Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5895 intimacy

5895 intimacy

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5895 intimacy

Close relationships are part of God's will for human life. Scripture speaks of intimate relationships between Jesus Christ and the Father, between God and his people, and between various individuals.

Jesus Christ's intimate relationship with his Father

Matthew 11:27 See also Matthew 3:17 pp Mark 1:11 pp Luke 3:22; John 5:20; John 10:30,38; John 14:10-11; John 17:21

God's intimate relationship with his people

John 17:3 “know” speaks of close personal relationship rather than theoretical or academic knowledge. See also 2 Chronicles 7:15-16; Psalm 148:14; Hosea 6:6; John 14:21; John 15:4,15

Images of God's desire for intimacy with his people

God as a father

Jeremiah 31:9 See also Psalm 103:13; Jeremiah 31:20; Hosea 11:1-4; Romans 8:15; 1 John 3:1

God as a husband

Isaiah 62:5 See also Isaiah 54:4-8; Jeremiah 3:14; Hosea 2:19; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7; Revelation 21:2

Intimate relationships between men and women

As God's good purpose

Genesis 2:18 See also Genesis 1:27-28; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5 pp Mark 10:7; 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:28,31; 1 Timothy 4:3-4

Examples of such close relationships

Jacob and Rachel:

Genesis 29:20,30 Ruth 4:13 Boaz and Ruth

Elkanah and Hannah: