Welcome to this article addressing the topic “What Does The Bible Say About Open Marriage,” also known as voluntary non-monogamy, which is a relationship in which spouses agree to have romantic or sexual interactions with other individuals outside their primary relationship.
This article will examine what the Bible says about open marriage because many individuals are looking for answers to this subject from a biblical perspective.
To thoroughly understand the topic, we will examine biblical teachings on marriage, adultery, and sexual immorality. By the end of this article, you will better know the biblical view on open marriage and its ramifications for Christians who may be considering it.
Let’s dive right into this intriguing subject.
What Does The Bible Say About Open Marriage
The idea of open marriage is not explicitly addressed in the Bible because it is a relatively new phenomenon that did not exist at the time of the Bible.
Nonetheless, several verses in the Bible might be seen as warning against or forbidding extramarital sex. Here are several Scriptures that apply:
1. Matthew 5:28
Yet, I’ll tell you that everybody who gazes at a lady with lust has already had an extramarital affair with her in his heart.
2. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be respected by everybody, and the marriage bed should be kept free from immoral behaviour, for God will judge the adulterer and all homosexuals.
3. Exodus 20:14
It is forbidden to commit adultery.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:18
Run from immoral sexual behaviour. Every other evil a person commits is external to the body, but sexual immorality is an internal vice.
5. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Because God wants you to be sanctified, he wills that you refrain from sexual immorality.
6. 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.
7. Mark 10:11-12
And he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.
8. 1 Corinthians 7:2
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
9. 1 Corinthians 6:15
“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!
10. Mark 10:8-9
And the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
Does God Approve Of Open Marriages?
It is significant to note that the Bible strongly emphasizes the value of integrity and faithfulness in marriage. The Bible does not endorse sharing one’s spouse with others since it violates the holy relationship between a husband and wife.
The Bible vehemently condemns adultery and views it as a sin. On the other hand, the Bible urges spouses to uphold their marriage vows and remain faithful to one another by promoting love, respect, and commitment between them. Please refrain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
What Does The Bible Say About Swinging
11. Marriage Is The Only Occasion For Sexual Interactions (Genesis 2:24)
So a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24
12. Sexual Chastity Is Important (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. Hebrews 13:4
13. Sexual Sin Is A Form Of Rebellion Against God (1 Samuel 15:23)
For rebellion is the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king. 1 Samuel 15:23
14. God’s Will Is For Us To Be Holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
15. God’s Will Is For Us To Be One Man And One Woman
Having intercourse with numerous partners outside of a committed relationship, sometimes known as swinging, is not directly mentioned in the Bible since it did not exist when it was written.
The Bible does, however, include instructions on sexual morality and the need for loyalty and commitment in partnerships.
The Bible states explicitly that one man and one woman should only engage in sexual behavior while they are married (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6). Christian doctrines would classify any form of extramarital sex, including swinging, as sinful.
16. The Bible Instructs Against Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 10:14)
Also, the Bible instructs Christians to abstain from sexual immorality and to run from sexual temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18). (1 Corinthians 10:14).
The concept of sexual purity is emphasized throughout the Bible, with multiple texts advising people to abstain from sexual behavior outside of marriage and to remain faithful to their spouse.
17. Marriage Makes You And Your Partner One
Do you not realize that anyone who associates with a prostitute physically becomes a part of her, according to 1 Corinthians 6:16? For it is written, “The two shall become one flesh.”
18. God’s Will Is For You To Be Sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
God’s will is for you to be sanctified, which includes avoiding sexual immorality and learning to control your bodies holistically rather than in passionate lust like the pagans who do not know God. This is stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.
19. It Is Adultery (Matthew 5:28)
Jesus explains in Matthew 5:28 that merely gazing at someone with sexual thoughts is equivalent to adultery in the heart. In light of this, the Bible may classify participating in swinging or having sex with someone not your spouse as adultery and sin.
20. It Is Immoral Sexual Behaviour (1 Corinthians 6:18)
According to 1 Corinthians 6:18, “Run from immoral sexual behaviour. While every other sin a person commits occurs outside of the body, sexually immoral behaviour occurs inside the body.” This implies that immoral sexual behavior may be regarded as behavior that occurs outside of marriage, such as swinging.
Open Marriage Adultery
A voluntary non-monogamous relationship, known as an “open marriage,” is one in which both spouses consent to have romantic and/or sexual interactions with persons besides their primary partner.
