What Does the Bible Say About Dating & Relationships?
Biblical principles for dating, courtship, and building godly romantic relationships.
What does the Bible say about dating? Explore KJV scriptures about relationships, courtship, purity, and finding a godly spouse.
"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)
While the word 'dating' doesn't appear in the Bible, Scripture provides timeless principles for romantic relationships. From the importance of choosing a godly partner to maintaining purity, the Bible guides believers toward relationships that honor God and lead to healthy, lasting marriages.
Key Scriptures About Dating & Relationships
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?"Read in context
Proverbs 31:30
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."Read in context
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."Read in context
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."Read in context
Proverbs 4:23
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."Read in context
Song of Solomon 2:7
"I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please."Read in context
A Prayer About Dating & Relationships
Lord, guide my heart in relationships. Help me to seek a partner who loves You above all else, and to be that kind of person myself. Give me patience in waiting, wisdom in choosing, and purity in conduct. Let my relationships bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating & Relationships
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on dating & relationships.
Should Christians only date other Christians?
2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against being 'unequally yoked with unbelievers.' Most Christian scholars and pastors strongly encourage dating within the faith, as shared spiritual foundations are essential for a God-honoring marriage. A spouse's relationship with God profoundly impacts the health and direction of the marriage.
What does the Bible say about physical intimacy before marriage?
The Bible consistently teaches that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 calls believers to 'abstain from fornication' and to pursue 'sanctification and honour.' Hebrews 13:4 says the marriage bed should be kept pure. These boundaries exist to protect relationships and honor God.
What is the main Bible verse about dating & relationships?
2 Corinthians 6:14 is one of the clearest scriptures on dating & relationships: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about dating & relationships?
Scripture addresses dating & relationships in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 6 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from 2 Corinthians, Proverbs, 1 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians, Song of Solomon and more.
Where does the Bible first mention dating & relationships?
The earliest passage on this list is 2 Corinthians 6:14, in the book of 2 Corinthians. Scripture's full teaching on dating & relationships unfolds across both testaments — see all 6 verses above for the broader picture.
Is dating & relationships a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about dating? Explore KJV scriptures about relationships, courtship, purity, and finding a godly spouse. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Dating & Relationships
Specific questions Christians ask about dating & relationships — each answered with KJV scripture.
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.
Read answerWhat 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.
Read answerWhat Is the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' most famous teaching, recorded in Matthew 5-7, covering the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and principles for godly living.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Teach About Same-Sex Relationships?
Traditional biblical interpretation holds that sexual intimacy is designed for marriage between a man and a woman, based on Genesis 2 and multiple New Testament passages.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Social Media?
While social media didn't exist in biblical times, Scripture provides timeless principles about speech, comparison, time management, and influencing others that directly apply.
Read answerWhat Is the Book of Proverbs About?
Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for daily living, teaching godly decision-making in relationships, work, speech, money, and character.
Read answerWhat Is Biblical Hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics is the science and art of biblical interpretation — the principles and methods by which we understand and apply the meaning of Scripture to life.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Submission?
Biblical submission is an attitude of voluntary respect and cooperation toward God-ordained authority, modeled by Christ and required of all believers in various relationships.
Read answerRelated Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
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What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
God's design for marriage, the roles of husband and wife, and building a Christ-centered relationship.
What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
Biblical wisdom for parenting, discipline, and raising children in the faith.
What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
Biblical teaching on sex, sexual purity, and God's design for intimacy within marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
What the Bible teaches about true friendship, loyalty, and choosing friends wisely.
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More Bible Questions in Relationships
Continue exploring what Scripture teaches on related topics.
- What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?
- What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Raising Children?
- What Does the Bible Say About Sex & Sexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?
- What Does the Bible Say About Loneliness?
- What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
- What Does the Bible Say About Adultery & Infidelity?
- What Does the Bible Say About Being Single?
- What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Enemies?
- What Does the Bible Say About Sex Before Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Masturbation?
- What Does the Bible Say About Toxic Relationships?
- What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Submission in Marriage?
- What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Social Media?
- What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?