In a world that often pushes for instant gratification and fleeting connections, the idea of “saving yourself for marriage” can feel counter-cultural, even revolutionary.
Yet, for many, this path isn’t just about physical abstinence; it’s a deeply spiritual and emotional journey rooted in a desire to honor God, build a strong foundation for future marriage, and cultivate a life of integrity.
It’s about recognizing the profound sacredness of intimacy and committing to share it within the covenant of marriage. This journey, while challenging, offers immense comfort, wisdom, and inspiration, and the Bible provides a rich tapestry of guidance for those who choose it.
Waiting for marriage isn’t merely about saying “no” to certain actions; it’s about saying “yes” to a deeper relationship with God, to self-respect, and to the future spouse God has for you.
It’s an act of faith, trusting in God’s perfect timing and design for love and intimacy. The scriptures offer powerful insights and encouragement, serving as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of relationships and striving for purity.
Let’s explore some profound Bible verses about saving yourself for marriage that can light your path and strengthen your resolve.
Understanding God’s Design for Purity and Marriage
God’s Word consistently presents marriage as a sacred institution, designed for companionship, procreation, and a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church.
Within this divine framework, physical intimacy is presented as a beautiful gift, meant to be shared exclusively between a husband and a wife. This isn’t about restriction for restriction’s sake, but about protection, honor, and the flourishing of individuals and relationships.
Choosing to save yourself for marriage means embracing a lifestyle of sexual purity and self-control. It means guarding your heart, mind, and body, and setting boundaries that protect your future covenant.
It’s a commitment that speaks volumes about your character and your reverence for God’s plan. The Bible verses about saving yourself for marriage that follow offer guidance, warnings, and promises for those who commit to this path, reinforcing the value of purity and the blessings of waiting.
35 Bible Verses About Saving Yourself For Marriage: Wisdom for Your Journey
Here are 35 powerful Bible verses about saving yourself for marriage, each offering unique insights into God’s heart for purity, self-control, and the sanctity of the marital covenant.
1. 1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.
Explanation: This verse issues a clear command to run away from sexual sin, emphasizing its unique destructive nature. Unlike other sins, sexual immorality directly defiles our bodies, which are meant to be temples of the Holy Spirit. It’s a call to active avoidance and self-preservation for the sake of purity before marriage.
2. 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.
Explanation: This scripture elevates the institution of marriage and the act of intimacy within it, declaring the “marriage bed” as pure. It implies that sexual activity outside of this sacred covenant is impure and subject to God’s judgment, reinforcing the value of saving yourself for marriage.
3. 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.
Explanation: Here, God’s will for believers is explicitly stated as sanctification, which includes avoiding sexual immorality and exercising self-control over one’s body. It contrasts this godly behavior with the uncontrolled lust of those who don’t know God, providing a strong biblical basis for saving yourself for marriage.
4. Proverbs 5:15-18
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? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Explanation: This passage uses the metaphor of drinking from one’s own well to beautifully illustrate the exclusivity of sexual intimacy within marriage. It’s a vivid picture of faithfulness and finding joy and fulfillment solely with one’s spouse, advocating for saving yourself for marriage.
5. Proverbs 6:27-29
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
Explanation: Using strong imagery, this proverb warns against the dangerous consequences of sexual sin outside of marriage. It highlights the inevitable harm and punishment that follow such actions, underscoring the wisdom of purity and saving yourself for marriage.
6. Proverbs 7:24-27
Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. For she has cast down many wounded, and all her victims are mighty men. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
Explanation: This passage warns against the seductive allure of sexual temptation, personified by an adulterous woman. It emphasizes guarding one’s heart and avoiding paths that lead to destruction, reinforcing the spiritual and practical reasons for saving yourself for marriage.
7. Ephesians 5:3
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Explanation: Paul’s instruction is clear: there should not even be a “hint” of sexual immorality or impurity among believers. This high standard calls for a complete separation from such behaviors, aligning perfectly with the commitment to saving yourself for marriage.
8. Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Explanation: This list categorizes sexual immorality as a “work of the flesh” that prevents one from inheriting the kingdom of God. It’s a stark reminder of the spiritual consequences of impurity and the importance of choosing a path of righteousness, including saving yourself for marriage.
9. Romans 12:1-2
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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Explanation: This foundational verse calls believers to present their entire lives, including their bodies, as a “living sacrifice” to God. This means living in a way that is holy and pleasing to Him, which directly applies to how we handle our sexuality and commit to saving ourselves for marriage.
10. 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.
Explanation: This verse acknowledges the reality of sexual temptation and presents marriage as God’s ordained solution for fulfilling sexual desires in a holy way. It implicitly encourages saving yourself for marriage as the proper context for sexual intimacy.
11. 1 Corinthians 7:9
But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Explanation: This verse directly addresses the struggle with sexual urges, advising marriage as the appropriate and God-honoring outlet for those who find it difficult to maintain celibacy. It reinforces marriage as the proper place for sexual expression and supports the idea of saving yourself for marriage.
12. 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.
Explanation: This powerful reminder emphasizes that our bodies are not our own but belong to God, as they are inhabited by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are called to honor God with our bodies, which includes maintaining sexual purity and saving ourselves for marriage.
13. 2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Explanation: This verse specifically targets “evil desires of youth,” which often include sexual temptations. It encourages actively fleeing from these desires and instead pursuing virtues that build a pure heart and godly character, essential for saving yourself for marriage.
14. Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Explanation: Jesus raises the standard of purity beyond mere physical acts to include the thoughts and intentions of the heart. This challenges believers to cultivate inner purity and guard their minds, a crucial aspect of truly saving yourself for marriage.
15. Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Explanation: This verse calls for a radical putting to death of all forms of sexual sin and impurity. It frames these desires as part of our “earthly nature” that must be overcome through Christ, providing strong motivation for maintaining purity and saving yourself for marriage.
16. Romans 13:13-14
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Explanation: This passage encourages believers to live honorably and avoid behaviors associated with darkness, including sexual immorality. It calls for actively “clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” which means aligning our desires and actions with His character, supporting the commitment to saving yourself for marriage.
17. 1 Peter 1:15-16
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Explanation: This command to “be holy in all you do” is a foundational principle for Christian living. Since God is holy, His followers are also called to reflect His holiness in every area of their lives, including their sexuality, making a strong case for saving yourself for marriage.
18. Proverbs 22:11
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.
Explanation: This proverb highlights the value of a pure heart and gracious speech, promising favor and friendship. Cultivating a pure heart is central to the journey of saving yourself for marriage, as it impacts intentions and actions.
19. 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.
Explanation: This verse encourages believers to actively guard their minds by focusing on pure and positive thoughts. This mental discipline is crucial for resisting temptation and maintaining a pure heart and mind, which is essential when saving yourself for marriage.
20. James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Explanation: This passage emphasizes the importance of submission to God and resisting temptation. It also calls for purifying one’s heart, which is a continuous process of aligning our inner desires with God’s will, a core aspect of saving yourself for marriage.
21. Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Explanation: God’s grace not only saves us but also empowers us to live self-controlled and godly lives. This includes saying “no” to worldly passions, such as illicit sexual desires, and choosing a path of purity, which is vital for saving yourself for marriage.
22. 1 John 2:16
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
Explanation: This verse identifies the “lust of the flesh” as a worldly desire that is contrary to God’s will. Understanding this distinction helps believers recognize and resist temptations that pull them away from purity and the commitment to saving yourself for marriage.
23. Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Explanation: This foundational verse from Genesis describes the divine institution of marriage, where a man and woman become “one flesh.” This “one flesh” union signifies complete intimacy and exclusivity, establishing marriage as the only context for sexual relations and the ultimate goal for those saving themselves for marriage.
24. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.
Explanation: While a poetic book, Song of Solomon celebrates the beauty and intensity of exclusive, committed love within marriage. These verses highlight the powerful, enduring, and exclusive nature of true love, suggesting the value of reserving such intimacy for that sacred bond, thus supporting saving yourself for marriage.
