Intimacy in Marriage
1 Corinthians 7:4-5 says that in marriage the husband and wife each have authority over the other’s body, and commands them not to deprive one another. Withholding intimacy is not a private right but a violation of love.
Withholding intimacy in marriage is a direct violation of the command to love and serve your spouse. 1 Corinthians 7:4-5 states: “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” In our society, people propagate the lie of “my body, my choice,” arguing that they don’t have to yield their body if they don’t feel like it. But Scripture points to the exact opposite. In marriage, your body is not your own. Whatever your reasoning — whether you are tired, angry, or just don’t feel like it — it is improper to withhold from your partner. Scripture is not interested in debating your hypothetical scenarios; it is examining your heart. Are you withholding? Why? Simply submit to the authority of Scripture, men and women alike, and stop using your own eyes to justify what God has forbidden.
Scriptures Referenced (KJV)
2 key passages from the King James Version (KJV).
“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.”
1 Corinthians 7:4 KJV Read 1 Corinthians chapter 7 →
“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.”
1 Corinthians 7:5 KJV Read 1 Corinthians chapter 7 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Intimacy in marriage in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about intimacy in marriage?
- 1 Corinthians 7:4-5 says that in marriage the husband and wife each have authority over the other’s body, and commands them not to deprive one another. Withholding intimacy is not a private right but a violation of love. Key KJV passages: 1 Corinthians 7:4, 1 Corinthians 7:5.
- What are the best Bible verses about intimacy in marriage?
- The most important KJV passages on intimacy in marriage include: 1 Corinthians 7:4, 1 Corinthians 7:5. Read all 2 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about intimacy in marriage?
- The Bible addresses intimacy in marriage throughout both Testaments. Key references include 1 Corinthians 7:4, 1 Corinthians 7:5. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
- What does the New Testament say about intimacy in marriage?
- New Testament scriptures on intimacy in marriage: 1 Corinthians 7:4, 1 Corinthians 7:5. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
- How do I study Bible verses about intimacy in marriage?
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 2 passages on intimacy in marriage at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.
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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.