What the Bible Actually Says About Intimacy—and Why It Still Sparks Debate
Many people assume the Bible avoids uncomfortable or deeply personal topics. In reality, Scripture speaks with striking directness about human intimacy, setting boundaries that have challenged readers for centuries. Some of these limits are widely recognized, while others are rarely discussed, quietly confronting modern ideas about desire, freedom, and morality.
From the earliest laws given to Israel to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible treats intimacy as more than a private act. It is portrayed as something with emotional, relational, and spiritual weight.
While certain instructions reflect the cultural and ritual context of the ancient world, they were rooted in a broader belief: physical closeness carries meaning and consequences beyond the moment itself.
Below are ten forms of intimate behavior the Bible identifies as morally forbidden, along with the reasoning behind those teachings.
1. Incest
Leviticus 18 outlines strict prohibitions against intimate relationships between close relatives. These boundaries were designed to preserve family integrity, protect vulnerable members, and prevent the breakdown of trust within households.
2. Bestiality
s*xual contact between humans and animals is explicitly condemned in Leviticus 18:23. The text describes it as a violation of the created order, emphasizing the distinct role and dignity of human beings.
3. Male Same-s*x Relations
Leviticus 18:22 addresses s*xual relationships between men, identifying them as outside the covenantal structure established in the Old Testament law. Interpretations of this passage vary among modern faith communities, but within its original setting, it was viewed as a moral boundary.
4. Adultery
Listed among the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:14, adultery is presented as a serious offense. Scripture portrays it as a betrayal that damages marriages, families, and social stability.
5. s*xual Activity Outside Marriage
The New Testament frequently warns against s*xual immorality, including intimacy outside marriage (1 Corinthians 6:18). These teachings emphasize self-control and the belief that physical union is meant to occur within a committed covenant.
6. s*xual Relations During Menstruation
Leviticus 18:19 and 20:18 prohibit intimacy during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This restriction was tied to ritual purity laws specific to ancient Israel and was treated as a serious matter at the time.
7. Relations With Another Man’s Wife
Beyond the general prohibition of adultery, Scripture specifically condemns intimacy with a neighbor’s spouse (Leviticus 18:20; Proverbs 6:29), framing it as a violation of community trust and mutual respect.
8. Prostitution
Deuteronomy 23:17 and other passages reject prostitution, often linking it to exploitation and spiritual unfaithfulness. While the Bible consistently condemns the practice, it also records acts of compassion and forgiveness toward individuals involved.
9. Lustful Intent
Jesus expanded the discussion of intimacy by addressing inner motives. In Matthew 5:28, He taught that harboring lustful intent is morally serious, shifting the focus from outward behavior to the condition of the heart.
10. s*xual Acts Connected to Idol Worship
Certain ancient religious practices included ritualized s*xual behavior. The Bible strongly opposed this (Leviticus 20; Deuteronomy 27), viewing it as a distortion of worship and a misuse of what was meant to be sacred.
Conclusion
Biblical teachings on intimacy were not written simply to restrict desire or impose control. They reflect a worldview in which physical closeness carries deep responsibility—toward oneself, toward others, and toward God.
While some commands are closely tied to ancient cultural practices, the underlying principle remains consistent: intimacy is meant to protect dignity, preserve trust, and strengthen relationships rather than cause harm. Whether one agrees with every interpretation or not, the Bible’s message is clear—what we do with our bodies matters.