Overview
The Bible addresses sensuality across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Ecclesiastes, Luke and Isaiah. Closely related themes include Worldliness, Riches, Happiness of the Wicked, the and Parables. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham.
Key Bible verses about sensuality
Old Testament
Ecclesiastes
There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. should make: or, delight his senses
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
Isaiah
And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.
Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
New Testament
Luke
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? thy: Gr. do they require thy soul
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
1 Corinthians
People in the Bible and sensuality
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
Studying sensuality for yourself
- Begin with Ecclesiastes 2:24, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Ecclesiastes, Luke and Isaiah each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Abraham and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Worldliness, Riches, Happiness of the Wicked, the and Parables.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about sensuality?
The Bible addresses sensuality across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Ecclesiastes, Luke and Isaiah. Closely related themes include Worldliness, Riches, Happiness of the Wicked, the and Parables. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham.
How many Bible verses are about sensuality?
The Bible references sensuality in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention sensuality?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Ecclesiastes 2:24: “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. should make: or, delight his senses”
Which people in the Bible are associated with sensuality?
Abraham.
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