Topical Encyclopedia
Definition:Cohabitation refers to the practice of an unmarried couple living together in a long-term relationship that resembles a marriage. This arrangement often includes a shared household and, in many cases, a sexual relationship.
Biblical Context:The Bible does not explicitly mention the modern concept of cohabitation as it is understood today. However, it provides principles regarding sexual morality, marriage, and relationships that can be applied to the topic.
Marriage and Sexual Morality:The Bible consistently upholds marriage as the appropriate context for sexual relations. In
Genesis 2:24 , it is written, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse establishes the foundation for marriage as a divinely ordained institution.
The New Testament reinforces this view.
Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers." This passage underscores the sanctity of marriage and the expectation of sexual purity within its bounds.
Fornication and Cohabitation:Cohabitation often involves a sexual relationship outside of marriage, which the Bible categorizes as fornication. In
1 Corinthians 6:18 , Paul advises, "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." This admonition highlights the seriousness with which sexual immorality, including fornication, is viewed in Scripture.
Cultural and Historical Considerations:In biblical times, the concept of cohabitation as a socially accepted practice was not prevalent. Marriages were typically formalized through family arrangements and community recognition. The absence of a formal marriage covenant in cohabitation contrasts with the biblical model of a committed, lifelong partnership.
Implications for Believers:For Christians, the biblical teachings on marriage and sexual purity serve as a guide for relationships. The call to live a life that honors God includes adhering to His design for marriage. In
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 , Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God."
Pastoral Guidance:Church leaders often counsel against cohabitation, encouraging couples to pursue marriage as the appropriate context for a committed relationship. The emphasis is on aligning one's life with biblical principles and seeking God's blessing through obedience to His Word.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not directly address cohabitation, its teachings on marriage, sexual morality, and holiness provide a framework for understanding the issue. Believers are encouraged to seek relationships that reflect God's design and to honor Him in all aspects of their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) To inhabit or reside in company, or in the same place or country.
2. (v.) To dwell or live together as husband and wife.
Greek
4905. sunerchomai -- to come together, by ext. to accompany... From sun and erchomai; to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or
(specially),
cohabit (conjugally) -- accompany, assemble (with), come (together
...3611. oikeo -- to inhabit, to dwell
... dwell. From oikos; to occupy a house, ie Reside (figuratively, inhabit, remain,
inhere); by implication, tocohabit -- dwell. See also oikoumene....
Strong's Hebrew
3045. yada -- to know... 2), acquaintances (5), acquainted (1), aware (6), becomes known (1), bring forth
(1), cared (1), chosen (2), clearly understand (2),
cohabit (1), comprehend (1
...Library
Whether a Believer Can, after his Conversion, Put Away his...
... AS AN IMPEDIMENT TO MARRIAGE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether a believer can, after his
conversion, put away his unbelieving wife if she be willing tocohabit with him...
Whether the Believer who Leaves his Unbelieving Wife Can Take...
... Now, if the wife be willing tocohabit without insult to the Creator, the marriage
tie is not dissolved, since the husband cannot marry another....
Whether the Husband, Being Converted to the Faith, May Remain with...
... Wherefore it was not safe then for a believer tocohabit with an unbelieving Jewish
wife, nor was there hope for her conversion as for that of a Gentile wife....
Sins of Ignorance.
... all other kinds of afflictions which can greatly punish?" And Peter said: "Because
men, following their own pleasure in all things,cohabit without observing...
Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on...
... and in this way she cannot be put away except at the judgment of the Church; and
if she has been put away otherwise, he must be compelled tocohabit with her...
Whether Husband and Wife are Mutually Bound to the Payment of the...
... Now leprosy is opposed to both these ends of marriage, for since it is a contagious
disease, the wife is not bound tocohabit with a leprous husband; and...
The Excellence of the Abiding Glory of virginity; the Soul
... and his angels, who plan to defile and pollute our reasonable and clear-sighted
beauty of mind by intercourse with themselves, and desire tocohabit with every...
The Bill of Divorcement.
... forward for this purpose the passage from Deuteronomy concerning the bill of
divorcement, which is as follows: "But if a man taketh a wife andcohabit with her...
Another Sect of the Esseni: the Pharisees.
... They do not, however,cohabit with pregnant women, evincing that they marry
not from sensual motives, but from the advantage of children....
List of the Benefits which Constantine Conferred in the Freedom of...
... the custom which prevailed among the Phoenicians of Lebanon and Heliopolis of
prostituting virgins before marriage, who were accustomed tocohabit in lawful...
Thesaurus
Cohabit (1 Occurrence)... place or country. 2. (v.) To dwell or live together as husband and wife.
Multi-Version Concordance
Cohabit (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 1
...Bed (142 Occurrences)
... 15. (vt) To place in a bed. 16. (vt) To make partaker of one's bed; tocohabit with.
17.... 22. (vi) To go to bed; tocohabit. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Cognizance (5 Occurrences)
Company (287 Occurrences)
... Thessalonians 3:14). In Apocrypha in the sense of "tocohabit" (Susanna 1:54,
57, 58). (9) A host. "Great was the company," etc. (Psalm 68...
Co-Heirs (1 Occurrence)
Co-Heirs.Cohabit, Co-Heirs. Cohort . Multi-Version Concordance Co-Heirs (1
Occurrence).... (WEY NIV).Cohabit, Co-Heirs. Cohort . Reference Bible.
Accustom (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vt) To familiarize by use or habit; to habituate; as, to accustom oneself to
humid weather. 2. (vi) To be wont. 3. (vi) Tocohabit. 4. (n.) Custom....
Resources
I am engaged to and living with an unbeliever. I am convicted about this. What should I do? | GotQuestions.orgI have been living with an unbeliever for years. I recently came to faith in Christ. What should I do? | GotQuestions.orgIs it allowable for a Christian to have a life partner without a civil marriage? | GotQuestions.orgCohabit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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