35 Important Bible Verses About Saving Sex For Marriage (With Commentary)

Jamie Wilson

Many young people wonder about love, relationships, and the right time to become intimate with someone. The Bible has important teachings that encourage saving sex for marriage. These teachings can help us build a strong foundation for love and commitment. Understanding God’s plan can guide us in making choices that honor ourselves and our future partners.

Today, we will look at some powerful Bible verses that speak about saving sex for marriage. These verses offer wisdom and advice, reminding us of the beauty of waiting for the right time. They encourage us to respect ourselves and the special bond that marriage represents.

Bible Verses About Saving Sex For Marriage

Foundation of Relationships

In our lives, we should start every relationship with love and respect. Relationships built on a strong foundation will weather any storm. The Bible emphasizes the importance of love in establishing healthy relationships. Understanding God’s design for relationships helps guide our actions and choices, especially when it involves intimacy. We are reminded to honor and value the people we love, waiting for marriage to experience the sacred bond of unity.

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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This passage beautifully captures the essence of genuine love, which is patient and kind. It invites us to adopt these qualities in our relationships, especially when considering intimacy. Waiting for marriage allows love to develop in a manner that honors both partners.

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

This verse reminds us to respect the sanctity of marriage. By saving sex for marriage, we honor the commitment made before God. This act signifies trust, love, and fidelity between partners, strengthening the foundation of their relationship.

Ephesians 5:25

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

In this verse, we see love expressed in a selfless manner. Christ’s love for the church is a perfect example of the dedication required in a marriage. By saving intimacy for marriage, we prepare ourselves to love like Christ, reflecting His grace in our relationships.

1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

This verse highlights that our love stems from God’s love for us. Understanding this divine love will enable us to love one another faithfully and selflessly in our relationships. Waiting until marriage reflects our commitment to God and one another.

Colossians 3:14

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14

Here, love is described as the most important trait that unifies us. By prioritizing love in our relationships, especially before marriage, we ensure a stronger bond that can overcome challenges and lead us to a deeper understanding of intimacy.

God’s Design for Marriage

We know that God has a distinctive design for marriage, one that calls us to commit to our partners through love and faithfulness. Sex is a beautiful part of that design, meant to be shared in the sacred space of marriage. This design fosters deep emotional and spiritual connections that are essential for a healthy relationship. By saving sex for marriage, we align ourselves with God’s intention, allowing us to experience love fully and wholly.

Genesis 2:24

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

This foundational scripture illustrates how marriage unites partners in a bond that encompasses body, soul, and spirit. This divine plan emphasizes the importance of waiting until marriage to become “one flesh.”

Proverbs 18:22

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

This verse celebrates the blessing of marriage. By saving sex for marriage, we embrace the goodness of that relationship. This favor shows the beauty of joining in covenant with our partner.

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

This verse reminds us that marriage is an inseparable bond established by God. Saving sex for marriage allows us to respect this commitment and nurture a relationship that can withstand external pressures.

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

We are encouraged to live with integrity and purity in our relationships. By setting this example, we inspire others and promote a culture that honors marriage and respect for one another.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

This scripture emphasizes the strength found in partnership. Saving sex for marriage fosters a deeper commitment that helps both partners support and uplift each other, especially during challenging times.

Respecting Our Bodies

As we journey through life, it’s essential to recognize our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. This understanding encourages us to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By saving sex for marriage, we honor not only our bodies but also those of our future spouses. We are called to live a life of purity that reflects our love for God and leads us closer to true intimacy. Respecting our bodies lays the groundwork for healthy relationships.

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.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

This scripture reminds us that our bodies belong to God and should be treated with respect. Saving sex for marriage aligns with this principle as we honor God by preserving our bodies and those of our partners.

