The Bible offers wisdom on relationships, including marriage, and it addresses the importance of intimacy between husband and wife. While the concept of a sexless marriage is not explicitly discussed in Scripture, there are several passages that guide how married couples should interact, love, and honor one another, including in the realm of sexual intimacy. Below are 30 Bible verses related to marriage and intimacy, with brief commentaries that reflect biblical principles in the context of a sexless marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“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 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.”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes mutual responsibility in marriage, where both spouses have authority over each other’s bodies. The warning not to deprive each other of intimacy reflects the importance of sexual connection in marriage. While there may be times of abstinence, it should be mutually agreed upon and for a specific purpose, like prayer. A sexless marriage, when unintentional or prolonged, can lead to temptation, as intimacy plays a key role in maintaining marital harmony.
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 describes the foundation of marriage, emphasizing the deep bond between husband and wife. “Becoming one flesh” not only refers to emotional unity but also sexual intimacy, which is meant to strengthen the marital relationship. In a sexless marriage, this connection may suffer, potentially affecting both the emotional and spiritual unity between spouses. The physical relationship is an important part of reflecting the oneness that God desires in marriage.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
The marriage bed is sacred, and the Bible calls for faithfulness and purity within the marriage relationship. This verse speaks to the importance of sexual intimacy being part of a healthy marriage. A sexless marriage may reflect underlying issues, but when physical intimacy is withheld or ignored, it can harm the marriage bond. Maintaining the sanctity of marriage involves honoring one another physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and sexual intimacy is part of that commitment.
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.”
Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality by encouraging married couples to fulfill each other’s sexual needs. In a sexless marriage, the couple might be vulnerable to temptation. The Bible emphasizes that sexual intimacy within marriage is not only a natural part of the relationship but also a safeguard against immorality. When a marriage becomes sexless, it can open the door to emotional and physical issues that could weaken the bond between husband and wife.
Song of Solomon 4:12-16
“You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain. Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits, with henna and nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all the finest spices. You are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon.”
The Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty of marital love and sexual intimacy, describing the wife as a private and cherished garden. This passage emphasizes the intimacy and closeness that should exist between husband and wife, symbolized by the garden. In a sexless marriage, the metaphor of the garden being “locked up” may represent emotional or physical barriers between the spouses. Intimacy, both physical and emotional, nurtures the bond that this passage celebrates.
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.”
Peter encourages husbands to treat their wives with respect, acknowledging the importance of emotional and physical care in the marriage. A lack of intimacy in marriage can hinder the connection between spouses and may even affect their spiritual lives. The passage emphasizes that mutual respect and care, including physical affection, are essential for a strong and harmonious marriage. A sexless marriage may create a barrier to the spiritual unity that God intends for couples.
Matthew 19:5
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This passage reiterates the principle of oneness in marriage, both emotionally and physically. Sexual intimacy is part of this unification, reinforcing the deep bond between husband and wife. In a sexless marriage, this unity may be strained, and the couple may miss out on the full depth of connection that God intended. The verse emphasizes that the marital relationship is holistic, encompassing emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
Paul teaches that husbands should love their wives sacrificially and wives should respect their husbands. This mutual love and respect should extend to all areas of marriage, including sexual intimacy. A sexless marriage might be a sign that one or both spouses feel unloved, disrespected, or disconnected. This verse calls for a relationship where both spouses actively seek to honor and care for each other, including in the bedroom.
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.”
These verses celebrate the joy of marital love and sexual satisfaction. The imagery of being “intoxicated” with love highlights the passionate and fulfilling relationship that should exist between husband and wife. A sexless marriage may reflect a lack of passion or emotional intimacy, which can cause frustration and disconnect. This passage encourages couples to continue to nurture their love and physical intimacy throughout their marriage, seeing it as a blessing from God.
1 Corinthians 7:4
“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.”
Paul speaks to the mutual submission that should exist in marriage, where both partners are responsible for meeting each other’s needs, including sexual needs. This verse emphasizes that physical intimacy is a shared responsibility and that a healthy marriage involves mutual respect and understanding in this area. A sexless marriage may be the result of one spouse withholding intimacy, which can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration in the relationship.
Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'”
This verse reflects God’s original design for marriage, which includes procreation and the enjoyment of intimacy between husband and wife. A sexless marriage may fail to fulfill one of the primary purposes of marriage—sexual union and reproduction. While not all marriages are called to have children, intimacy remains a central aspect of the marital bond. This passage emphasizes that the physical relationship in marriage is part of God’s good plan for His people.
1 Corinthians 7:9
“But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Paul addresses the importance of marriage in providing a legitimate outlet for sexual desires. The physical intimacy in marriage is presented as a natural and healthy part of the relationship. A sexless marriage may cause frustration, leading one or both spouses to feel neglected or disconnected. This verse encourages couples to address the issue of sexual intimacy in a respectful and loving way, ensuring that both partners’ needs are met within the context of marriage.
Song of Solomon 2:7
“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”
In the Song of Solomon, the bride and groom celebrate the importance of love and passion in marriage. This verse speaks to the timing and the deep emotional connection required for intimacy. A sexless marriage may be a sign that the couple has not nurtured or prioritized this emotional and physical connection. The verse teaches that love and intimacy should develop naturally, with respect for one another’s needs and desires, rather than being forced or neglected.
Titus 2:4-5
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Titus encourages women to love and care for their husbands, which includes emotional, physical, and practical care. This passage highlights that love in marriage involves active participation in nurturing the relationship. A sexless marriage might reflect a lack of effort in maintaining the connection between spouses, but the Bible calls for intentionality and care in all aspects of the relationship. This includes showing love through affection, respect, and mutual care.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This verse calls husbands to love their wives sacrificially, reflecting Christ’s love for the church. This selfless love includes all aspects of the marriage, including sexual intimacy. A sexless marriage may be a sign that one spouse feels unloved or neglected, but when husbands love their wives with the same sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated, they are more likely to prioritize the needs of their spouse, including physical intimacy. This love promotes a healthy, thriving marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except 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.”
Paul emphasizes that sexual intimacy in marriage should not be withheld without mutual consent and for a specific purpose, like prayer. A prolonged sexless marriage can lead to temptation and discord. This verse underscores the importance of physical connection in maintaining marital harmony and spiritual strength. It encourages couples to prioritize intimacy as a way of protecting their relationship and guarding against external temptations.
Genesis 4:1
“Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, ‘With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.'”
This verse highlights the foundational role of sexual intimacy in the creation of life, where Adam and Eve’s relationship is portrayed in a healthy, God-ordained context. A sexless marriage may prevent a couple from experiencing one of the natural outcomes of marriage. This passage serves as a reminder that intimacy is part of God’s design for marriage, not only for emotional connection but also for procreation and deepening the bond between husband and wife.
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.”
These verses celebrate the joy and fulfillment found in a healthy sexual relationship within marriage. The imagery of a joyful, satisfied relationship encourages a marriage where both spouses enjoy and cherish each other physically. A sexless marriage might lack the intimacy and passion that these verses describe. The Bible encourages couples to find joy and satisfaction in each other, ensuring that physical intimacy remains a fulfilling part of their union.
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, where husband and wife become “one flesh.” This oneness encompasses emotional, spiritual, and physical unity, including sexual intimacy. In a sexless marriage, the physical aspect of this unity may be underdeveloped, which can strain the emotional and spiritual connection. This passage teaches that marriage is a holistic union, and all aspects—physical, emotional, and spiritual—are to be preserved and nurtured together.
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.”
This verse teaches that our bodies are to be presented to God as a living sacrifice. In marriage, this involves giving ourselves fully to our spouse, including our physical selves. A sexless marriage may reflect an unwillingness to offer ourselves fully to our partner. By viewing physical intimacy as a form of worship, husbands and wives can understand the importance of maintaining a healthy sexual relationship that honors God and strengthens the marital bond.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
Paul reminds us that all of God’s creations, including physical intimacy in marriage, are good when used according to God’s will. A sexless marriage may fail to recognize the goodness of physical intimacy, which is designed to enhance the marriage bond. This verse encourages couples to view their physical relationship as a gift from God, one that should be cherished and used in a way that honors Him and strengthens their connection.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
Paul instructs husbands to love their wives gently and with understanding. In the context of a sexless marriage, this could mean that one spouse may feel neglected or emotionally distant. Love, tenderness, and understanding are essential for maintaining a healthy sexual relationship. This verse teaches that love is the foundation for a flourishing marriage, and any emotional or physical distance, including in the area of intimacy, should be addressed with gentleness and care.
