What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Courtship?
What Does the Bible Say About Dating and Courtship? While the Bible doesn't mention modern 'dating,' it provides clear principles for pursuing romantic relationships with purity, wisdom, and godly intention.
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
While the Bible doesn't mention modern 'dating,' it provides clear principles for pursuing romantic relationships with purity, wisdom, and godly intention.
While the Bible doesn't mention modern 'dating,' it provides clear principles for pursuing romantic relationships with purity, wisdom, and godly intention.
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?" — 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Biblical courtship principles include: guarding your heart (Proverbs 4:23), maintaining sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5), not being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14), seeking godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14), and treating the other person with honor and respect. The Song of Solomon celebrates romantic love while also cautioning against awakening love before its proper time (Song of Solomon 2:7). Ruth's story illustrates a beautiful courtship marked by integrity, loyalty, and family involvement. Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 provides wisdom about when and how to pursue marriage. The overarching principle is that romantic relationships should honor God, protect both parties, and aim toward the covenant of marriage.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Dating & Relationships?
Biblical principles for dating, courtship, and building godly romantic relationships.
Key Scripture References
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"
"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
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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 Courtship?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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