25. 1 Corinthians 7:1
Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”
Explanation: This verse sets a general principle that it is good to abstain from sexual relations outside of marriage. It underpins the call to celibacy for singles and provides a direct endorsement for saving yourself for marriage.
26. 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 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.
Explanation: While speaking to married couples, this passage emphasizes the mutual sexual duty within marriage and the importance of self-control. It implies that outside of marriage, self-control is paramount to avoid temptation, thus encouraging saving yourself for marriage.
27. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-7
and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you before and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Explanation: This verse warns against exploiting or taking advantage of others sexually, emphasizing God’s judgment on such actions. It reiterates that God’s calling for us is to live a holy life, free from impurity, which directly supports the commitment to saving yourself for marriage.
28. Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.
Explanation: This call to give God our hearts and delight in His ways encompasses all areas of life, including our relationships and sexuality. A heart fully devoted to God will naturally desire to follow His path of purity, reinforcing the decision to save yourself for marriage.
29. Ephesians 5:22-25
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… Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Explanation: This passage describes the beautiful and sacrificial nature of marriage, modeling it after Christ’s relationship with the Church. Understanding the depth and sanctity of this covenant inspires a desire to honor it fully, including saving yourself for marriage to enter it with a pure gift.
30. Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Explanation: While speaking about the value of a virtuous wife, this verse also encourages both men and women to cultivate qualities of noble character. For those seeking marriage, it highlights the immense value of a godly spouse, implying the importance of waiting and preparing oneself to be such a person, and to find such a person, by saving yourself for marriage.
31. Galatians 5:16
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Explanation: This verse offers a powerful antidote to sinful desires: walking by the Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we are empowered to overcome the “desires of the flesh,” including sexual temptation, making it easier to commit to saving yourself for marriage.
32. 1 Timothy 5:2
Treat older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
Explanation: This instruction emphasizes treating all women with respect and “absolute purity.” This mindset is crucial for developing healthy, honorable relationships and maintaining personal integrity, laying the groundwork for saving yourself for marriage.
33. 2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Explanation: While not directly about sexual purity, this verse advises against deep, binding relationships (like marriage) with unbelievers. It encourages seeking a partner who shares your faith and values, implying the importance of careful, prayerful consideration and waiting for God’s chosen partner who also values purity and saving yourself for marriage.
34. Romans 6:12
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
Explanation: This verse calls believers to actively resist allowing sin to control their bodies. It empowers individuals to choose righteousness over sinful desires, including those related to sexual impurity, reinforcing the commitment to saving yourself for marriage.
35. 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Explanation: This verse reminds believers of their identity in Christ as a holy and chosen people. This high calling motivates a lifestyle of holiness and purity in all areas, including relationships and sexuality, inspiring the commitment to saving yourself for marriage as an act of worship.
Embracing God’s Plan for a Fulfilling Marriage
The journey of saving yourself for marriage is a profound act of faith, self-control, and honor toward God and your future spouse. It’s a commitment that fosters deep respect for the sacredness of intimacy and lays a foundation of trust and purity for a lifelong covenant. While the world may offer different paths, these Bible verses about saving yourself for marriage reveal God’s timeless wisdom and loving guidance, promising blessings for those who walk in His ways.
Choosing purity is not about living a life devoid of joy or passion; it’s about channeling those powerful emotions and desires into their rightful, God-ordained place. It’s about building anticipation for a unique intimacy that will be shared exclusively within the security and sanctity of marriage.
May these Bible verses about saving yourself for marriage inspire you to embrace God’s beautiful design for love, relationships, and intimacy. Trust in His plan, lean on His strength, and know that your commitment is deeply valued and blessed.
What are your thoughts on these verses? Do you have a favorite scripture that encourages you in your journey of saving yourself for marriage? Share your experiences, favorite verses, or reflections in the comments below! Your insights could be a source of encouragement for others on this path.