What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Relationships — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Relationships?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
2 Corinthians 6:14
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
Proverbs 4:23
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Marriage Struggles
Scriptures for couples navigating conflict, distance, or difficulty in their mar
Navigating an Interfaith Marriage
Scriptures for Christians married to a spouse of a different faith or no faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Courtship?
Marriage & Family
What Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships?
Marriage & Family
Bible Verses About Relationships
10 curated KJV verses
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
Marriage & Family
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.