In modern culture, living together before marriage—often referred to as cohabitation—is a common practice among couples. This lifestyle is seen by many as a way to test compatibility, share responsibilities, and enjoy the benefits of a romantic relationship without the formal commitment of marriage. However, when we turn to the Bible, we see that God‘s design for relationships and marriage is profoundly different from many contemporary views. The Scriptures offer guidance on how relationships should be formed, how we should honor God with our bodies, and the sacredness of the marriage covenant.
The Bible has much to say about relationships, purity, and the importance of honoring God in how we live, especially when it comes to sexual morality. While the Bible does not directly address the concept of cohabitation, it gives clear principles regarding the purpose of marriage, sexual relations, and the importance of maintaining holiness in our lives. As Christians, it is crucial to understand what Scripture teaches about these matters in order to align our lives with God’s will.
In this article, we will explore 30 Bible verses that speak to the issues surrounding living together before marriage, focusing on God’s design for relationships, the sanctity of marriage, and the call to live in purity and holiness. We will also reflect on how these principles can be applied in today’s world, encouraging believers to honor God in their relationships.
1. Genesis 2:24 – God’s Design for Marriage
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” (NIV)
From the very beginning, God established marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman. This verse emphasizes the importance of leaving one’s family to form a new, united relationship with a spouse. Cohabitation before marriage often bypasses this important step of formal commitment.
2. Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage is Honorable
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (ESV)
God calls marriage to be held in high honor, and sexual relations within marriage are to remain pure and undefiled. Living together before marriage often involves sexual activity outside of the covenant of marriage, which is contrary to God’s design.
3. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – Flee Sexual Immorality
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 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.” (NIV)
These verses call believers to flee from sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies. Cohabitation before marriage often leads to sexual sin, and this passage emphasizes the importance of preserving sexual purity until marriage.
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – Sanctification and Avoiding Impurity
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.” (ESV)
God’s will for believers is to live in sanctification, abstaining from sexual immorality. Living together before marriage is often associated with sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage, which is contrary to the call for holiness and honor in these verses.
5. Matthew 19:4-6 – Marriage is a Covenant
“He answered, ‘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 mother and hold fast to his wife, 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.’” (ESV)
This passage reinforces the idea that marriage is a lifelong covenant established by God. It is more than a mere arrangement or living situation—it is a sacred union that God has joined together. Cohabitation without the commitment of marriage does not honor the covenant nature of this relationship.
6. 1 Corinthians 7:2 – Avoiding Sexual Immorality
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.” (ESV)
The apostle Paul urges believers to avoid sexual immorality by committing to a marriage relationship. This verse emphasizes that marriage is the proper context for sexual relations, not cohabitation before marriage.
7. Ephesians 5:3 – Sexual Purity
“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.” (NIV)
This verse calls believers to avoid any hint of sexual immorality, which includes living together before marriage. Believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes.
8. Romans 12:1-2 – Living a Holy Life
“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.” (NIV)
The call to offer our bodies as living sacrifices is a call to live according to God’s will, not the world’s standards. Living together before marriage may be a common practice in the world, but it does not align with God’s design for relationships and holiness.
9. Proverbs 5:18-19 – Rejoicing in Marriage
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely dear, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” (ESV)
God designed marriage as a relationship of delight, love, and joy. This verse speaks to the beauty and pleasure found within the covenant of marriage, rather than seeking fulfillment outside of marriage through cohabitation.
10. Colossians 3:5 – Put to Death the Flesh
“Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (NIV)
Living together before marriage often involves sexual immorality and lustful desires. This verse urges believers to put to death the sinful desires of the flesh and to live according to God’s commands.
11. 1 Peter 1:15-16 – Be Holy
“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.’” (NIV)
Believers are called to holiness in every area of life, including relationships. This verse reminds us that our actions and decisions, including how we approach marriage and intimacy, should reflect God’s holiness.
12. Galatians 5:19-21 – The Acts of the Flesh
“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.” (NIV)
These verses describe sexual immorality as one of the acts of the flesh that leads to spiritual destruction. Cohabitation before marriage often leads to sexual immorality, which can have serious consequences on our spiritual lives.
13. Titus 2:6-8 – Soundness in Faith
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (NIV)
Young believers are encouraged to be self-controlled and to live in ways that are consistent with sound teaching. Cohabiting before marriage does not reflect the self-control and integrity that God desires for His people.
14. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Honor God in All Things
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV)
Every decision we make, including how we approach relationships, should be for God’s glory. Living together before marriage is not in alignment with God’s call to honor Him in every area of our lives. Whether it’s marriage, friendship, or other relationships, our choices should reflect God’s holiness and purposes.
