The Bible laid out covenant rules for men and women to abide by for dating the opposite sex
Biblical Wisdom on Dating for Men and Women
Hello everyone! Welcome back to Spiritual Podcast, the podcast where we dive into real-life topics through the lens of the Bible. I’m Elder Dan, your host. Today, we’re chatting about something that’s on a lot of minds—dating. Specifically, what does the Holy Scripture have to say about it for men and women? Now, I know “dating” as we think of it today—with apps, casual hangouts, and all that jazz—isn’t exactly spelled out in the Holy Scripture. Back in biblical times, relationships often looked more like arranged marriages or purposeful courtships aimed straight at marriage. But that doesn’t mean Scripture is silent on the matter. It gives us timeless principles to guide how we approach romance, whether you’re a man stepping up to lead or a woman discerning the right path.
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Let’s kick things off with the big picture. From a biblical standpoint, relationships between men and women should be all about honoring Almighty Yahweh, building each other up in faith, and heading toward marriage if that’s His plan. It’s not just about fun or fleeting feelings; it’s ministry, service, and glorifying Elohim together. One key perspective is the roles we play as outlined below.
Gentlemen, the Bible points to you taking the initiative in pursuing a relationship. Think leadership—asking her out, planning with intention, and showing you’re ready to step into that protector-provider role, like we see echoed in passages about marriage in Ephesians 5.
Ladies, your part is often about responding thoughtfully, trusting Yahweh’s timing, and not flipping the script by chasing after him in a way that might blur those holy-designed dynamics. It’s not rigid rules, but it’s about reflecting how Yahshua the Messiah leads the church—men initiating with humility, women responding with grace.
Of course, both sides need to be on the same page spiritually. The Bible’s clear: Don’t date someone who doesn’t share your faith in Messiah. We’re talking 2 Corinthians 6:14 here—don’t be unequally yoked. That means looking for a partner who’ll partner with you in serving Elohim, not pull you away.
Now, to make this real, let’s look at some examples straight from the Bible. These aren’t “dating” in the modern sense, but they’re stories of courtship, romance, and relationships that teach us a ton. First up, Isaac and Rebekah from Genesis 24. Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own people, and through prayer, the servant spots Rebekah at the well. She’s kind, faithful, and from the right tribe. Isaac doesn’t even meet her until the deal’s basically done, but he commits to loving her fully. What does this teach us? Pray hard when seeking a partner, prioritize shared faith over just sparks, and remember love is a choice—Yahweh can grow it in a covenant relationship.
Then there’s Boaz and Ruth—this one’s got some romance vibes. Ruth, a widowed foreigner, gleans in Boaz’s fields, and he notices her character and protects her. Ruth takes Naomi’s advice and subtly lets Boaz know she’s interested by lying at his feet one night— totally cultural, not creepy back then. Boaz steps up as her kinsman-redeemer, marries her, and they become part of Yahshua’s lineage. What’s the lesson? Yes, Yahweh Almighty uses unexpected backgrounds, and it’s okay for women to give gentle hints while men seek wise counsel and act honorably. Mutual respect and faith are key.
How about Joseph and Mary? They’re engaged when Mary gets pregnant by the Holy Spirit—talk about a curveball. Joseph could have ditched her publicly, but he chooses to protect her quietly until an angel confirms the plan. They stick together through difficult times, like fleeing to Egypt. This shows us that true love respects and shields the other person, especially in tough spots, and sharing a deep commitment to Elohim helps you to weather the storms.
We can’t skip Aquila and Priscilla from Acts 18. This power couple teams up in ministry, hosting Paul and teaching Apollos. They’re tentmakers by day, kingdom builders by night. It reminds us to date someone you can serve Yahweh with—pray for a like-minded partner who’ll make your faith stronger together.
Lastly, Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1. They’re older, childless, but faithful. Zechariah doubts an angel’s promise of a son—John the Baptist, goes mute for a bit, but they obey Yahweh in naming him. After years of waiting, they surrender their miracle to Elohim’s purpose.
Here’s the takeaway: Yahweh Elohim hears prayers in His timing, and relationships thrive on obedience, even when we’re weak. These stories aren’t cookie-cutter dating guides, but they highlight seeking Yahweh’s will, character over looks, and community involvement—like family or mentors weighing in.
One huge thing we have to address very importantly in this episode is about physical intimacy. The Bible is straightforward—sex while dating is strictly prohibited unless the man and woman are married to each other. It’s part of fleeing sexual immorality, as in 1 Corinthians 6:18, which says to run from it because it sins against your own body. Hebrews 13:4 puts it this way: Keep the marriage bed pure, because Yahweh judges the sexually immoral. And 1 Corinthians 7:2 points to marriage as the right place for sexual relations to avoid immorality. Yahweh designed sex as a beautiful gift for marriage, binding two into one. Jumping the gun dishonors that and can lead to all sorts of heartache. So, boundaries are your friend—save the fireworks for the covenant!
To wrap this up, dating biblically means pursuing purity, purpose, and partnership under Yahweh’s guidance. Whether you’re single and waiting, or navigating a relationship right now, lean on Scripture, pray sincerely, and surround yourself with wise counsel.
Friends, if you’d like to continue this conversation or share your thoughts on this topic, leave a comment below or reach out to me directly. You are also welcome to read or listen to our eye-opening, relevant, and powerful previous episodes on this website and visit our sister website by clicking here to learn more genuine truths from the Bible.
Brethren, before I go, let me pray this prayer for you: May Yahweh bless you and keep you; may Yahweh make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. I humbly pray all these things to Yahweh through Yahshua the Messiah, our Master and coming King, amen. Kindly keep praying for the shalom of Israel. Take care. Halleluyah!