1 Corinthians 7 1

1 Corinthians 7:1 kjv

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1 Corinthians 7:1 nkjv

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

1 Corinthians 7:1 niv

Now for the matters you wrote about: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."

1 Corinthians 7:1 esv

Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."

1 Corinthians 7:1 nlt

Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 1 Meaning

1 Corinthians 7:1 addresses a question posed by the Corinthian believers to Paul regarding matters of sexual relationships and marriage. The verse states, "Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman." This initial statement, interpreted in isolation, might suggest that complete abstinence or celibacy is the ideal Christian state. However, the subsequent verses in chapter 7 clarify that Paul is not forbidding marriage or intimate relations within marriage. Instead, he acknowledges that remaining single and abstaining from sexual relations can be "good" (advantageous or beneficial) for certain individuals, particularly for undisturbed devotion to the Lord, but it is not a universal command. It is likely a direct response to a query or perhaps a slogan that had circulated among some in the Corinthian church.

1 Corinthians 7 1 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 7 forms a pivotal section of Paul’s response to a letter from the Corinthian church. The letter likely contained specific questions concerning marriage, divorce, and celibacy, prompted by either prevalent societal attitudes, philosophical views influencing believers, or internal church debates. Corinth was a major commercial hub and a highly immoral city, with diverse pagan cults and philosophical schools of thought coexisting, often with extreme views on sexuality—either indulging in promiscuity or promoting radical asceticism (the belief that physical desires, including sexual ones, are inherently evil).

Within this context, some believers in Corinth may have embraced an overly ascetic view, perhaps concluding that sexual relations, even within marriage, were impure or spiritually inferior. The opening phrase, "Now concerning the things about which you wrote," indicates Paul is directly addressing their written query or perhaps even a slogan they used. Paul's detailed response in this chapter provides nuanced, Spirit-inspired guidance that navigates between worldly license and unhealthy religious asceticism, affirming both the goodness of marriage and the validity of singleness for devoted service to Christ.

1 Corinthians 7 1 Word analysis

Word-by-word analysis:

• Now concerning (Περὶ δὲ - Peri de): This common Pauline introductory phrase indicates a transition to a new topic, specifically addressing questions or matters that the Corinthians had written to him about. It signifies Paul is engaging directly with their inquiries.
• the things about which you wrote: This explicitly confirms Paul is responding to specific concerns or questions posed by the Corinthian church. It shows an ongoing dialogue between Paul and the community.
• it is good (καλὸν - kalon): This word implies something is "beautiful," "noble," "honorable," "right," or "fitting." It conveys commendation, not a strict command for everyone. Paul is stating something is spiritually or practically advantageous under certain circumstances, rather than universally mandated or ethically superior to marriage itself. Its meaning is significantly clarified by the subsequent verses where Paul introduces necessary qualifications.
• for a man (ἀνθρώπῳ - anthrōpō): This refers to a human being, though in this context, it generally applies to both men and women concerning personal conduct. In light of "touch a woman," it primarily addresses male behavior but implies principles applicable to women as well.
• not to touch (μὴ ἅπτεσθαι - mē haptesthai): This Greek phrase literally means "not to cling to," "not to take hold of," or "not to touch." In this specific context, combined with "a woman" and the following verses on marriage and sexual relations, it is widely understood as a euphemism for sexual intimacy or engagement in conjugal relations, possibly even the act of getting married. It does not mean merely avoiding physical contact.
• a woman (γυναικός - gynaikos): Refers to a female or, in the context of marriage and sexual relations, a wife or woman in general.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now concerning the things about which you wrote": This opening sets the stage for the entire chapter. It indicates that Paul is providing pastoral wisdom directly responsive to the unique issues and misunderstandings within the Corinthian church. This phrase demonstrates Paul’s attentive care and engagement with specific questions raised by believers, rather than delivering abstract theological discourse.
• "it is good for a man not to touch a woman": This statement, on its own, seems to commend abstinence or celibacy. Scholars often suggest this phrase might have been a quote or a popular saying from the Corinthians' own letter to Paul, reflecting a partial or distorted understanding of spiritual purity, perhaps influenced by Gnostic tendencies or Stoic philosophy that downplayed physical pleasures. Paul acknowledges this idea as "good" in certain respects (e.g., for spiritual devotion) but immediately balances it with injunctions about marriage, thereby refining and providing boundaries for this initial statement. It is a conditional "good," not an absolute imperative, indicating Paul's flexibility in practical application while upholding moral truth.

1 Corinthians 7 1 Bonus section

• The phrasing "it is good" is indicative of Paul offering wise counsel and general principles, rather than definitive commands for all. His pastoral advice considers the practical realities and diverse spiritual gifts within the community.
• This verse initiates Paul's extensive teaching on sexuality, aiming to bring order, purity, and spiritual understanding to an area often fraught with confusion and sin, particularly in a morally depraved city like Corinth.
• The context of "present distress" (1 Cor 7:26) mentioned later in the chapter further clarifies why remaining unmarried might be considered "good" – possibly due to looming persecution or the hardships of life at that time, making marriage more challenging.
• Paul often begins segments of his letters with "peri de" (now concerning) to address specific points from their letter or internal issues. Other instances include chapters 8 (food offered to idols), 12 (spiritual gifts), and 16 (collection for the saints).

1 Corinthians 7 1 Commentary

1 Corinthians 7:1 launches Paul's profound and balanced instruction on Christian living regarding marriage and singleness, directly addressing a query from the Corinthian church. The phrase "it is good for a man not to touch a woman" needs to be understood within the broader context of the chapter and not as a universal prohibition of marital intimacy or marriage itself. Paul is likely affirming that for some, celibacy or abstinence is indeed beneficial for fostering undivided devotion to God, freeing one from the concerns and responsibilities that marriage entails. This perspective emphasizes that freedom from marital obligations allows for singular focus on spiritual pursuits, service, and ministry without worldly distractions.

However, Paul does not elevate celibacy above marriage in a moral sense, nor does he mandate it. His very next words (v. 2-5) immediately provide a crucial counter-balance, encouraging marriage as a necessary antidote to widespread sexual immorality and outlining mutual marital duties. This careful juxtaposition highlights that "good" (καλὸν - kalon) here implies something advantageous, commendable, or honorable, rather than the only permissible or superior state. It counters both the pervasive immorality of Corinth and any overly ascetic tendencies within the church that might have condemned marriage as impure. Ultimately, the verse sets the stage for Paul to clarify God's balanced view: marriage is honorable and instituted by God, but singleness can also be a special gift allowing unique forms of service, especially during times of distress or for those called to it.

• Example 1: A single person finds the freedom of no spousal/familial duties allows them to dedicate more time to missionary work in challenging areas, which is "good" for their service to the Lord.
• Example 2: A married couple might temporarily abstain from sexual relations by mutual consent for focused prayer and fasting, finding this temporary separation "good" for spiritual discipline, before returning to their normal intimacy.