The Bible views sex within marriage as a gift and an expression of love. It promotes commitment and faithfulness, encouraging couples to honor each other through this connection. Discover how these teachings highlight the value of intimacy and trust within a marriage.
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What Does The Bible Say About Sex In Marriage
1 Corinthians 7:2-5
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 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.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage. It teaches that a husband and wife have a mutual responsibility to fulfill each other’s sexual needs. They are advised not to deprive one another, except for a mutually agreed-upon time of fasting and prayer, so as to avoid temptation and promote self-control.
This verse underscores the biblical perspective that sexual expression is a gift from God within the boundaries of marriage. It highlights the significance of ongoing communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to cultivating physical intimacy as an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling marriage.
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 depiction of love and desire between a husband and wife, the Bible celebrates the beauty and value of sexual love within marriage. The husband expresses his delight and admiration for his wife, praising her physical attractiveness and the emotional connection they share.
This passage showcases the sanctity and pleasure found in the intimacy of the marital relationship. It reminds couples of the importance of cherishing and honoring one another’s bodies, celebrating the unique connection that comes from the physical bond established within the marriage covenant.
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 the marital relationship and the importance of honoring the marriage bed. It encourages believers to view marriage as a holy institution that should be given utmost respect and kept free from any impurity.
By highlighting the consequences of sexual immorality and adultery, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of violating God’s design for sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage. It encourages couples to cultivate a strong commitment to fidelity and faithfulness, safeguarding the sanctity of their marital bond.
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.”
In this passage, the Book of Proverbs encourages husbands to find joy and satisfaction in the physical and emotional intimacy shared with their wives. It uses vivid imagery to exalt the beauty and allure of marital love.
These verses serve as a reminder to husbands of the need to cherish and delight in their wives, to nurture a passionate and fulfilling relationship that is based on mutual love and respect. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a lifelong romance and remaining captivated by one another’s love.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“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.”
This verse reinforces the mutual responsibility within marriage for each spouse to meet the sexual needs of the other. It highlights the concept of shared authority over one another’s bodies as an expression of love and selflessness.
By recognizing the equal importance of both husband and wife in the sexual relationship, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of open communication, understanding, and a willingness to meet each other’s desires and needs.
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 famous passage from Jesus’ teachings on marriage underscores the divine design for the marital union. It affirms the merging of two individuals into one flesh and the lifelong commitment that marriage entails.
By emphasizing the indissoluble nature of the marital bond, this verse speaks to the significance of sexual intimacy within the confines of marriage. It reinforces the idea that sexual union is a sacred expression of the oneness and covenant relationship established by God.
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.”
Against the backdrop of sexual purity, this verse urges believers to actively avoid and distance themselves from sexual immorality. It stresses the spiritual significance of honoring one’s body and the consequences that follow when one engages in immoral behavior.
By highlighting the unique nature of sexual sin and its potential impact on one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, this verse serves as a call to sexual purity within the context of marriage. It encourages individuals to guard their thoughts, actions, and relationships, preserving the sanctity of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:31-33
“‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul references the Genesis account of Adam and Eve to illustrate the profound spiritual reality of the marital union. He equates the bond between a husband and wife with the relationship between Christ and the Church.
By drawing this parallel, the passage highlights the importance of sacrificial love and mutual respect within marriage. It echoes the call for husbands to love their wives selflessly and for wives to honor and respect their husbands, reflecting the divine love and submission exemplified by Christ and the Church.
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 foundational passage from the creation account lays the groundwork for the biblical understanding of marriage. It describes how a man and woman become united in a unique and inseparable bond as they enter into the covenant of marriage.
By emphasizing the leaving of one’s family and the unbreakable oneness that results from joining together in marriage, this verse underscores the exclusivity and permanence of the marital relationship. It sets the stage for the physical and emotional intimacy that is meant to be shared within the confines of this sacred union.
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.”
In the context of marriage, this passage uses the metaphor of water to depict the exclusivity and fidelity that should characterize a sexual relationship. It urges individuals to seek satisfaction within the boundaries of their own marriage and to avoid seeking pleasure elsewhere.
By highlighting the importance of honoring the covenant of marriage and keeping one’s desires and affections reserved for one’s spouse, this verse encourages couples to cultivate loyalty and faithfulness in their sexual relationship. It underscores the unique bond that is meant to be shared exclusively between husband and wife.
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.”
Addressing the importance of sexual purity, this passage calls believers to abstain from sexual immorality and to exercise self-control over their bodies. It contrasts the values of those who do not know God with the standards set by the will of God.
This verse encourages individuals to prioritize holiness, honoring their bodies as vessels of God’s Spirit. By emphasizing the need for self-discipline and discernment when it comes to sexual desires and actions, it underscores the call to live a life that reflects God’s sanctifying work.
1 Corinthians 6:15-18
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 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.’ But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 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 passage explores the spiritual implications of sexual immorality and the profound connection that is formed through sexual relationships. It warns against the dangers of uniting one’s body, which is a member of Christ, with a prostitute.
By highlighting the oneness that is meant to be experienced in a sexual relationship within the bounds of marriage, this verse underscores the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital union. It serves as a call to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with one’s body.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
In this proverb, the value of a virtuous and faithful wife is extolled. It emphasizes the positive impact that a loving and honorable wife can have on her husband’s life and the warning against the detrimental effects of a wife who brings shame and dishonor.