Contrarily, adultery refers to having sex with someone other than one’s spouse or partner without their agreement.
In an open marriage, the spouses have agreed to the conditions of their union and given their agreement for the other to have romantic or sexual contact with others.
As a result, it would not be considered adultery if one of the partners had sex with someone else with their partner’s knowledge and consent.
Yet, it could be termed adultery if one of the partners has sex with someone else without the other’s knowledge or consent outside of the open marriage’s predetermined bounds. In this instance, it would violate trust and might result in the open marriage’s dissolution.
What Does The Bible Say About Throuples?
21. According to the Bible, marriage is a commitment between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Outside of marriage, sexual behavior is viewed as wicked and only intended to occur within the confines of marriage (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 6:18)
22. Although homosexuality is not directly addressed in the Bible, it is evident that any sexual behavior outside of a marriage vow is contrary to how God intended for human relationships to be.
Likewise, the Bible has high expectations for marital loyalty (Proverbs 5:15–19; Hebrews 13:4), which may be challenging to uphold in a triple dynamic.
23. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality are considered sexual sins (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
24. A man and a woman’s marriage is a sacred covenant (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6)
25. Stay away from sexual enticement (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
What Does The Bible Say About Polygamy?
26. The practice of having numerous marriages, known as polygamy, is mentioned frequently in the Bible. Although some Old Testament characters had multiple wives, the Bible neither condones nor encourages the practice.
27. According to the Bible, marriage should only be between one man and one woman. For example, Genesis 2:24 reads, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
28. Additionally, in Matthew 19:4-6 of the New Testament, Jesus reiterated this idea of marriage. He said, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? They are now one flesh instead of two. Therefore, do not let man divide what God has joined together.
29. While certain Old Testament characters, including Abraham, Jacob, and David, engaged in polygamy, it frequently resulted in strife and issues among their families. The Bible offers instances of polygamy leading to resentment and conflict between wives, such as with Sarah and Hagar in Genesis 16 or Leah and Rachel in Genesis 35. (Genesis 29).
30. While the Bible references polygamy, it does not encourage the practice and teaches that marriage is designed to be between one man and one woman.
What Does The Bible Say About Lack Of Intimacy
31. According to 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 in the New Testament, “Both the husband and the woman are responsible for upholding their marriage vows. The wife cedes control of her body to her husband and has no authority over it.
Similarly, the husband cedes control of his body to his wife and does not have authority over it. Only if both parties agree and, for a limited period, refrain from depriving one another so that you can devote yourself to prayer. Then reunite so that Satan cannot seduce you due to your lack of restraint.”
This verse urges spouses to meet each other’s needs while highlighting the value of physical connection in marriage.
32. The Bible also stresses the value of communication and comprehension in interpersonal interactions. Do not let the sun go set while you are still furious, and do not give the adversary a stronghold, Ephesians 4:26-27 instructs.
The significance of resolving disputes and dealing with problems before they escalate is emphasized in this paragraph.
33. “Do not deprive each other except perhaps 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.”- 1 Corinthians 7:5
34. Psalms 5:18–19 – “Bless your fountain and celebrate having a lovely doe, a wife from your youth, as your spouse. Let her breasts to always make you happy and let her love consume you.” This verse exhorts spouses to delight in and enjoy one another.
35. Song of Solomon 1:2 – “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! Because you love me more than wine.” The love and closeness between a husband and wife are poetically celebrated in this book of the Bible.
Catholic Open Marriage
The Catholic Church maintains the sanctity of marriage and proclaims that it is a union of one man and one woman for all of their natural lives. The Church acknowledges that marriage entails a dedication to fidelity, openness to having children, and mutual love and respect.
The Catholic Church does not support open marriages, which entail partners engaging in sexual contact with others while still married. The Church exhorts married couples to be faithful to one another, to love and serve one another, and to work through any issues.
It’s crucial to note that while there may be various Catholic interpretations and behaviors regarding marriage and relationships, the Catholic Church’s official teachings do not endorse the idea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, open marriage is not something that the Bible endorses. The holiness of marriage and the value of monogamous partnerships are both emphasized in the scriptures. The Bible strongly condemns adultery and fornication and holds that sexual immorality is a sin against God.
It is essential to remember that the Bible’s principles and values are timeless and relevant to all aspects of life, despite some claims that it is outdated and unrelated to relationships in the present world.
The choice to enter into an open marriage is ultimately a personal one, but it’s crucial to take the potential repercussions and the biblical teachings on the matter into account.