Song of Solomon 1:2
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.”
The Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty of romantic and sexual love in marriage. This verse expresses the deep emotional and physical longing that a husband and wife can have for each other. In a sexless marriage, such desire may be absent or unaddressed. The Bible encourages couples to nurture their romantic and physical affection, understanding that it is part of God’s design for marriage, enriching both emotional intimacy and spiritual connection.
Ephesians 5:28-29
“In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”
Paul draws a comparison between the love a husband has for his wife and how he cares for his own body. This love involves nurturing every part of the wife, including physical intimacy. A sexless marriage may signal an imbalance in care or love. This passage teaches that when husbands love their wives properly, it reflects mutual respect and care, including physical affection, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and loving relationship.
Proverbs 5:15-16
“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?”
This passage encourages marital faithfulness and sexual intimacy exclusively within marriage. It speaks to the value of keeping sexual affection private and sacred between husband and wife. A sexless marriage may fail to honor the exclusive nature of the marital bond, with physical intimacy serving as a crucial part of the commitment. The verse reminds couples to cherish and maintain the exclusivity of their sexual relationship, ensuring it remains fulfilling and private.
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.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of marital unity and reconciliation, which includes sexual intimacy. A sexless marriage may be a sign of a deeper disconnection, but the Bible calls for reconciliation and faithfulness in marriage. This passage reinforces the principle that intimacy should be a part of the marriage covenant, and when issues arise, they should be addressed to restore the connection, whether emotionally or physically.
Matthew 5:27-28
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
While this passage addresses lust, it highlights the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness within marriage. A sexless marriage may lead to emotional or physical temptation outside of the marriage. This verse teaches that sexual faithfulness includes both actions and thoughts. A strong, intimate marriage helps protect both spouses from outside temptations, maintaining emotional and physical connection as a safeguard against infidelity.
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
John speaks about the power of love to eliminate fear, including fear in relationships. In a sexless marriage, fear—such as fear of rejection or emotional disconnection—may take root, leading to distance between spouses. This verse teaches that perfect love drives out fear, encouraging couples to address issues in their marriage with love, trust, and communication. Embracing God’s perfect love can help restore intimacy and eliminate fears that hinder marital connection.
Song of Solomon 2:16
“My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.”
This verse celebrates mutual desire and ownership within the marital relationship. It reflects the intimate bond between husband and wife, which includes both emotional and physical connection. In a sexless marriage, this mutual affection may feel distant. This verse teaches that the marital relationship should be a mutual, shared bond, where both spouses enjoy a deep, physical and emotional connection that reflects the beauty of a covenant relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:3
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
Paul emphasizes the mutual responsibilities that spouses have toward one another, especially in the context of physical intimacy. A sexless marriage may indicate that one or both partners are neglecting these duties. This verse highlights that both spouses should meet each other’s needs, including in the bedroom. It underscores the importance of mutual respect and commitment, ensuring that both partners feel valued and loved in every aspect of the marriage, including physical intimacy.
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.”
This verse, often quoted in marriage ceremonies, highlights the spiritual and physical union that marriage represents. “Becoming one flesh” emphasizes the deep emotional and physical intimacy that God desires in marriage. A sexless marriage may indicate a disconnect in this intimate union. This passage calls couples to cherish and nurture their physical relationship as part of the sacred bond that marriage is meant to represent.
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.”
Peter speaks to the importance of mutual respect and consideration in marriage, which includes respecting each other’s physical and emotional needs. A lack of intimacy in marriage can create resentment or disconnection, which can affect the overall relationship. This verse teaches that love, care, and respect, including in the realm of sexual intimacy, strengthen the marital bond and ensure the couple’s relationship with God remains unhindered.
Song of Solomon 4:9
“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.”
The Song of Solomon speaks to the deep emotional and physical attraction between husband and wife. This particular verse reflects the excitement and passion that should characterize a marriage, particularly in the early stages. In a sexless marriage, the lack of intimacy may lead to a decline in the emotional connection, which is a key part of marital satisfaction. This verse encourages couples to cherish and nurture their romantic and physical attraction toward each other.
2 Samuel 12:24
“Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him.”
David and Bathsheba’s reconciliation and the subsequent birth of Solomon highlight the healing and restoration that can come from physical intimacy within marriage. In times of emotional turmoil or hardship, sexual intimacy can act as a means of comfort and reconnection between spouses. This verse reminds us that physical intimacy can be a way to restore and strengthen the marital relationship, especially after conflict or difficulty.
Matthew 5:31-32
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 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.”
Jesus teaches about the sanctity of marriage and the serious consequences of divorce, especially when sexual immorality is involved. While this verse addresses divorce, it also speaks to the importance of marital faithfulness, including sexual faithfulness. A sexless marriage may lead to emotional or physical infidelity, which can damage the relationship. This passage underscores the importance of preserving marital intimacy and working through issues to keep the relationship intact.
Song of Solomon 7:10
“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.”
This verse from the Song of Solomon celebrates mutual desire and affection between husband and wife. It highlights the beautiful and intimate relationship where both partners express love and longing for one another. A sexless marriage may lack the mutual desire that this verse describes. The passage teaches that a healthy, thriving marriage includes both emotional and physical connection, where both spouses desire each other deeply, fostering closeness and intimacy.
Proverbs 5:19
“May her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
This verse speaks to the passionate nature of marital love, where physical intimacy plays a key role in satisfaction and connection. It encourages couples to continually enjoy and cherish each other physically. A sexless marriage may lack the passion and physical connection that this verse highlights. The Bible encourages husbands and wives to find joy and fulfillment in each other, including through physical intimacy, which helps maintain a strong and loving marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:7
“I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”
Paul discusses celibacy in the context of spiritual calling, but he acknowledges that not everyone has the same gift. For married couples, this verse reminds them that sexual intimacy is a natural and important part of the relationship. A sexless marriage, unless mutually agreed upon for specific reasons, may reflect a lack of fulfilling this aspect of marriage. This verse encourages couples to recognize the importance of intimacy, as it is a natural and God-given part of the marital bond.
Genesis 3:16
“To the woman he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.'”
This verse highlights the initial intention of God for the relationship between husband and wife. The desire for one another and the union of marriage was a part of God’s original design, including sexual intimacy. The challenges of a sexless marriage can disrupt this desire and connection, which is why it’s important to address issues that may cause emotional or physical distance between spouses. This passage calls couples to recognize the inherent bond of desire and connection in marriage.
Ephesians 5:22-23
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”
This passage teaches about the roles of husbands and wives within the marriage relationship, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and love. Sexual intimacy is one area where these roles are manifested, with each partner offering themselves to the other. A sexless marriage may indicate a lack of mutual submission and respect, as the husband and wife are called to serve one another in all aspects of their relationship, including in their physical connection.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
Paul discusses celibacy, yet acknowledges that marriage is a suitable option for those who cannot control their sexual desires. This principle applies to married couples as well: sexual intimacy within marriage is a gift from God. A sexless marriage may indicate an unmet need that, if not addressed, can lead to frustration and disconnection. This passage encourages couples to nurture and fulfill each other’s needs, including physical intimacy, to maintain a healthy and strong marital relationship.
Proverbs 5:20
“Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?”
This verse warns against infidelity and unfaithfulness, emphasizing the importance of marital intimacy and loyalty. A sexless marriage can create vulnerability, where one or both partners may seek emotional or physical intimacy elsewhere. This verse teaches that sexual faithfulness is essential to maintaining the integrity and bond of marriage. Couples should work together to ensure that the marriage remains strong, with both emotional and physical intimacy as part of their commitment to each other.
1 Corinthians 7:11
“But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
Paul teaches the importance of reconciliation in marriage and maintaining the unity between spouses. This principle applies to both emotional and physical intimacy. A sexless marriage may create emotional separation or distance, leading to disconnection. This verse calls for couples to work through difficulties, including issues related to intimacy, and reconcile. Keeping the bond intact is essential to maintaining the strength and health of the marriage relationship.
Song of Solomon 1:4
“Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.”