This verse highlights the importance of trust, loyalty, and purity within marriage. It encourages wives to cultivate qualities that bring honor and satisfaction to their husbands, nurturing a relationship characterized by mutual respect and support.
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.”
Addressing husbands, this verse instructs them to treat their wives with understanding and honor. It acknowledges the equal status and co-heirship of both spouses in God’s grace and warns against neglecting this responsibility, as it may impact their prayers.
This passage underscores the importance of mutual respect, empathy, and consideration within marriage. It encourages husbands to foster an atmosphere of love and support, recognizing the value and strengths of their wives, and upholding the commitment to a united and harmonious relationship.
Malachi 2:14-15
“But you say, ‘Why does he not?’ Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 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.”
These verses address the issue of faithfulness within marriage and the importance of honoring the covenant made between spouses. It reminds believers that God is the witness to their marital union and expects faithfulness and commitment.
By highlighting the purpose of marriage to bring forth godly offspring, this passage reinforces the call to safeguard the marital bond. It encourages husbands and wives to remain steadfast in their commitment to one another, guarding against faithlessness and preserving the integrity of the marriage covenant.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.”
In this proverb, the finding of a wife is celebrated as a positive and blessed experience, signifying divine favor. It acknowledges the value and significance of a godly wife in a man’s life.
This verse highlights the importance of selecting a life partner wisely and recognizing the blessings that come from having a loving and supportive spouse. It encourages gratitude for the gift of a good wife and reminds husbands to cherish and honor their wives as they enjoy the favor of the Lord.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.”
In this proverb, the acquisition of a prudent or wise wife is attributed to the Lord’s provision. It draws a distinction between earthly possessions, which can be inherited, and the divine blessing of a discerning and capable wife.
This verse underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and seeking God’s guidance in choosing a spouse. It highlights the immeasurable value of a wife who possesses wisdom and sound judgment, emphasizing her role in building a strong and secure family unit.
1 Timothy 5:14
“So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”
Addressing the needs and responsibilities of younger widows in the church, the Apostle Paul encourages them to remarry, fulfill their role as mothers, and oversee their households well. This is given as a means to avoid criticism and protect their reputation.
This verse offers practical guidance for widows regarding their future relationships and domestic responsibilities. It acknowledges the significance of remarriage and the importance of nurturing a stable and caring home for the well-being of themselves and their children.
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.”
In this famous passage, the praise for an excellent wife is exalted. It describes her value as being far above precious jewels and highlights the trust and benefit that her husband experiences because of her.
This verse emphasizes the remarkable qualities and contributions of a wife who is virtuous and dedicated. It speaks to the importance of trust, support, and the enduring commitment to doing good to one’s spouse throughout the entirety of their shared life together.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”
This verse offers a counter-cultural perspective on beauty and charm. It asserts that inner qualities such as reverence for the Lord are of greater worth than external attractiveness.
By highlighting the praise that should be given to a woman who fears and honors the Lord, this verse encourages the cultivation of spiritual character and values within marriage. It reminds couples to prioritize spiritual growth and the pursuit of godliness above worldly standards of beauty or charm.
Proverbs 5:1-2
“My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.”
In this passage, the writer urges his son to pay close attention to his counsel and wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of discretion and guarding knowledge as key to making wise choices in life.
While not specifically addressing marriage, this verse has broader application to all areas of life, including the context of marital relationships. It encourages individuals to seek wise counsel and develop discernment in their decision-making processes, including matters related to sexual intimacy within marriage.
Genesis 1:27-28
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'”
These verses from the creation account affirm the inherent value, worth, and purpose of both male and female as reflections of God’s image. They highlight God’s blessing upon humanity and the divine mandate to procreate and exercise stewardship over the earth.
While not directly addressing sexual intimacy in marriage, these verses lay the foundation for understanding the significance of sexual relationships within the marriage covenant. They underscore the divine design for reproduction and emphasize the partnership between husband and wife in fulfilling God’s purposes for humanity.
Psalm 127:3-5
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
This psalm acknowledges the blessings of children as a gift and inheritance from the Lord. It likens them to weapons wielded by a warrior and speaks of the honor associated with having children.
While not specifically addressing sexual intimacy within marriage, this passage reinforces the biblical view of children as a precious result of the marital union. It affirms the value of having children and the joy and honor that come with the responsibility of raising them.
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Although not specifically addressing sexual intimacy within marriage, this verse speaks of the overarching principle of love that should guide relationships. It encourages believers to prioritize loving one another and fulfill the law through doing so.
By highlighting the importance of love as the foundation for all human interactions, including marital relationships, this verse reminds couples of the central role that love plays in fostering a healthy and thriving marriage. It promotes selflessness, kindness, and the pursuit of the well-being and happiness of one’s spouse.
Proverbs 21:9
“It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.”
This proverb speaks to the detrimental effects of living with a contentious and argumentative wife. It depicts the preferable isolation of living in a small and remote part of one’s home over sharing a household with a quarrelsome spouse.
While emphasizing a specific context within marriage, this verse underscores the importance of cultivating a peaceful and harmonious relationship. It serves as a reminder for spouses to prioritize unity, communication, and conflict resolution skills in order to maintain a healthy and enjoyable home environment.