1 Corinthians 7 6

1 Corinthians 7:6 kjv

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

1 Corinthians 7:6 nkjv

But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.

1 Corinthians 7:6 niv

I say this as a concession, not as a command.

1 Corinthians 7:6 esv

Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.

1 Corinthians 7:6 nlt

I say this as a concession, not as a command.

1 Corinthians 7 verses

1 Corinthians 7 6 meaning

This verse clarifies that the apostle Paul's preceding advice, specifically regarding marital relations (likely referring to the temporary abstinence discussed in 1 Corinthians 7:5), is given as a "concession" or permission due to human nature and needs, rather than as a strict "command" from the Lord that must be universally obeyed without exception. It highlights flexibility and understanding within Christian marriage.

1 Corinthians 7 6 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 7 addresses various questions from the Corinthian church concerning marriage, singleness, divorce, and fidelity, beginning with their specific query, "Now concerning the matters about which you wrote" (v. 1). Paul navigates issues unique to Christians living in a sexually permissive city like Corinth. Verses 1-5 discuss the marital rights and duties between a husband and wife, advocating for mutual physical intimacy while also permitting temporary abstinence by mutual consent for focused prayer. Verse 6 functions as an important clarification to this preceding advice. Historically, Corinth had strong Hellenistic cultural influences, including varying philosophies from strict asceticism (denying all bodily pleasure, including marital relations) to widespread licentiousness. The church was likely wrestling with how to balance biblical principles with these cultural pressures, and Paul provides Spirit-inspired wisdom and practical guidance.

1 Corinthians 7 6 Word analysis

• I say this (Λέγω δὲ τοῦτο - Legō de touto): This phrase signals Paul's direct intervention and clarification. "This" (τοῦτο - touto) refers to the immediate context of marital intimacy and temporary abstinence described in the preceding verses (1 Cor 7:1-5), particularly the allowance for consensual abstention for prayer (v. 5). Paul is personally speaking, indicating his pastoral instruction.
• as a concession (κατὰ συγγνώμην - kata suggnōmēn):
  • Suggnōmēn means "permission, allowance, indulgence, tolerance, pardon, concession." It stems from syn (with) and gnōmē (knowledge/opinion), implying a shared understanding or a granting of a request due to human limitations or practicalities, rather than a divine imperative.
  • Significance: Paul's advice here is presented not as a stringent requirement but as a permitted practice or flexibility granted because of human nature or the needs of a particular situation. It acknowledges potential human weakness, challenges, or varied circumstances.
• not as a command (οὐ κατ’ ἐπιταγήν - ou kat’ epitagēn):
  • Epitagēn means "an order, injunction, mandate, command." It signifies a strict, authoritative, binding directive, often from God or Christ, that permits no deviation.
  • Significance: Paul clearly distinguishes his counsel here from an explicit, unyielding commandment from the Lord Jesus Himself. While his apostolic teaching generally carries divine authority (as seen in other instances like 1 Cor 14:37), in specific matters, he differentiates between direct divine command and inspired apostolic advice, which is flexible.
• "as a concession, not as a command": This phrase group highlights a crucial aspect of Christian ethics and living—the distinction between principles that are divine absolutes (commands) and those that are practical guidelines or permissions that allow for Spirit-led flexibility and individual conscience. It affirms Christian freedom while guiding behavior.

1 Corinthians 7 6 Bonus section

Paul's differentiation here (concession vs. command) is not a statement that his advice is any less Spirit-inspired. Rather, it speaks to the nature of the specific instruction. His other statements in 1 Corinthians demonstrate that he speaks with the authority of an apostle, and often with divine inspiration. However, he is careful to note when a directive comes directly from the Lord Jesus (as in 1 Cor 7:10 for divorce) versus when it is his Spirit-guided judgment or allowance given due to human nature (as here and in 1 Cor 7:12, 25). This nuance underscores the New Testament's blend of absolute moral imperatives and wisdom for living out faith in practical, often varying, circumstances, emphasizing love and mutual respect within Christian relationships.

1 Corinthians 7 6 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 7:6, Paul draws a vital distinction regarding his advice on marital intimacy. He presents his allowance for temporary, mutual abstinence within marriage (from verses 1-5) as a "concession" rather than a rigid "command." This means he is granting permission or offering guidance based on human realities, acknowledging that total, uninterrupted marital intimacy might not always be practically maintained, especially for spiritual devotion. It is not an unchangeable law from God but pastoral advice for navigating the complexities of Christian life in a fallen world. This distinction gives room for Christian liberty and discernment, allowing couples to exercise wisdom and mutual consent, guided by the Spirit, rather than being bound by a prescriptive rule that may not apply equally to all.