What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Relationships?
What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Relationships? While the Bible doesn't mention modern dating, it provides principles for relationships: purity, wisdom, equally-yoked partnerships, and honoring God in romance.
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
While the Bible doesn't mention modern dating, it provides principles for relationships: purity, wisdom, equally-yoked partnerships, and honoring God in romance.
While the Bible doesn't mention modern dating, it provides principles for relationships: purity, wisdom, equally-yoked partnerships, and honoring God in romance.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" — 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible doesn't address 'dating' as we know it, since biblical cultures arranged marriages. However, timeless principles apply. Paul warns against being 'unequally yoked' with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Proverbs emphasizes choosing a partner of godly character over mere appearance (Proverbs 31:30). Song of Solomon celebrates romantic love within proper boundaries. Paul calls for sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) and treating the opposite sex with respect (1 Timothy 5:2). Biblical principles for dating include: seek God first (Matthew 6:33), maintain purity (Hebrews 13:4), get wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22), look for character over chemistry (1 Samuel 16:7), guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23), and don't rush (Song of Solomon 2:7). The goal is a relationship that honors God and reflects His love.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
Key Scripture References
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Sexual Purity?
The Bible calls believers to reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, honoring God with their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
The Bible teaches that God hates divorce but permits it in cases of sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
The Bible instructs parents to train children in God's ways through teaching, discipline, love, and personal example.
What Does the Bible Say About Children?
The Bible describes children as a blessing from God, commands parents to raise them in the faith, and records Jesus welcoming and blessing little children.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Corinthians on day 330 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Relationships?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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