35 Important Bible Verses About Not Having Sex (With Commentary)

Romans 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1

By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, we are embracing the call to purity in our relationships. Waiting for sex until marriage aligns with our desire to please God. We can visualize purity as a part of our worship, a way to show our love for Him.

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.” – Hebrews 13:4

Honoring marriage means we hold a deep respect for its sanctity. By waiting for sex until marriage, we help protect that sacred space created for two people fully committed to each other. The warning in this verse reminds us of the seriousness of sexual immorality.

Galatians 5:19

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;” – Galatians 5:19

This verse reminds us that actions driven by our flesh can lead us away from God’s best. By recognizing these temptations, we are urged to choose paths that lead to spiritual purity. Our efforts to wait highlight our devotion to God’s intentions for sex.

Waiting for Marriage

Waiting for marriage fosters deeper emotional connections and strengthens the foundation of a relationship. It encourages couples to grow together in faith and rely on God. When we make the decision to abstain until we say, “I do,” we nurture a more meaningful union built on trust and respect. By following God’s design, we experience His blessings in our engagements and future marriages.

1 Corinthians 7:2

“But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.” – 1 Corinthians 7:2

This verse reminds us of the importance of proper context for sexual relationships, which God designed to flourish within marriage. By waiting, we honor that design, preparing ourselves for the intimacy God planned to be experienced within that sacred bond.

Song of Solomon 8:4

“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” – Song of Solomon 8:4

Here we receive wise guidance about passion and love, encouraging us to wait for its full expression. By choosing not to rush into intimacy, we invite deeper emotional connections and growth in our relationships.

Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

Guarding our hearts includes being mindful of our romantic choices. Waiting until marriage fosters emotional security and strengthens trust, allowing love to develop organically without the pressures of physical intimacy.

Colossians 3:2

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

This verse encourages us to focus on spiritual growth and the eternal rather than physical desires. Waiting for marriage shifts our attention toward building relationships centered on faith, loyalty, and unconditional love.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

Persevering through the temptation to engage in sexual immorality leads us closer to God and strengthens our resolve. By waiting until marriage, we are rewarded with the joy of His blessings in our lives and relationships.

Respecting Our Bodies

Understanding the significance of our bodies in God’s design helps us find purpose in our choices. By respecting ourselves and our partners, we cultivate healthy relationships grounded in love and care. Our bodies are gifts from God, and waiting to engage in sexual intimacy reflects our appreciation for that gift. We are called to treat ourselves and others with respect and value, in alignment with God’s vision for love.

1 Corinthians 6:19

“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;” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

Recognizing our bodies as temples leads us to treat them with sacred respect. By waiting for sex, we honor the Holy Spirit within us, acknowledging the incredible gift that comes with being God’s children.

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.” – Ephesians 5:3

This verse sets standards for how we should conduct our lives, urging us to strive for purity. By cultivating these qualities in our relationships, particularly regarding sex, we indicate our commitment to embodying God’s holiness.

Romans 6:13

“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” – Romans 6:13

This verse invites us to choose righteousness over temptation. By waiting to engage in sexual intimacy, we dedicate our bodies to God, allowing His light to shine through our decisions and actions.

1 Peter 2:11

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” – 1 Peter 2:11

By viewing ourselves as temporary residents on this earth, we realize the importance of resisting sinful desires. Waiting for sex aligns with protecting our souls and keeping our priorities focused on our devotion to God.

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23

The fruits of the Spirit empower us to exercise self-control, which can be especially challenging when it comes to desires. By waiting for sex until marriage, we allow these virtues to flourish and offer a true testimony of our faith.

The Blessing of Commitment

True love comes with commitment, and waiting for marriage solidifies that bond. It allows us to cherish and treasure our partners in a way that transcends mere physical attraction. By waiting, we invite God’s blessings into our relationships, ensuring that our love does not just remain superficial. The commitment we make in marriage profoundly reflects God’s love for us and our dedication to building a strong future together.

Ephesians 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” – Ephesians 5:25

This verse beautifully illustrates the sacrificial love that should exist within marriage. By waiting to experience an intimate relationship through marriage, we align ourselves with God’s intent to share a love that honors others.

Matthew 19:6

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:6

The concept of unity in marriage emphasizes the extraordinary connection that comes when we wait for sex. By committing to a lifelong partnership without engaging prematurely, we strengthen the bond characterized by love and devotion.

Proverbs 18:22

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” – Proverbs 18:22

This verse reminds us that finding a partner is a divine blessing, and waiting enhances the appreciation of that gift. A committed relationship glorifies God and allows love to grow in faith and unity.

Malachi 2:14

“You ask, ‘Why?’ It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” – Malachi 2:14

Commitment in marriage is key to fulfilling God’s calling for our relationships. Waiting to engage sexually until marriage allows us to demonstrate loyalty, fidelity, and love, just as covenant couples are meant to experience.

Philippians 1:9-10

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” – Philippians 1:9-10

Desiring knowledge and insight allows us to deepen our love before marriage. Waiting for sexual intimacy emphasizes the foundation of spiritual growth and character development. Together, we refine our relationship in a Christ-centered manner.

The Joy of Waiting

Waiting to engage in sexual intimacy can be an enriching experience. It brings joy through the anticipation of that moment’s significance. As we grow closer to God and learn to trust Him, we understand the value of waiting, and it shapes our relationships positively. Recognizing the blessings that come from this decision helps us appreciate love in its purest form.

Isaiah 40:31

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

This verse encourages us to lean into our faith during times of waiting. The strength we receive from God enables us to embrace patience in all aspects of our relationships, including the decision to delay sexual intimacy until marriage.

Psalm 37:4

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

When we center our hearts around God, He cultivates our desires according to His will. Choosing to wait nourishes fulfillment and deepens our connection with God as we prepare to welcome love within the bonds of marriage.

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Trusting in God during our waiting periods brings joy and peace. As we focus on Him, we find fulfillment as we await the beauty of marriage and the intimate joys it holds.

Proverbs 20:21

“An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.” – Proverbs 20:21

This proverb highlights the importance of waiting for the right timing. Delaying sexual intimacy allows us to reap the rewards of a blessed union in marriage, showing that good things come to those who wait.

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10

Jesus desires for us to experience abundance in life, which includes our relationships. Waiting for sex until marriage opens doors for a relationship filled with love, joy, and spiritual growth.

Final Thoughts

As we explore these Bible verses, we begin to understand the importance of waiting for sex until marriage. We are called to embrace purity and honor our bodies and relationships. By doing so, we can enjoy the deep emotional connections that God intends for us. Remember, waiting is not a punishment; it is a beautiful gift that strengthens our commitment to love and our relationship with God. Let us continue to seek His guidance as we navigate the journey of faith and love.

Don’t hesitate to delve into further insights, such as Bible verses about sex outside of marriage or Bible verses about waiting for marriage. There is always more to learn and grow in our faith!