15. Ephesians 5:3-4 – Avoid Immorality and Indecency
“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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (NIV)
God calls His people to live holy lives. This includes avoiding sexual immorality, which would include cohabiting before marriage. A life of purity is not just about avoiding overt sin, but about steering clear of anything that would lead to impurity, including the lifestyle choices we make in relationships.
16. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (NIV)
The heart is the seat of our emotions, desires, and decisions. Cohabiting before marriage can create emotional entanglements and temptations that can make it harder to honor God. By guarding our hearts, we are better able to make decisions that align with God’s will.
17. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (ESV)
While this verse specifically refers to partnerships with non-believers, it also highlights the importance of commitment in relationships. Cohabitation before marriage might suggest an unwillingness to commit to a marriage covenant, which stands in contrast to God’s design for lifelong commitment in marriage.
18. Romans 13:13-14 – Live Honorably
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (ESV)
This passage speaks against indulgence in the desires of the flesh, which includes sexual immorality. Cohabitation before marriage often involves making provisions for the flesh by living together outside of the marital covenant. Instead, we are called to walk honorably and to put on Christ, living according to His commands.
19. Matthew 5:27-28 – Lust and Adultery
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (ESV)
Jesus emphasizes the importance of purity in our thoughts, not just our actions. Living together before marriage can lead to temptation and the violation of God’s call to purity in thought, word, and deed.
20. Proverbs 6:32 – The Destructive Nature of Adultery
“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.” (NIV)
Cohabiting before marriage may lead to temptations that could lead to adultery or sexual sin. God warns against the destructive nature of such actions, encouraging His people to pursue purity, wisdom, and righteousness.
21. 1 Timothy 4:12 – Set an Example in Purity
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (NIV)
Believers, especially younger ones, are called to set an example in purity and holiness. This includes relationships. Cohabitation before marriage can send the wrong message to others and contradict the example of purity that Scripture calls believers to set.
22. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (ESV)
Living together before marriage can often lead to sexual immorality and other forms of sin that separate us from God. These verses serve as a strong warning to avoid such lifestyles, which will not inherit the kingdom of God.
23. Psalm 119:9 – Purity Comes Through God’s Word
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” (ESV)
Staying pure and honoring God in relationships requires daily commitment to God’s Word. It is through the guidance of Scripture that believers can resist the temptations that come with living together before marriage.
24. John 14:15 – If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” (KJV)
Loving Jesus is not just about emotions but about obedience to His commands. Jesus calls His followers to keep His Word, including His commands about marriage and sexual purity. Living together before marriage is not in line with His command to keep our bodies pure and honor Him in all things.
25. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in God’s Plan
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)
Trusting in God’s plan for relationships means trusting that His way is better than the world’s way. The Bible teaches that His design for marriage and relationships leads to fulfillment and blessing, even if it might seem difficult or countercultural.
26. Romans 6:12-13 – Offer Your Bodies to God
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” (NIV)
Living together before marriage can lead to sin reigning in our bodies, especially in the form of sexual immorality. This passage reminds believers to offer their bodies as instruments of righteousness, living according to God’s commands.
27. Matthew 6:33 – Seek First the Kingdom of God
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (ESV)
Instead of seeking fulfillment through cohabitation or living outside of God’s will, believers are called to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. When we prioritize God’s plan for relationships and marriage, He will provide all that we need.
28. 2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee the Evil Desires of Youth
“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.” (NIV)
This verse calls believers to flee youthful lusts and pursue a life of purity. Cohabiting before marriage can fuel impure desires, and the Bible urges us to flee from such temptations and pursue righteousness instead.
29. 1 John 2:16-17 – The World’s Desires are Temporary
“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. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (NIV)
Cohabiting before marriage often stems from worldly desires, which are temporary and will ultimately fade away. We are called to focus on doing God’s will, which leads to eternal life.
30. Luke 16:18 – Marriage is a Sacred Covenant
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (NIV)
Jesus upholds the sacred nature of marriage. Cohabiting before marriage undermines the seriousness of this covenant, which God has designed to be lifelong and faithful.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us that relationships and marriage are sacred. While the culture may normalize cohabitation before marriage, Scripture calls believers to honor God with their bodies, pursue purity, and uphold the sanctity of marriage. Living together before marriage is inconsistent with God’s design for relationships and does not align with His commands to live in purity, holiness, and commitment.
In the light of these 30 Bible verses, we are reminded that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His plans for relationships are far better than any worldly standards. By following God’s teachings, we not only honor Him but also experience the joy, peace, and fulfillment that come from living according to His will. Let us trust in God’s plan for marriage, honor Him with our bodies, and commit to pursuing righteousness in our relationships.
You Might Be Interested In:
- 15 Scriptures on Prosperity and Success
- 30 Bible Verses on Direction and Guidance
- 47 Bible Verses About Helping the Poor