Chastity is a principle based on purity, integrity and self-control. It revolves around preserving one’s soul and body for sacred purposes, aligning oneself with divine intentions, and striving for a lifestyle of purity in thought, word, and action. The Bible consistently advocates for chastity, instructing its followers on how, when, why, and where to practice it, directly impacting character formation, spiritual growth, and relationship with God.
What Does the Bible Say About Chastity?
The Bible, in its entirety, communicates a clear and consistent message about chastity. Emphasizing the importance of both physical and emotional purity, it advocates for abstinence before marriage and faithfulness within it. The Bible urges its followers to avoid any form of sexual immorality, lustful desires, and impure actions or thoughts. The commitment to chastity is seen as a commitment to honoring the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, living a life of integrity, and promoting a loving and respectful relationship with others. It also highlights the link between chastity and personal character, self-control, and respect for others.
Why is Chastity Important According to the Bible?
According to the Bible, chastity is vital for numerous reasons. First, it establishes a profound respect for the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the individual. It fosters self-discipline, teaching the importance of controlling passions and desires. Secondly, it provides a firm foundation for meaningful, respectful relationships. Moreover, it upholds the sanctity of the marital bond, where sexual union is an expression of love, commitment, and openness to procreation. Lastly, it is a spiritual practice that enhances one’s relationship with God, offering a path to holiness and spiritual enrichment.
When Does the Bible Advocate for Chastity?
When it comes to chastity, the Bible advocates for it at all stages of life. It begins by teaching the young about the importance of purity and respect for oneself and others. It continues this message into adulthood, advocating for the preservation of chastity before marriage. Within the marriage covenant, the Bible encourages faithfulness, advocating for a monogamous relationship where physical and emotional fidelity is maintained. Even in cases of widowhood or divorce, it promotes the virtues of chastity, requiring steadfastness in moral conduct and integrity.
Who Does the Bible Encourage to Practice Chastity?
Chastity, as portrayed in the Bible, is not limited to a specific group of people but is a universal admonition. It is encouraged for all, irrespective of age, social status, or gender. The young are taught to guard their paths by controlling their thoughts and actions. Adults, married or single, are instructed to live chaste lives, maintaining faithfulness and commitment. The Bible likewise calls leaders, teachers, and even those in religious offices to exemplify a life of chastity, portraying the virtues of purity, integrity, and love that reflect their devotion to God and service to humanity.
Where Does the Bible Emphasize the Practice of Chastity?
The Bible emphasizes chastity in all spheres of life. Whether in private or public, at home or at work, in the depth of one’s thoughts, or in laughter and celebration with friends, the concept of chastity is ever relevant. The application of this virtue is not confined to specific scenarios or conditions but permeates all aspects of human existence. By integrating chastity into all facets of life, one can foster a mindset of respect, integrity, and love, reflecting the divine instruction of the Bible.
Below is the full list of bible verses on chastity (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Chastity
1 Thessalonians 4:3
“3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:”
Matthew 5:28
“28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Colossians 3:5
“5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”
Ephesians 5:3
“3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;”
Romans 13:13
“13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
Related Themes: Dating Lust Drugs Indulgence
Exodus 20:14
“14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
1 Corinthians 7:7-9
“7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.”
Related Themes: Celibacy
1 Thessalonians 4:7
“7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
Hebrews 13:4
“4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Lust Abomination Lust Bitterness Adultery
Proverbs 6:25
“25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.”
1 Corinthians 6:13-19
“13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
1 Peter 2:11
“11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”
Related Themes: Lust Strangers Reputation Addiction Morality
Job 31:1
“1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?”
Related Themes: Lust Impurity Self-Control Purity Eyes
1 Corinthians 7:2
“2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
Related Themes: Dating Adultery Marriage Lust Abstinence
Psalm 119:9
“9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Related Themes: Fear Self Confidence Business Bullying Self-Control
Psalm 51:10
“10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Related Themes: Heart Bitterness Creativity Holiness Purity
Leviticus 20:13
“13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
Related Themes: Criticism Impurity Lust Morality Reputation
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Matthew 5:8
“8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Revelation 14:1-5
“1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”
Proverbs 5:15-21
“15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets.17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.”
1 Corinthians 6:13
“13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.”
Proverbs 2:10-11
“10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”
1 Corinthians 6:18
“18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
Acts 15:20
“20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.”
Related Themes: Impurity
1 Corinthians 7:36
“36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.”
1 Corinthians 7:9
“9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.”
Related Themes: Lust Self-Control Indulgence Marriage Self Destruction
