Topical Encyclopedia
The term "sexually" pertains to matters related to sexual behavior, desires, and relationships. In the context of the Bible, sexuality is addressed within the framework of God's design for human relationships, moral conduct, and the sanctity of marriage.
Creation and PurposeThe Bible begins with the creation narrative, where God establishes the foundation for human sexuality. In
Genesis 1:27-28 , it is written, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.'" This passage highlights the complementary nature of male and female and the divine mandate for procreation within the context of marriage.
Marriage as the Context for SexualityThe Bible consistently presents marriage as the appropriate context for sexual relations.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This "one flesh" union signifies the deep, intimate bond that is both physical and spiritual, intended to be exclusive and lifelong.
Sexual MoralityScripture provides clear guidelines regarding sexual morality, emphasizing purity and fidelity. In the Ten Commandments,
Exodus 20:14 commands, "You shall not commit adultery," underscoring the importance of faithfulness within marriage. The New Testament reiterates this standard, with Jesus affirming the sanctity of marriage and condemning adultery in
Matthew 5:27-28 : "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Prohibitions Against Sexual ImmoralityThe Bible explicitly prohibits various forms of sexual immorality, which are seen as contrary to God's design.
Leviticus 18 and 20 outline specific prohibitions, including incest, homosexuality, and bestiality. In the New Testament,
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 warns, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."
Redemption and RestorationWhile the Bible sets high standards for sexual conduct, it also offers redemption and restoration for those who have fallen short. The account of the woman caught in adultery in
John 8:1-11 illustrates Jesus' compassion and call to repentance: "Neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Now go and sin no more." This reflects the broader biblical theme of forgiveness and the transformative power of God's grace.
The Role of Sexuality in Christian LifeFor Christians, sexuality is to be expressed within the boundaries of marriage, reflecting the love and commitment between Christ and the Church.
Ephesians 5:31-32 draws this parallel: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Thus, marital sexuality is not only a personal matter but also a testimony to the divine relationship between Christ and His people.
In summary, the Bible presents sexuality as a gift from God, intended to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage, governed by principles of love, fidelity, and holiness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a sexual manner or relation.
Strong's Hebrew
157. aheb -- to love... beloved like, friend. Or raheb {aw-habe'}; a primitive root; to have affection for
(
sexually or otherwise) -- (be-)love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. 156, 157.
...Library
The Conflict with Evil
... for a secret spree about once in sixty days; a respectable woman who has come under
the opium habit; a boy who is both a cigarette fiend andsexually weak; a...
Thesaurus
Sexually (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sexually (10 Occurrences). Matthew 1:25 and didn't know
her
sexually until she had brought forth her firstborn son.
...Immoral (16 Occurrences)
... Don't be deceived. Neither thesexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, (WEB RSV NIV)....
Idolaters (5 Occurrences)
... Neither thesexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes,
nor homosexuals, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Liars (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:10 for thesexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for
liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine...
Murderers (9 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers,
sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the...
Adulterers (10 Occurrences)
... Neither thesexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes,
nor homosexuals, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Sorcerers (8 Occurrences)
... Revelation 21:8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers,
sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the...
Homosexuals (2 Occurrences)
... Don't be deceived. Neither thesexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, (WEB NAS)....
Sexual (59 Occurrences)
... Don't be deceived. Neither thesexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, (Root in WEB NAS RSV NIV)....
Inheritance (263 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:5 Know this for sure, that nosexually immoral person, nor unclean person,
nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom...
Resources
How should a Christian respond to contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian woman wear sexually provocative lingerie for her husband? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Christian couple allowed to do in sex? | GotQuestions.orgSexually: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus