Marriage is a sacred union in the Bible, but what happens when it remains unconsummated? While this is a delicate topic, scripture provides guidance on the importance of intimacy in marriage and how to address these issues within a relationship.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Action
What Does The Bible Say About Unconsummated Marriage
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
This verse reminds us that marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be easily abandoned. It encourages married couples to work through their differences and seek reconciliation rather than opting for separation or divorce.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
God’s design for marriage is for two individuals to become one flesh, united in love and commitment. This verse emphasizes the permanence of marriage and discourages any attempts to separate what God has brought together.
Malachi 2:16
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
God detests divorce and warns against hating and mistreating one’s spouse. This verse highlights the importance of protecting and cherishing one’s spouse, and encourages faithfulness in marriage.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Just as in Matthew 19:6, this verse reiterates that marriage is a divine union that should not be broken by human efforts. It emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of the 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.”
This verse encourages husbands to find joy and satisfaction in their wives. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing and delighting in the physical and emotional intimacy within marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:3-4
“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.”
Marriage involves mutual responsibility for meeting each other’s needs, both sexually and emotionally. This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness and mutual submission in 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.”
Marriage is a holy institution that should be respected and honored by all. This verse warns against adultery and sexual immorality, affirming the importance of faithfulness and purity within the marriage relationship.
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 establishes the divine design for marriage, where a man and woman leave their respective families and come together as one united entity. It emphasizes the unity and commitment that should exist in marriage.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, following the example of Christ’s love for the Church. This verse highlights the importance of selfless and unconditional love within the marital relationship.
Ephesians 5:22
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”
Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, recognizing the God-given role of leadership within the marriage. Submission does not imply inferiority, but rather a respectful and cooperative partnership in accordance with God’s design.
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 instructs husbands to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and understanding. It highlights the need for mutual respect and recognition of the equal value and worth of both spouses.
Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
This verse, although not directly about marriage, demonstrates the commitment and loyalty that should exist within a marital relationship. Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law exemplifies the importance of standing by one’s spouse through thick and thin.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse celebrates the blessing of finding a wife and highlights the favor and goodness that God bestows upon those who enter into a God-honoring marriage relationship.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse recognizes the value and preciousness of a virtuous and godly wife. It emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in a spouse.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse underscores the responsibility of husbands and fathers to provide for their families. It highlights the importance of caring for and supporting one’s spouse and children.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse recognizes the divine influence in bringing a wise and discerning wife into a man’s life. It acknowledges that a godly spouse is a gift from God.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages spouses to love one another deeply, displaying forgiveness and grace. It highlights the transformative power of love in overcoming challenges and shortcomings within the marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse reminds us that true beauty lies in a woman’s reverence for the Lord. It emphasizes the value of a godly character over physical appearance.
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 gentleness and kindness. It discourages any form of cruelty or harshness within the marital relationship.
Proverbs 31:11
“Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.”
This verse highlights the importance of trust within a marriage. It emphasizes the positive impact a trustworthy and faithful wife can have on her husband’s life.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This iconic passage describes the characteristics of true love. It serves as a guide for how spouses should love and treat one another with patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to always protect, trust, hope, and persevere.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse emphasizes the impact a wife’s character can have on her husband. A virtuous and honorable wife brings joy and honor to her husband, while a wife who brings shame and dishonor brings great distress.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse acknowledges the influence a wife has in creating a harmonious and nurturing home. It encourages women to use their wisdom and actions to contribute positively to their marriage and family life.