The Bible offers clear guidance on sexual morality, but does it speak specifically about sex toys? While the Scriptures don’t mention modern items, the Bible does give principles about purity, marriage, and sexual intimacy. Let’s explore what biblical wisdom might apply to this sensitive subject.
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What Does The Bible Say About sex toys
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 emphasizes the importance of fleeing from sexual immorality. Engaging in sexual activities with sex toys can be seen as a form of sexual immorality, as it strays from God’s intended design for sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage.
As Christians, we are called to honor and respect our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Using sex toys may objectify ourselves or others, and it can lead to addiction or a distorted view of sexuality. Instead, we should seek purity and godly relationships that honor God in our thoughts, actions, and sexual desires.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this passage, we see that sexual immorality, which can include the use of sex toys outside of the bounds of marriage, is listed among the works of the flesh. As believers, we are called to live by the Spirit and not indulge in these sinful practices.
Sexual immorality and impurity can cause harm to ourselves and others, and they are not in alignment with God’s design for intimacy and love. It is important to remember that our choices in this area can have eternal consequences, and we should strive to live a life that reflects our commitment to follow Christ.
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 verse reminds us that God desires us to live in sanctification, which includes avoiding sexual immorality. Engaging in sexual activities with sex toys can be seen as a form of sexual immorality if it goes against God’s standards for purity and holiness.
As believers, we are called to learn to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honorable. This involves making choices that align with God’s Word and placing boundaries around our sexual desires to ensure they are expressed within the context of a committed, marital relationship.
Matthew 5:28
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
This verse challenges us to examine not only our actions but also our thoughts and desires. Using sex toys may contribute to lustful thoughts and fantasies that go beyond God’s intended boundaries for sexual expression.
It is important to guard our hearts and minds, as Jesus teaches that lustful thoughts are as serious as the physical act of adultery. By focusing on developing pure and healthy thoughts about intimacy, we can honor God and pursue His design for sexual relationships.
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.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. This verse encourages us to avoid not only sexual immorality but also any kind of impurity or greed. Engaging in sexual activities with sex toys may be seen as a pursuit of personal pleasure and can potentially lead to a lustful mindset.
We are called to live as holy people, set apart for God’s purposes and reflecting His character. This means making choices that align with His Word and seeking to cultivate purity in our thoughts, actions, and desires.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5
“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. 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 passage highlights God’s desire for sexual intimacy to be fulfilled within the confines of marriage. It affirms that husbands and wives have a responsibility to meet each other’s sexual needs, as it promotes unity, mutual respect, and protection against temptation.
While the use of sex toys within the context of a married relationship may be a personal decision for a couple, it is essential to ensure that it does not become a substitute for genuine emotional and physical connection or hinder the natural intimacy that should exist between a husband and wife.
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 verse celebrates the beauty and joy of marital intimacy. It encourages husbands to find delight and satisfaction in their wives and to cultivate a deep and passionate love for each other.
Engaging in sexual activities with sex toys may potentially hinder the full expression and enjoyment of the physical and emotional connection between a husband and wife. It is important to prioritize the deepening of marital bonds and the pursuit of genuine intimacy within God’s intended design for marriage.
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 reminds us of the sanctity of marriage and the importance of keeping the marriage bed pure. As married couples, we are called to honor and respect the covenant of marriage.
The use of sex toys within the confines of a committed marital relationship is a personal decision that couples may make. However, it is crucial to ensure that it does not lead to any form of sexual immorality, such as infidelity or a devaluation of the marital relationship. The bond between a husband and wife should be protected, and any sexual expression should always be within the boundaries set by God.
Proverbs 6:32
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of adultery. Engaging in sexual activities outside of the confines of marriage, including the use of sex toys, can be a form of adultery that goes against God’s design for intimacy.
Adultery destroys trust, damages relationships, and has severe consequences for all parties involved. It is essential to consider the potential harm that can arise from engaging in sexual activities that violate the boundaries set by God, both for ourselves and for the well-being of others.
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 symbolically portrays marital intimacy as a private and exclusive gift to be shared between a husband and wife. It encourages faithfulness and warns against seeking gratification outside the boundaries of marriage.
The use of sex toys, although a personal decision for couples within the context of marriage, should not become a means of seeking fulfillment outside of the marital relationship. It is important to honor the exclusivity and intimacy of the marriage commitment and to prioritize growing in love and understanding with one another.
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 verse depicts the beauty and desire between a husband and wife, celebrating the unique and fulfilling love experienced within a sacred covenant relationship.