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

Our bodies serve as a form of worship to God. By choosing to save sex for marriage, we offer our bodies as a sacrifice that pleases Him. This decision reflects our love and commitment to His ways.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

“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, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

This passage clearly urges us to avoid sexual immorality. By saving sex for marriage, we exercise self-control and honor our bodies, setting ourselves apart as followers of Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1

In this verse, we are encouraged to pursue purity. By waiting for marriage to engage in sexual intimate relations, we reflect our reverence for God and desire for holiness.

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

The qualities of the Spirit include self-control. This ability helps us in our decisions, especially when it comes to our bodies and relationships. Saving sex for marriage demonstrates the self-control granted to us by the Holy Spirit.

Commitment and Covenant

God honors commitment, and marriage signifies a sacred covenant between partners. This understanding allows us to recognize the gravity of the relationship that comes with waiting until marriage to be intimate. A commitment to save sex for marriage fosters a life of faithfulness, trust, and adherence to God’s Word. This establishes the emotional and spiritual groundwork necessary for a successful, loving marriage.

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

This verse highlights the sanctity of the marriage covenant. By saving intimacy for marriage, we uphold our vows to be faithful to our partners, every action rooted in this commitment.

Proverbs 5:18-19

“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth, a loving doe, a graceful deer; may her breasts satisfy you always; may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” – Proverbs 5:18-19

These verses celebrate the joys of being united under the marriage covenant. By saving sex for marriage, we ultimately deepen our love and enjoyment for the spouse God has placed in our lives.

Matthew 5:32

“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” – Matthew 5:32

This passage reinforces the gravity of marriage. By choosing to save sex for marriage, we understand that commitment encompasses faithfulness and loyalty, aligning ourselves with God’s blueprint for love.

Ephesians 5:31

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31

This verse emphasizes the unity achieved in marriage. Waiting until marriage to engage in sexual intimacy deepens this connection and enhances the spiritual bond made before the Lord.

Song of Solomon 3:5

“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” – Song of Solomon 3:5

Here, we are encouraged to wait for love to unfold naturally. By embracing the commitment of saving sex for marriage, we allow love to blossom at the right time, creating a beautiful journey together.

Emotional and Spiritual Growth

By saving sex for marriage, we create an environment conducive to emotional and spiritual growth. Intimacy should be born out of deep love and commitment. When we wait, we focus not only on physical desires but also on meeting each other’s emotional and spiritual needs. This growth strengthens the bond between partners and equips us to face the challenges of life together.

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

This passage encourages us to cultivate deep, insightful love that grows over time. By waiting to engage in sex, we open ourselves up to developing that deeper connection with our partner, leading to spiritual growth.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

By trusting in God’s timing for our relationships, we align with His plan. Saving intimacy for marriage shows our faith in His guidance, resulting in emotional and spiritual growth for both partners.

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8

This verse encourages us to pursue virtues and positive thoughts in our lives. By practicing patience and waiting for marriage, we allow love to embody these qualities and share a meaningful bond.

Colossians 2:6-7

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:6-7

Our relationship with God is crucial for building a strong partnership. By saving sex for marriage, we cultivate a relationship rooted in faith and gratitude towards one another.

James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

This verse reminds us that our relationships are gifts from God. By waiting for the right time to enter into intimacy, we acknowledge that love is a blessing that should be cherished and protected.

Final Thoughts

We understand the importance of saving sex for marriage through biblical teachings. By honoring God’s design for relationships, we not only strengthen our bond with our partners but also deepen our relationship with Him. Waiting for intimacy is a powerful choice that fosters commitment, respect, and emotional growth. This process is about more than just rules; it cultivates a partnership rooted in love, trust, and understanding.

As we reflect on these verses, let’s embrace the beauty of waiting and the blessings it brings. Whether we are single or in a relationship, we can all strive towards the honor and purity that God desires for us. We are not alone in this walk; we can lean on each other and grow in faith together.

If you want to explore more about biblical teachings, check out these verses on resisting sexual temptation and delve into how to cultivate family relationships.