Fasting is a common spiritual practice in the Bible, but what about sex during fasting? While the Bible doesn’t explicitly outline rules about sexual relations during fasting, there are principles about self-control and dedication to spiritual disciplines that can guide couples in making personal decisions about this aspect of their lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sex During Fasting
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This verse acknowledges that there may be times when a married couple chooses to abstain from sexual intimacy during fasting, but it also emphasizes the importance of mutual consent. It suggests that the purpose of abstaining is to devote oneself to prayer, highlighting the spiritual focus of fasting. However, it reminds couples to resume sexual intimacy to avoid temptation and maintain self-control.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This verse celebrates the intimate relationship between a husband and wife. It encourages a deep and satisfying sexual connection within marriage, indicating that sexual fulfillment is not only permissible but also desirable. It affirms the importance of experiencing joy and contentment in the marital relationship, including during times of fasting.
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 emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of honoring the marital relationship. It encourages couples to keep their marriage bed pure, indicating that sexual intimacy is a sacred aspect of marriage. It also warns against engaging in adultery or any form of sexual immorality, reminding believers of God’s judgment in such matters.
Song of Solomon 2:6
“His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.”
This poetic verse from the Song of Solomon portrays the physical closeness and intimacy between a husband and wife. It depicts a tender and affectionate embrace, symbolizing the deep emotional connection and physical intimacy that can be experienced within a loving marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of fleeing from any form of sexual immorality. It highlights that sexual sin is unique as it directly affects one’s own body. It reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and have been bought with a price, urging them to honor God by keeping themselves sexually pure.
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 establishes the divine design for marriage, where a man and woman leave their respective families and form a new and intimate union as husband and wife. It signifies the unity and oneness that is shared in the marriage relationship, including the physical and emotional connection that is expressed through sexual intimacy.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“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, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.”
This passage emphasizes God’s will for believers to live in holiness and to abstain from sexual immorality. It encourages self-control and the pursuit of a holy and honorable lifestyle, contrasting it with the lustful desires of those who do not know God. It implies that sexual intimacy within marriage is meant to be a reflection of God’s design and plan.
Ephesians 5:31-32
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.
This verse quotes Genesis 2:24 and adds a spiritual dimension to it. It explains that the marital union between a man and woman exemplifies Christ’s relationship with the Church, where Christ is the bridegroom and the Church is His bride. It deepens the significance of sexual intimacy within marriage, highlighting its representation of the sacred bond between Christ and His followers.
1 Corinthians 7:2-4
“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
This passage addresses the importance of fulfilling each other’s sexual needs within marriage. It emphasizes that husbands and wives have a mutual responsibility to meet one another’s sexual desires and to submit their bodies to each other. It highlights the equality and mutual submission within a marital relationship, including the area of sexual intimacy.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This verse praises the worth and value of a virtuous and trustworthy wife. It signifies the importance of mutual trust and the positive impact a wife can have on her husband’s life. While it may not directly address sexual intimacy during fasting, it sets the foundation of trust and respect within a marriage that can contribute to open communication and understanding regarding sensitive matters such as sexual needs during fasting.
Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and identity in Christ rather than constantly seeking to gratify their fleshly desires. While it does not specifically pertain to sexual intimacy during fasting, it highlights the importance of self-control and surrendering to the Lord’s will in all areas of life, including the realm of physical desires.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
This verse addresses husbands and emphasizes the need for them to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and understanding. While not directly mentioning sexual intimacy during fasting, it highlights the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within marriage, as any hindrance in the marital relationship can also hinder one’s prayers.
Song of Solomon 4:9-10
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!”
This poetic verse from the Song of Solomon expresses the intense affection and desire between the bride and bridegroom. It portrays the beauty and desirability of intimate love within marriage. Although it does not directly mention fasting, it portrays the delight and pleasure that can be found in the physical and emotional connection between a husband and wife.
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
This verse emphasizes the mutual responsibility of husbands and wives to satisfy each other’s sexual needs within marriage. It acknowledges that both partners have a duty to one another and encourages them to prioritize meeting these needs willingly and lovingly.
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 underscores the importance of honoring the marital relationship and keeping the marriage bed pure. It warns against engaging in any form of sexual immorality outside the bounds of marriage and emphasizes that God will judge those who engage in such behavior. While it does not specifically address sexual intimacy during fasting, it promotes the value of maintaining sexual purity within marriage.
Song of Solomon 7:6-7
“How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit.”
This poetic verse from the Song of Solomon describes the physical beauty and attractiveness of the bride. It depicts the admiration and desire felt by the bridegroom towards his beloved. While it does not directly address fasting, it portrays the physical and intimate connection between a husband and wife within the context of their love for one another.
1 Corinthians 6:15
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!”
This verse reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that they are united with Christ. It warns against any form of sexual immorality, including engaging in sexual relationships outside the bounds of marriage. While it does not directly address fasting, it reinforces the importance of maintaining sexual purity according to biblical principles.
Proverbs 6:32-33
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away.”
This verse highlights the devastating consequences of committing adultery. It emphasizes the destruction and shame that accompanies such actions. While it does not directly address sexual intimacy during fasting, it serves as a warning against engaging in any form of sexual immorality that could compromise the purity and sanctity of the marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:1
“Now for the matters you wrote about: ‘It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.’”
This verse acknowledges the possibility of abstaining from sexual relations within marriage, as there may be specific circumstances or seasons where it can be beneficial. While it does not specifically address fasting, it implies that mutual consent and agreement are necessary when deviating from the regular pattern of sexual intimacy.
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 verse uses the metaphor of water imagery to symbolize marital exclusivity and faithfulness. It encourages couples to find satisfaction and fulfillment within their own relationship and to guard against seeking sexual gratification outside of marriage. While it does not specifically address fasting, it underscores the importance of maintaining fidelity and sexual fidelity to one’s spouse.
Proverbs 5:20
“Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?”
This verse warns against the temptation to indulge in sexual relationships outside the bounds of marriage. It urges individuals, particularly men, to avoid the seductive allure of someone else’s spouse or a person who is not their own. While it does not directly mention fasting, it cautions against engaging in any form of sexual immorality or unfaithfulness.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage highlights various sins, including sexual immorality, and addresses the consequences of engaging in such behaviors. It reminds believers that those who continue on a path of sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. Though it does not specifically mention fasting, it underscores the importance of living a life marked by righteousness and repentance, including sexual purity within marriage.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
This poetic passage from the Song of Solomon emphasizes the intensity and strength of love. It portrays love as unyielding, passionate, and unquenchable. While it does not directly mention fasting, it captures the power and enduring nature of love, including the emotional and physical connection shared between a husband and wife.