While the use of sex toys may be a personal decision for couples within marriage, it is important to ensure that they do not detract from the genuine intimacy and connection between husband and wife. The joy and fulfillment derived from love, emotional bonding, and deep spiritual unity should always take precedence over external aids and gadgets.
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 speaks to husbands specifically, urging them to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. It highlights the importance of nurturing and valuing the marriage relationship.
When considering the use of sex toys within marriage, it is essential for husbands to consider their wives’ feelings, needs, and boundaries. Communication, trust, and mutual consent are vital to maintaining a healthy sexual relationship that honors both partners’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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 align their thoughts and actions with Christ, avoiding the pursuit of fleshly desires.
When it comes to using sex toys, it is important to evaluate our motivations and intentions. If the use of sex toys becomes the primary focus or hinders our ability to walk in holiness and purity, it may be worth reassessing our choices and seeking God’s guidance in this area.
Proverbs 21:2
“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
This verse reminds us that God is concerned with the intentions and motivations behind our actions. While the use of sex toys is a personal decision within marriage, it is crucial to evaluate whether our choices align with God’s Word and honor the principles of love, respect, and purity.
Seeking God’s wisdom, guidance, and conviction through prayer and reflection can help us discern the appropriateness of using sex toys within our marital relationships and ensure that our hearts and intentions are aligned with His will.
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 calls believers to put to death the sinful desires of the flesh and to pursue holiness and righteousness.
When it comes to the use of sex toys, it is essential to evaluate whether they contribute to or hinder the pursuit of a pure and holy lifestyle. If they arouse lustful thoughts, foster addictive behavior, or steer us away from God’s intended design for sexuality and intimacy, they may need to be reconsidered.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse teaches believers to strive to bring glory to God in all aspects of life, including our choices regarding intimacy and sexuality.
When making decisions about the use of sex toys within a marital relationship, it is important to consider whether they align with the principles of love, respect, and honor that reflect God’s character and bring glory to His name. Seeking to honor God in our thoughts, actions, and desires will lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying marital relationship.
Proverbs 5:3-5
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end, she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.”
This passage serves as a warning against the allure and temporary pleasure of sexual immorality outside of the confines of marriage.
While the use of sex toys within a committed marital relationship may be a personal choice, it is important to guard against anything that could potentially lead to sinful behavior, infidelity, or a devaluation of the marriage relationship. God’s design for intimacy within marriage offers a depth of joy, love, and fulfillment that cannot be found in temporary indulgences.
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 verse reminds us that there are consequences for engaging in sexual immorality or any form of sinful behavior. It emphasizes the need for repentance and living in obedience to God’s commands.
While the use of sex toys within a marital relationship may not fall under the category of sexual immorality, it is important to ensure that it does not violate biblical principles or lend itself to practices that are contrary to God’s design for intimacy and purity.
1 Corinthians 10:8
“We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.”
This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sexual immorality. Engaging in sexual activities with sex toys that violate God’s design for intimacy within marriage can lead to spiritual, emotional, and physical harm.
It is crucial to evaluate our actions and choices in light of God’s Word and His plan for sexual purity. We should strive to honor God in all areas of our lives, including our thoughts, desires, and actions concerning intimacy.
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 addresses the importance of mutual consent and regular physical intimacy within marriage. It highlights the potential dangers of neglecting this area of the marital relationship.
While the use of sex toys may be a personal decision for couples within the context of marriage, it is important to prioritize open communication, mutual consent, and the overall health of the relationship. Physical intimacy should be pursued in a way that fosters emotional connection, spiritual unity, and the prevention of temptation.
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 highlights the purpose and significance of our bodies, which are meant to honor and glorify God. It reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should not be used for sexual immorality.
When considering the use of sex toys, it is important to evaluate whether they align with the purpose of our bodies as vessels for God’s glory. It is crucial to maintain a holistic view of sexuality that reflects God’s design and brings honor to Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“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 verse underscores the significance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to honor God with our bodies in all aspects of life, including our choices regarding intimacy and sexuality.
When considering the use of sex toys within a marital relationship, it is important to evaluate whether they contribute to a lifestyle that honors God and reflects His character. Prioritizing emotional connection, mutual respect, and fidelity should always be central to our choices and actions.
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 speaks to the unity and bond between a husband and wife within the sacred covenant of marriage. It affirms that the physical union between a husband and wife is designed to symbolize their deep emotional, spiritual, and relational connection.
While the use of sex toys within a marital relationship may be a personal choice, it is important to evaluate whether they contribute or detract from the oneness and unity that God intends for marriage. Mutual consent, emotional connection, and the pursuit of genuine intimacy should always be guiding factors in the decisions we make.