What is a Platonic Marriage?

Marriage, as traditionally understood, involves two people who love each other, share a deep emotional bond, and come together in a special and meaningful way to form a family.

However, there is a relatively lesser-known concept called a “Platonic Marriage,” which differs significantly from this traditional view.

Unlike conventional marriages that emphasize emotional and physical intimacy, a Platonic Marriage focuses solely on a deep, non-romantic partnership.

In this piece, we’ll explore what a Platonic Marriage entails and how common it is today.

And whether it aligns with the original design of marriage according to God.

The Concept of a Platonic Marriage

In a world where love is often linked to romance or sexuality, a Platonic Marriage offers a different view.

Originating from the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, a Platonic Marriage is a non-sexual and non-romantic companionship between two individuals within a marital contract.

This form of relationship is based on a deep emotional connection rather than physical intimacy.

Essentially, people often choose platonic marriages for companionship, seeking a stable and supportive partnership.

In such relationships, both partners support and understand each other through a strong friendship.

They provide emotional support, share experiences, and offer help when needed.

Similarly, people may choose a platonic marriage because they have similar goals and priorities.

Such as following the same career path, focusing on personal growth, or living a certain way.

This shared vision helps them build a strong partnership where they understand each other and work toward the same objectives.

Other reasons people choose platonic marriages include sharing responsibilities for raising children, splitting financial costs, and supporting each other as they grow older.

Challenges in Platonic Marriages

There is nothing inherently wrong if a healthy man and woman who are together decide not to have sex.

However, problems might come up depending on the nature of the couple’s relationship.

One major challenge is handling the emotional aspects of a marriage without romantic intimacy.

This can lead to unmet needs and unfulfilled desires.

Additionally, if the couple sees their marriage only as a contract and doesn’t appreciate its deeper meaning, they might face concerns.

They could struggle with feeling of emptiness if they don’t connect on a deeper emotional level and fully commit to each other beyond the formal agreement.

Also, if they avoid sexual intercourse just to prevent having children, this can raise valid questions.

Even with increasing societal acceptance and its complexities, it’s important to see if platonic marriages align with God’s design.

God’s Initial Design for Marriage

It is important to recognize that God’s initial design for marriage was never intended to be platonic.

From the beginning, the foundational idea is that a husband and wife should have a physical, emotional, and spiritual connection, sharing a deep, loving, and intimate bond.

“At last!” Adam exclaimed. “She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of a man.”

This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

Genesis 2:23-24

The Bible commands husbands and wives to regularly meet each other’s sexual needs, which shows that sexual activity should be a normal part of marriage.

The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband.

1 Corinthians 7:3

Therefore, a platonic marriage deviates from this biblical understanding of marriage.

While there may be debate about the necessity of sexual intimacy, avoiding it challenges the scriptural concept of this union.

For it is a bond where two people become one flesh.