1 Corinthians 6:13

KJV

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

KJV (with Strong's)

Meats {G1033} for the belly {G2836}, and {G2532} the belly {G2836} for meats {G1033}: but {G1161} God {G2316} shall destroy {G2673} both {G2532} it {G5026} and {G2532} them {G5023}. Now {G1161} the body {G4983} is not {G3756} for fornication {G4202}, but {G235} for the Lord {G2962}; and {G2532} the Lord {G2962} for the body {G4983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”? Maybe, but God will put an end to both of them. Anyhow, the body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.

Berean Standard Bible

“Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,” but God will destroy them both. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.

American Standard Version

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall bring to nought both it and them. But the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 6:13, the Apostle Paul confronts a dangerous Corinthian misconception that physical appetites, including sexual desires, are morally neutral and transient, akin to hunger for food. He unequivocally refutes this, declaring that while food and the digestive system are temporary and will be abolished by God, the human body is not for sexual immorality but is consecrated to the Lord, and the Lord, in turn, cares for and has ultimate dominion over the body, destined for its resurrection and glorification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's broader argument against sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6. Following his rebuke of lawsuits among believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11), Paul addresses the Corinthian church's lax attitude toward sexual sin, possibly stemming from a misapplication of the slogan "All things are lawful for me" (1 Corinthians 6:12). He distinguishes between actions that are merely permissible and those that are truly beneficial or enslaving. Verse 13 directly challenges the idea that sexual activity is as morally indifferent as eating, setting the stage for his profound theological arguments in the subsequent verses regarding the body's union with Christ, its status as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and its divine ownership and purpose (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:15-20](/1_corinthians/6-15-20 "1 Corinthians 6:15-20 - The Body as a Member of Christ and Temple of the Holy Spirit")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a thriving, cosmopolitan port city, strategically located on an isthmus connecting two seas. Its wealth and diverse population also fostered a notorious reputation for widespread immorality, particularly sexual promiscuity, epitomized by the temple of Aphrodite, which reportedly employed thousands of sacred prostitutes. Philosophically, some Corinthians may have been influenced by forms of Gnosticism or Stoicism. Gnostic tendencies often promoted a dualism that separated the spiritual (good) from the material (evil or irrelevant), leading some to conclude that what one did with the body had no bearing on the soul. Stoicism, while promoting self-control, could also lead to an indifference to the body, viewing it as a mere vessel. These cultural and philosophical currents likely contributed to the Corinthian believers' permissive attitudes towards sexual sin, leading them to rationalize it with slogans like "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats," which Paul directly confronts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it establishes the **Sanctity and Purpose of the Human Body**, refuting the idea that the body is merely a temporary, disposable container. Paul asserts its divine design and eternal significance, contrasting it sharply with transient physical needs. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Ownership and Lordship**, emphasizing that believers' bodies belong to Christ, having been "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorifying God in Your Body")). This ownership dictates how the body is to be used, specifically for God's glory and not for sexual immorality. Thirdly, the verse introduces the critical distinction between **Temporary Physical Appetites and Enduring Spiritual Realities**, setting the stage for Paul's argument that sexual sin is unique because it is a sin against one's own body and against Christ, unlike the consumption of food. This theme is further developed in Paul's teachings on marriage and celibacy in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Instructions on Marriage and Celibacy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fornication (Greek, _porneía'_):** From G4202, this term is broad, encompassing all forms of illicit sexual activity outside of biblical marriage, including prostitution, adultery, incest, and other sexual sins. Paul's use of this comprehensive term highlights the severe and pervasive nature of sexual immorality that he is addressing, distinguishing it sharply from morally neutral acts like eating.
* **Body (Greek, _sōma'_):** From G4983, in Paul's theology, _sōma_ refers to the entire human person, not merely a physical shell. It signifies a sound, integrated whole, designed by God and destined for resurrection. This understanding elevates the significance of how one uses their body, as it affects one's relationship with God and others, and is integral to one's identity in Christ.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, this word denotes supreme authority and control. When applied to Christ, it signifies His absolute sovereignty and ownership over believers, including their bodies. The declaration that the body is "for the Lord" establishes a foundational truth about divine possession and purpose, demanding submission and consecration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats":** This phrase likely represents a Corinthian slogan or popular proverb, reflecting a common philosophical view that physical appetites (like hunger) and their satisfaction are morally neutral and temporary. The implication is that sexual desires are likewise inconsequential and transient, satisfying a bodily need without spiritual or moral ramifications. It suggests a dualistic separation between the physical and the spiritual, where the body's actions have no bearing on the soul.
* **"but God shall destroy both it and them":** Paul introduces a crucial counter-argument. He acknowledges the temporary nature of food and the digestive system ("it and them" referring to the belly and meats). However, by stating that "God shall destroy" them, he asserts God's ultimate sovereignty and the transient nature of these physical aspects. This sets up a profound contrast with the body's enduring significance and its divine purpose, which is not temporary or destined for destruction in the same way.
