1 Corinthians 7 2

1 Corinthians 7:2 kjv

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:2 nkjv

Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:2 niv

But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:2 esv

But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:2 nlt

But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 2 Meaning

Due to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. This verse directly addresses the issue of sexual impurity within the Corinthian church. Paul advocates for marital commitment as the proper and God-ordained context for sexual relations, a stark contrast to the prevalent immorality in Corinth.

1 Corinthians 7 2 Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in 1 Corinthians 7 addressing questions raised by the Corinthian church regarding marriage, singleness, divorce, and relationships. Corinth was a notoriously pagan city with widespread sexual immorality, including temple prostitution and a permissive attitude towards sexual relationships outside of marriage. The early church in Corinth was grappling with how to live holy lives within such a culture. Paul's emphasis on marital union provides a clear directive against the casual and exploitative sexual practices prevalent in their society. He is affirming God's design for marriage as the proper and pure sphere for sexual intimacy, countering the Corinthian tendencies toward either excessive asceticism or unrestrained sexual license.

1 Corinthians 7 2 Word Analysis

• Διὰ δὲ τὴν πορνείαν (Dia de tēn porneian): "But because of the sexual immorality."

  • Διὰ (Dia): "Through," "because of," "on account of." It indicates the reason or cause for the following instruction.
  • δὲ (de): A conjunction used for contrast or transition. Here it links this statement to a potential preceding discussion or a contrast with another option (like remaining single).
  • τὴν (tēn): The definite article "the."
  • πορνείαν (porneian): Accusative singular of πορνεία (porneia). This is a crucial word, encompassing a broad range of sexual sins, including fornication, adultery, incest, prostitution, and other illicit sexual activities. In the context of Corinth, it specifically pointed to the city's prevalent sexual permissiveness. It was used by the Greeks to refer to the practice of the πόρνη (pornē), a prostitute.

• εἰς ἕκαστος (eis hekastos): "Each one."

  • εἰς (eis): "Into," "to," "for."
  • ἕκαστος (hekastos): "Each," "every." It emphasizes individual responsibility and application of the principle.

• τὴν ἑαυτοῦ (tēn heautou): "His own."

  • τὴν (tēn): The definite article.
  • ἑαυτοῦ (heautou): Reflexive pronoun, "himself/herself," indicating possession or belonging.

• γυναῖκα (gunaika): "Wife."

  • Accusative singular of γυνή (gunē). This refers to a woman, particularly a married woman or wife.

• γυναῖκα δὲ (gunaika de): "And each woman [have] her own husband."

  • γυναῖκα (gunaika): Again, "woman/wife."
  • δὲ (de): Conjunction for contrast or addition.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "Διὰ δὲ τὴν πορνείαν": The causal connection is established. The prevailing sexual immorality in Corinth is the specific reason why Paul is reiterating the necessity of marriage for sexual fulfillment. It's not an abstract theological point, but a practical solution to a real problem within the church community.
  • "εἰς ἕκαστος τὴν ἑαυτοῦ γυναῖκα / γυναῖκα δὲ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἄνδρα": This parallel structure emphasizes mutuality and distinct roles within the marital covenant. The phrasing "his own wife" and "her own husband" stresses exclusivity and the sacred nature of the marital union, as opposed to promiscuous relationships. It speaks to the "one flesh" concept and the intimacy exclusive to marriage.

1 Corinthians 7 2 Bonus Section

The concept of "his own wife" and "her own husband" can be understood as highlighting the distinct covenantal possession within marriage. It's not simply sharing a spouse, but a mutual, exclusive belonging that is honored by God. This exclusivity was a radical concept in some aspects of ancient Greco-Roman society, where extramarital relations were often more tolerated for men. Paul grounds this principle not just in cultural suitability but in God's divine order, referencing the creation account where a man leaves his parents to be united with his wife, becoming "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5-6, Ephesians 5:31). This creates a unique, inseparable bond that sets the stage for fidelity.

1 Corinthians 7 2 Commentary

Paul confronts the reality of rampant sexual immorality in Corinth by reaffirming God's foundational design: marriage. The inherent desire for intimacy must be expressed within the safe and sacred confines of a lifelong marital union. This is presented as a primary safeguard against the widespread sin of porneia. By calling for exclusive marital relationships ("his own wife," "her own husband"), Paul institutes a clear boundary and a righteous alternative to the licentiousness that characterized their culture. Marriage provides the covenantal context where sexual intimacy is both holy and mutually fulfilling, reflecting Christ's relationship with the Church.

• Practical Application: For individuals struggling with sexual temptations, this verse underscores the importance of either pursuing marriage with godly intention or practicing diligent self-control (as discussed in verses 1 and 8-9) if they are single or widowed. It calls for commitment, exclusivity, and mutual respect within marriage.