Caressing, in the context of the Bible, often refers to expressions of affection, tenderness, and love, typically within the bounds of marriage. The act of caressing is seen as a natural and positive expression of love and intimacy between a husband and wife, reflecting the deep emotional and physical connection that is encouraged within the marital relationship.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon: The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic book that celebrates the beauty of love and the joy of marital intimacy. It contains numerous references to caressing and physical affection between lovers. For example, Song of Solomon 2:6 states, "His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me." This imagery highlights the tenderness and closeness shared between the couple.

2. Proverbs 5:18-19: In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature that offers guidance on living a righteous life, caressing is mentioned in the context of marital fidelity and joy. Proverbs 5:18-19 advises, "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: a loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever." This passage encourages husbands to find satisfaction and delight in their wives, emphasizing the importance of physical affection within marriage.

3. Genesis 26:8: The account of Isaac and Rebekah provides an example of caressing as an expression of marital love. Genesis 26:8 recounts, "When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah." This incident reveals the natural affection between Isaac and Rebekah, which was evident even to outsiders.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical worldview, caressing is seen as a gift from God, intended to strengthen the marital bond and provide comfort and joy to both partners. It is an expression of the "one flesh" union described in Genesis 2:24, where a man and woman are joined together in marriage. This union is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual, with caressing serving as a tangible expression of the love and commitment that define a godly marriage.

The Bible's portrayal of caressing within marriage underscores the sanctity and exclusivity of the marital relationship. It is a reminder that physical affection is to be cherished and protected, reserved for the covenant relationship between husband and wife. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical teaching on sexual purity and the importance of honoring God through one's body and relationships.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, expressions of physical affection were often more private than in contemporary Western societies. The biblical texts reflect this cultural context, where caressing is primarily depicted within the confines of marriage. The emphasis on marital fidelity and the celebration of love within marriage in the Bible stands in contrast to the often permissive attitudes toward sexuality in surrounding cultures.

Overall, the biblical view of caressing is one that upholds the beauty and sanctity of marital love, encouraging couples to express their affection for one another in ways that honor God and strengthen their relationship.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Caress.6711. tsachaq -- to laugh
... root Definition to laugh NASB Word Usage caressing (1), entertained* (1), jesting
(1), laugh (4), laughed (2), make sport (2), mocking (1), play (1). ...
/hebrew/6711.htm - 6k

Nevertheless, a Necessity, as it Were, is Laid Upon Me to Reply ...
... on the right. It is on one who is stroking him and caressing him on the
cheek that he suddenly turns and bites him. I praised his ...
/.../2 nevertheless a necessity as.htm

Chapter xxvi
... pass after quite a number of days had passed, that Abimelech, king of the Philistines,
looked out of his window, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... on the right. It is on one who is stroking him and caressing him on the
cheek that he suddenly turns and bites him. I praised his ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... A few minutes later, in a robe of white silk and a yellow girdle, he came into his
banquet-hall with politeness, dovelike, worshipful, and caressing. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Arria Met them in the Atrium. ...
... "I will not let you go. Indeed, I cannot let you go.". "And I am glad," she
answered, with a little laugh, her hand caressing his brow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 10 arria met them.htm

When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said ...
... He drew aside, and when he spoke his voice trembled with ire, it was near bursting
into fury. "Sweet girl," said he, caressing the neck of his horse, "not even ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 19 when appius told.htm

The Cardinal was Still in his Room Alone with the Boy Manuel...
... You see, my child," went on the good prelate addressing Babette, the while he laid
a gently caressing hand on her hair""Another little friend has come to me ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/vi the cardinal was still.htm

For as to that which we Hear Said by You...
... a poisonous scorpion, the former will attack you with its fangs, the latter, drawing
itself together, will fix its sting in you; and your caressing will be of ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/23 for as to that.htm

My Goodness Extendeth not to Thee
... your life, and delighting the Holy Angels, offering up sacrifices unto God, and
perfuming the world; embracing Jesus Christ and caressing your Saviour, while ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/81 my goodness extendeth not.htm

B. v. M.
... For JESUS' holy Dove? Ave Maria! Mother blest,. To whom, caressing and caress'd,.
Clings the Eternal Child; Favour'd beyond Archangels' dream,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cclxxxi b v m.htm

Caressing (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Caress. Multi-Version
Concordance Caressing (1 Occurrence). Genesis 26:8 It happened ...
/c/caressing.htm - 6k

Fondling (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Fondle. 2. (n.) The act
of caressing; manifestation of tenderness. 3. (n.) A person ...
/f/fondling.htm - 7k

Window (24 Occurrences)
... when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked
out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. ...
/w/window.htm - 16k

Paddle (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To use the hands or fingers in toying;
to make caressing strokes. 2. (vi) To dabble in water with ...
/p/paddle.htm - 8k

Caresses (1 Occurrence)

/c/caresses.htm - 6k

Carest (4 Occurrences)

/c/carest.htm - 7k

Stroke (26 Occurrences)
... soreness. 4. (n.) The striking of the clock to tell the hour. 5. (n.) A gentle,
caressing touch or movement upon something; a stroking. 6 ...
/s/stroke.htm - 16k

Rebekah (31 Occurrences)
... when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked
out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. ...
/r/rebekah.htm - 21k

Relationships (1 Occurrence)
... Aunts, Cousins, Kinsmen: The Hebrew dodh (Leviticus 10:4, "uncles"; Numbers 36:11,
"cousins"; 1 Samuel 14:50), coming from a primitive caressing word, possibly ...
/r/relationships.htm - 38k

Caressing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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