This is a question that many Christian couples wrestle with. On one hand, sex within marriage is a gift from God and an important part of marital intimacy. On the other hand, there are Old Testament ceremonial laws that prohibited sex during a woman’s menstrual period. So what guidance does the Bible offer on this topic?
Old Testament Ceremonial Laws
In the Old Testament, there were a number of ceremonial laws given to the Israelites that governed many aspects of everyday life. Several of these laws pertained to ritual cleanliness and purification after events that were considered ceremonially “unclean.” These included:
- Leviticus 15:19-24 – A woman was considered ceremonially unclean during her menstrual period. Anything she laid or sat on was also considered unclean. After her period, she had to undergo ritual purification.
- Leviticus 18:19 – “You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness while she is in her menstrual uncleanness.” This prohibited sexual relations during a woman’s period.
- Leviticus 20:18 – This verse declares that having sex with a woman during her period uncovered her nakedness and was “an abomination.”
So according to these Levitical laws, sex during a woman’s menstrual period was strictly forbidden. It rendered both parties ceremonially unclean for a prescribed time. However, it’s important to understand the purpose and context of these laws.
The ceremonial laws were intended to set Israel apart from other nations as God’s holy people. They promoted purification and cleanliness as way to be set apart for God’s purposes. The laws also had health benefits, as little was known about medicine and hygiene at that time. But the laws were never meant to be rigid legalistic standards. Rather, they encouraged respect for God’s holy nature.
Ceremonial Laws Fulfilled in Christ
When Jesus came, he declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), touching lepers did not defile him (Luke 5:13), and he interacted freely with the sick and menstruating women (Matthew 9:20-22). Jesus’ arrival fulfilled the Old Testament law (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament teaches that Christians are not bound by the ceremonial law, but rather freed from it:
- Romans 6:14 – “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
- Romans 7:6 – “But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”
- Romans 14:14 – “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.”
- Colossians 2:16-17 – “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
So the New Testament makes it clear that Christians are not obligated to follow the ceremonial laws in Leviticus regarding purification, food, festivals, Sabbaths, etc. The substance is found in Christ.
Principles for Marriage
If the Old Testament ceremonial laws are fulfilled in Christ, what biblical principles should guide married couples in their intimacy?
- 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 – Married couples have a duty to each other and should not deprive one another sexually, except by mutual consent for a season of prayer.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12 – While all things may be permissible, not all things are beneficial. Couples should consider what will build up their marriage.
- Ephesians 5:33 – Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies, nourishing and cherishing them.
- 1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands are to treat their wives with honor as fellow heirs of grace.
Given these principles, the ultimate standard is how to treat one another in love within marriage. The priority is not ritual cleanliness under the law, but mutual love and respect.
Practical Considerations
Within this framework of love, respect and consent, couples can thoughtfully make their own decisions about sexual intimacy during menstruation. Some considerations include:
- Comfort level – Periods can cause pain, tenderness and low energy, so wives should not feel pressured into sex against their wishes.
- Hygiene practices – Modern hygiene products can keep things clean and reduce concerns about making a mess.
- Risk of infection – While unlikely, couples may want to avoid intercourse during heavy flow days.
- Pregnancy prevention – Menstruation is not a foolproof contraceptive method.
- Conscience views – Couples may differ based on conscientious views of ceremonial cleanliness.
The key principle is for spouses to love one another by considering the other’s needs above their own. Wise, unselfish couples can navigate this with patience and care.
Common Objections
Some common objections to marital intimacy during menstruation include:
- It violates the Levitical law – As explained earlier, Christians are not bound by ceremonial law, which find their fulfillment in Christ.
- It is unsanitary or distasteful – Modern hygiene practices can address health concerns. Couples’ perceptions differ.
- It is uncomfortable for the woman – A loving husband would not pressure his wife during times of discomfort. Comfort levels vary by individual.
- It is inappropriate to the holy act of intercourse – The Bible never makes this claim. Holiness is not ritualistic but relational – honoring one’s spouse.
So while these concerns may be valid for some couples, they do not inherently prohibit the practice for all couples. Each must decide before God according to biblical principles of love, consent and honoring one another.
Church History and Positions
Throughout church history, views on this issue have varied:
- Early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria allowed sex during menstruation only for the purpose of producing children.
- Thomas Aquinas believed intercourse during menstruation was a mortal sin second only to murder.
- Martin Luther permitted it since he rejected Leviticus 15 as non-binding for Christians, emphasizing love in marriage.
- John Calvin disagreed with Luther, upholding the ongoing moral authority of Leviticus 15.
- The modern Catholic position still binds couples to abstinence during menstruation.
- Most Protestant churches do not officially prohibit sex during menstruation.
Given these differences, couples should examine biblical principles for themselves while exercising grace and freedom in Christ. The church should emphasize loving, consensual and honorable conduct within marriage above legalistic rules.
Responding to Spouses With Differing Convictions
Since Christians can have differing convictions on this issue, it’s important for spouses to communicate openly but sensitively. Here are some suggestions:
- Husbands should never pressure wives or make them feel obligated against their wishes.
- Wives should explain their views gently rather than condemn husbands for their desire.
- Couples should listen, understand each other’s perspectives, and compromise if needed.
- Spouses should be quick to extend grace and slow to anger when discussing it.
- Agree to disagree agreeably, recognizing that reasonable Christians differ on the issue.
- Focus on expressing marital love in other intimacy-building ways during menstruation.
By humbly discussing the issue, couples can come to a mutual understanding of when intimacy during menstruation is welcome and when to abstain. This honors God and builds up the marriage.
Conclusion
Within a loving, consenting marriage, sexual intimacy during menstruation is a matter for each Christian couple to decide through wisdom, study of Scripture, consideration of health factors, and most importantly, following their conscientious convictions before God. It is good to dialogue graciously if spouses differ. The church should emphasize biblical principles of love, mutual care and purity more than legalistic prohibitions. As couples aim to please God in both conscience and conduct (1 Timothy 1:5), the Lord promises to guide those who humbly seek His wisdom (James 1:5).
