Sex on the Sabbath

Q: Is It OK to Have Sex on Sabbath?

A: That’s a great question—one that people have discussed for centuries if not millennia. First, let’s acknowledge that the Bible is clear that sexual relations are to be between only a husband and wife (cf. Gen. 2:24; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10). It’s also important to note that while sex is good, it is not essential for personal fulfillment. Singleness and celibacy are highly honored, and those who remain single can serve God with undivided attention (see 1 Cor. 7:32-35).

The Bible does not directly answer the question, but nowhere does it forbid marital sexual relations on Sabbath, so it remains a matter left to personal conviction. Some years ago, while discussing Jewish attitudes on various topics with a shopkeeper in Jerusalem, I asked what Jews thought about sex on Sabbath. His reply? “That’s a big subject of controversy!” The rabbis, though, were clear: The appropriate time to fulfill “conjugal obligations” was “from Shabbat eve to Shabbat eve, i.e., on Friday nights.”[1]

Interestingly, like bookends, Genesis 2 begins with God’s institution of the Sabbath (verses 1-3) and ends with His institution of marriage (verse 24; cf. Matt. 19:4, 5). Commenting on this, Jesus observed: “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt. 19:6). Consider the implications:

1. Marriage was created by God and designed as a monogamous “one flesh” union between husband and wife. Reserving this special gift for the marital bond as He intended portends a truly satisfying lifelong intimacy.

2. After Adam and Eve’s marriage as the culmination of a very busy sixth day (see Gen. 1:26-2:24), the record announces, “They were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Gen. 2:25). So how did they spend their first night together? We’re not told exactly. But we are told that “God blessed them” and “said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’ ” (Gen. 1:28). Clearly sexual relations that first Friday night would be in harmony with this command.

3. The Sabbath itself was established as an act of delight upon completion of the creation (Gen. 2:1-3), so how fitting if this first Sabbath culminated in a beautiful act of physical and marital love between the first husband and wife!

Nowhere does Scripture forbid marital sexual relations on Sabbath.

In fact, the Song of Solomon extols marital love, celebrating sexual intimacy as a beautiful divine gift. Isaiah 58:13, 14 portrays the Sabbath as an exquisite delight, a day for physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal and joy in God. While not a day for doing as we please, pursuing trivial pleasures, or seeking our own will, mutually agreed conjugal relations between husband and wife are not only in harmony with God’s will but commanded (1 Cor. 7:3-5). As Hebrews 13:4 indicates: “Marriage is honorable in every respect; and, in particular, sex within marriage is pure. But God will indeed punish fornicators and adulterers” (CJB).[2] Yes, the Sabbath is holy, but sex within a monogamous, heterosexual marriage is also “pure” or, more literally, “undefiled.” In short, Scripture encourages marital sex on the Sabbath or any other day.

[1] b. Ketub. 62b.

[2] Texts credited to CJB are from the Complete Jewish Bible. Copyright © 1998 by David H. Stern. All rights reserved.