What is sex before marriage called in the Bible? This question has intrigued many individuals who seek to understand the religious perspectives on premarital sex. The Bible, as a sacred text for Christians, offers various teachings and commandments that guide believers in their moral and ethical lives. While the Bible does not explicitly use a specific term to describe sex before marriage, it addresses the topic through various passages and principles.
In the Old Testament, the creation story in Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” This passage implies the sanctity of marriage and the unity between a husband and wife. The act of sexual intimacy is seen as a sacred bond that is intended to be reserved for marriage.
The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of marriage and fidelity. In the book of Ephesians 5:22-33, the apostle Paul 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.” This passage highlights the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity within the marital relationship.
While the Bible does not explicitly label premarital sex as a sin, it does emphasize the importance of sexual purity and abstinence before marriage. In 1 Corinthians 7:2-5, Paul writes, “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not 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 passage suggests that premarital sex can lead to temptation and moral decay.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not have a specific term for sex before marriage, it emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of sexual purity. The teachings of the Bible encourage believers to practice abstinence before marriage and to honor the sacred bond of marriage. Understanding the religious perspectives on premarital sex can provide guidance and insight into the moral and ethical principles found within the sacred text.
