing to abstain from physical touch before marriage protects us from the devastating consequences of sexual immorality. It helps us guard our hearts, minds, and bodies, preserving ourselves for the lifelong commitment of marriage. By making this choice, we demonstrate wisdom and understanding, seeking to honor God in our relationships and maintain our own integrity.
Ephesians 5:3
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”
This verse calls believers to maintain a standard of holiness and purity in every aspect of their lives, including their thoughts and behaviors concerning sex.
Avoiding physical touch before marriage aligns with God’s standard of purity, reflecting our commitment to live as holy people set apart for His purposes. By choosing to abstain from premarital physical intimacy, we demonstrate our desire to honor God’s commandments and exhibit a genuine reverence for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
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 acknowledges the reality of sexual temptation and provides a solution within the context of marriage. It affirms that God’s design for sexual intimacy is meant to be expressed exclusively within the marriage relationship.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we actively resist the temptation to engage in premarital sexual activity. Trusting in God’s timing and His plan for marriage, we prepare ourselves to enter into a committed relationship where the intimacy and physical touch will be fully enjoyed and blessed according to His design.
1 Corinthians 6:13
“You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.’ The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies, including our physical desires and expressions, were created with a purpose – to glorify God. It emphasizes that our bodies were not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord.
By choosing to refrain from physical touch before marriage, we align our actions with God’s intended purpose for our bodies. This decision allows us to direct our sexuality towards honoring and pleasing God, recognizing that He has a higher and more fulfilling plan for our relationships than what the world may offer.
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse encourages believers to live in alignment with the Holy Spirit, allowing His guidance to lead them away from fulfilling the sinful desires of the flesh.
Choosing to abstain from physical touch before marriage requires a reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power to strengthen us and help us resist temptation. It becomes an opportunity to grow in spiritual maturity and deepen our relationship with God as we seek His strength to overcome the desires of the flesh.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.”
This passage uses the metaphor of water to symbolize sexual intimacy and encourages believers to reserve this intimate act for marriage alone. It emphasizes the importance of keeping physical touch within the boundaries of a committed marital relationship.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we honor this biblical principle and choose to keep the intimate expressions of love reserved for our future spouse alone. This decision fosters trust, respect, and deepens the bond within the marriage relationship, creating a foundation of faithfulness and exclusivity.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Jesus raises the bar of righteousness by emphasizing the significance of our thoughts and intentions. He reveals that harboring lustful thoughts is equivalent to committing adultery in the eyes of God.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we strive to maintain purity not only in action but also in our thoughts and desires. This choice promotes a healthy and godly perspective on sexuality, cultivating respect for one another’s inherent worth and preventing the objectification of others.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of crucifying the sinful desires of our earthly nature, including immoral sexual acts, impure thoughts, and lustful desires.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage aligns with this biblical teaching, as it requires us to put to death the sinful desires of the flesh and instead pursue a lifestyle consistent with the renewed nature we have in Christ.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on things that are true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy. It calls us to direct our thoughts towards that which is aligned with God’s standards and values.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we actively pursue a pure and honorable thought life. This choice allows our minds to be captivated by thoughts that glorify God and contribute to our emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse offers comfort and reassurance to believers facing various temptations. It reminds us that God is faithful and will provide the strength to resist temptation and make righteous choices.
Choosing to abstain from physical touch before marriage reflects our trust in God’s faithfulness. It allows us to rely on His strength when faced with moments of temptation, knowing that He will provide a way out and enable us to endure according to His plan.
Psalms 119:9
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the guidance of God’s Word in remaining pure and blameless in our conduct.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage demonstrates our commitment to living according to God’s Word and following His principles for purity. It is a practical expression of our faith and trust in His wisdom and guidance for our lives.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This passage calls believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, dedicating themselves to God’s service and living in a manner that is pleasing to Him. It encourages us to reject the world’s patterns and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage aligns with this call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. It is an act of worship that demonstrates our desire to honor God with our bodies and align our thoughts and actions with His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts, knowing that our actions are influenced by the condition of our hearts.
Choosing to abstain from physical touch before marriage is a practical step in guarding our hearts. It allows us to protect our emotional and spiritual well-being, ensuring that our actions are driven by purity, love, and a sincere desire to honor God in all areas of our lives.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse encourages believers to submit to God and resist the schemes and temptations of the devil. It assures us that when we stand firm against temptation, the enemy will flee from us.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage is an act of submission to God’s commandments and a deliberate choice to resist the devil’s allurements. By making this decision, we actively engage in spiritual warfare, relying on the power of God to help us withstand temptation and overcome any attacks from the enemy.
Proverbs 6:27-28
“Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?”
This passage uses vivid imagery to illustrate the inevitable consequences of engaging in sexual immorality. It warns us of the dangers that come with indulging in sinful desires and actions.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage is a deliberate choice to protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of sexual sin. By honoring God’s design for sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage, we safeguard our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse reminds believers that they are temporary residents in this world and encourages them to abstain from sinful desires that can war against their souls.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we actively resist the sinful desires of the flesh, recognizing that such actions can wage war against our souls. This choice reflects our identity as children of God and our commitment to living according to His standards, even when the world around us may promote a different view of sexuality and relationships.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
This verse warns against the influence of negative company, highlighting how associating with those who engage in sinful behaviors can corrupt our own character.
Abstaining from physical touch before marriage may involve setting boundaries in our relationships and surrounding ourselves with individuals who share our commitment to purity. This decision allows us to maintain our own integrity and be a positive influence to those around us, living out the biblical principles God has entrusted to us.
Proverbs 7:25-27
“Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”
This passage presents a cautionary tale about the consequences of succumbing to the allure of sexual temptation and immorality. It highlights the destruction and devastation that can result from straying away from God’s path of purity.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we choose to avoid the path that leads to potential heartache, regrets, and the consequences of sexual sin. This decision allows us to walk in the freedom and abundant life that God desires for us, protecting ourselves from the ruin that can come from disregarding His commands.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This verse highlights the importance of discerning God’s timing and purpose for every aspect of our lives.
Choosing to abstain from physical touch before marriage reflects our recognition of the appropriate time to engage in sexual intimacy. It involves trusting in God’s timing, aligning our actions with His plan, and preserving the blessings and beauty of physical affection for the covenant of marriage.
Romans 6:12-13
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
This passage reminds believers that as those who have been brought from death to life in Christ, they should no longer allow sin to reign in their bodies. Instead, they are called to offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
By abstaining from physical touch before marriage, we actively resist offering any part of ourselves to sin’s destructive desires. We choose to present our bodies as instruments of righteousness, consecrating our physical affections for the purpose and context of marriage, in obedience to God’s Word.