What Bible Verse Says to Wait Until Marriage
The decision to wait until marriage to engage in sexual relations is a significant one, often rooted in personal beliefs, cultural values, and religious teachings. Among the many religious texts that address this topic, the Bible provides several verses that emphasize the importance of abstinence before marriage. One such verse that stands out is found in 1 Corinthians 7:2-5.
In this passage, the apostle Paul writes, “But because of fornication, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and again, let the wife render unto the husband due benevolence. The wife doth not have power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband doth not have power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” This verse suggests that sexual relations should be reserved for the union of husband and wife within marriage.
The emphasis on waiting until marriage is further reinforced in the New Testament. For instance, in Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul encourages believers to live a life of holiness and purity, including abstaining from sexual immorality. He writes, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”
These verses from the Bible serve as a foundational principle for many who choose to wait until marriage. They emphasize the importance of purity, respect, and commitment within the marital relationship. While the decision to wait until marriage is a personal one, these verses provide a moral and spiritual framework for those who seek guidance from the Bible.
It is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly state that waiting until marriage is a commandment. However, the verses mentioned above, along with other teachings in the Bible, provide a strong moral case for abstinence before marriage. For many, these verses serve as a source of inspiration and strength as they navigate the challenges of maintaining purity in a world that often promotes the opposite values.
In conclusion, the Bible offers several verses that support the idea of waiting until marriage. These verses encourage believers to live a life of holiness, purity, and commitment, emphasizing the importance of saving sexual relations for the union of husband and wife. While the decision to wait until marriage is a personal one, the teachings of the Bible provide a valuable moral compass for those who choose to follow this path.