In this verse, the bride expresses a longing for intimacy with her husband. The imagery of being taken to the king’s chambers emphasizes the passionate desire between the two. A sexless marriage might lack this physical and emotional closeness that strengthens the bond between husband and wife. This verse serves as a reminder that sexual intimacy is meant to be an expression of love, desire, and connection in marriage, and should be nurtured as part of the relationship.
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.”
Paul emphasizes that sexual intimacy within marriage is not only natural but necessary to prevent temptation and immorality. A sexless marriage might inadvertently lead to frustration or emotional disconnect, which could foster temptation. This verse calls for married couples to fulfill each other’s sexual needs, thus safeguarding the relationship against external temptations and strengthening the unity within marriage. Intimacy serves as an important safeguard for the marital relationship.
Proverbs 5:18
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
This verse highlights the joy and fulfillment found in marital intimacy. It speaks to the desire to cherish and enjoy physical connection with one’s spouse, and encourages couples to continue delighting in each other throughout life. In a sexless marriage, couples may lose this sense of connection and intimacy, but this passage reminds them of the blessings of joy and unity that come from maintaining a vibrant and loving physical relationship in marriage.
Genesis 2:25
“Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.”
In this passage, Adam and Eve’s lack of shame in their physical relationship reflects the purity and unity intended by God in marriage. Sexual intimacy is portrayed as a natural and unashamed expression of love and unity. A sexless marriage may lead to emotional or physical shame, where intimacy becomes avoided or neglected. This verse highlights the beauty of unashamed, loving intimacy that strengthens the marital bond and should be cultivated throughout marriage.
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.”
Paul teaches that our bodies belong to God, and we are to honor Him with how we treat them, including within the context of marriage. In the context of a sexless marriage, this passage emphasizes the importance of mutual respect for each other’s physical needs. Intimacy in marriage is part of honoring God through the union He has designed. Couples are encouraged to treat one another’s bodies with care, love, and respect, including through physical intimacy.
Song of Solomon 3:5
“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”
This verse from the Song of Solomon speaks to the timing and respect for love and desire in a relationship. It suggests that love and passion should develop naturally and be nurtured over time. A sexless marriage may indicate that passion has been neglected or suppressed. This verse reminds couples to respect the natural flow of intimacy, allowing it to grow and thrive when the time is right. Building this emotional and physical connection requires time, patience, and mutual respect.
Ephesians 5:28
“In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
Paul compares the love a husband has for his wife to the care one gives to their own body. This love includes both emotional and physical intimacy, showing that care for each other’s needs, including sexual, is an expression of love. A sexless marriage may lack this mutual care and attention, but this verse teaches that true love involves nurturing and fulfilling the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each other, creating a strong and lasting bond.
Romans 7:2-3
“For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.”
In this passage, Paul explains the marriage bond and its spiritual implications, especially concerning faithfulness. This also indirectly reflects the role of sexual intimacy in maintaining that bond. In a sexless marriage, there may be a breakdown in the emotional and physical connection that maintains the commitment to one another. This passage underscores the importance of loyalty and the faithfulness that sexual intimacy within marriage represents, a bond that should be cherished and preserved.
Proverbs 31:11-12
“Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This passage speaks of the virtuous woman, whose loyalty and commitment to her husband include physical and emotional support. Her husband trusts her completely, and she ensures their relationship is filled with good, including affection and intimacy. A sexless marriage may indicate a loss of trust or emotional distance, but this verse teaches that true partnership involves mutual support and care, which includes physical intimacy. The foundation of trust and affection strengthens the marriage bond.
Genesis 4:17
“Cain made love to his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.”
This verse highlights the natural role of intimacy within marriage for procreation and the continuation of relationships. While not all marriages are called to have children, intimacy remains a vital part of the marital relationship. A sexless marriage may fail to fulfill this natural aspect of connection, which could lead to emotional or relational dissatisfaction. This verse encourages couples to understand the deep bond that physical intimacy creates in marriage, fostering both emotional closeness and shared purpose.
1 Corinthians 7:10
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.”
Paul provides a command for married couples to remain united, which includes maintaining emotional and physical intimacy. A sexless marriage may lead to emotional and relational separation, which can strain the marriage. This verse calls for couples to work through their difficulties together, ensuring that their bond remains strong. Unity in marriage is not just emotional but also physical, as both partners fulfill each other’s needs and remain committed to the covenant they have made.
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