* **"Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord":** This is Paul's direct and forceful refutation of the Corinthian slogan. He explicitly states the divine purpose of the human body. Unlike food, which serves a temporary biological function, the body's ultimate purpose is not for sexual immorality (_porneia_) but for the Lord. This declares the body's sacred dedication and consecration to Christ, emphasizing that it is an instrument of righteousness and a vessel for God's purposes, not for self-gratification or sin.
* **"and the Lord for the body":** This concluding clause highlights a reciprocal and profound relationship. Not only is the body "for the Lord," but the Lord is also "for the body." This signifies Christ's active care, concern, and redemptive purpose for the believer's body. It points to His work of sanctification, His indwelling presence (as the Holy Spirit), and His ultimate plan for the body's resurrection and glorification, affirming its eternal value in God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the stark contrast between "Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats" and "the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord." This creates a sharp distinction between the temporary, morally indifferent realm of food and the eternal, morally significant realm of the human body and its purpose. Paul also utilizes a **Slogan or Proverb** by quoting the Corinthian saying, which he then directly refutes, allowing him to engage with their specific cultural assumptions. The entire verse functions as a **Rhetorical Assertion**, a declarative statement that challenges prevailing thought and establishes a foundational theological truth. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Metaphor** where the body is presented as more than mere flesh; it is a sacred vessel, a temple, and a member of Christ, elevating its status far beyond a simple organ for physical desires.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 6:13 lays foundational theological groundwork for understanding the human body's sanctity and purpose within God's redemptive plan. It counters any dualistic philosophy that devalues the physical or separates it from spiritual reality. Instead, Paul affirms the body as an integral part of the human person, created by God and destined for resurrection. This means that how believers use their bodies has profound spiritual implications, as they are not their own but belong to the Lord, having been redeemed by Christ. Sexual purity, therefore, is not merely a moral code but a deeply theological commitment, reflecting God's ownership and the body's ultimate purpose to glorify Him. The verse foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making the body a temple, and points to the future hope of bodily resurrection and glorification, emphasizing that our physical existence has eternal significance in Christ.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")
* [1 Thessalonians 4:3-5](/1_thessalonians/4-3-5 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - God's Will for Sanctification and Sexual Purity")
* [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Lowly Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 6:13 serves as a profound and challenging reminder for believers today regarding the sacred nature of our bodies. In a world that often treats the body as a mere instrument for pleasure or a canvas for self-expression, Paul's words call us back to a biblical understanding: our bodies are not our own; they are divinely purposed and belong to the Lord. This truth has radical implications for every aspect of our lives, particularly our sexual ethics, our self-care, and our overall lifestyle. Understanding that the body is "for the Lord" means that every decision concerning our physical being—from what we consume to how we dress, from our sexual purity to our rest and exercise—should be filtered through the lens of glorifying God. It invites us to see our physical existence as an act of worship, recognizing that our bodies are living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. This perspective transforms mundane choices into opportunities for devotion and reminds us that our physical actions have eternal significance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "the body is for the Lord" challenge your current views on bodily autonomy or personal freedom?**
* **In what specific areas of your life (e.g., diet, exercise, entertainment, sexual purity) do you need to better align your bodily choices with the truth that your body belongs to Christ?**
* **How does the temporary nature of physical appetites (like hunger) contrast with the eternal significance of your body's purpose for the Lord, and what practical difference does this distinction make?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence for your body as a sacred vessel, rather than merely a physical entity?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "God shall destroy both it and them"?**

Answer: In this context, "it" refers to the "belly" (the digestive system) and "them" refers to "meats" (food). Paul is acknowledging that physical appetites and the bodily organs associated with them are temporary. Just as God created them, He will ultimately bring them to an end. This statement serves to highlight the transient nature of physical needs and the systems that cater to them, contrasting them with the enduring and eternal purpose of the human body itself. It does *not* mean that God will destroy the believer's body, but rather the temporary, physical functions associated with eating, in preparation for a glorified, resurrected state where such needs will no longer exist. This sets up the critical distinction between the temporary function of the belly and the eternal purpose of the body.

**How does this verse relate to modern views on bodily autonomy?**

Answer: This verse directly challenges the modern concept of absolute bodily autonomy, which asserts that individuals have exclusive rights and control over their own bodies, free from external interference or moral obligation. Paul's emphatic declaration, "Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body," fundamentally shifts the locus of ownership and purpose from the individual to God. For the believer, the body is not ultimately their own, but has been "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Glorifying God in Your Body")) by Christ. Therefore, its use is not a matter of personal preference or autonomy, but of divine stewardship and glorification. This perspective calls believers to surrender their bodies to God's will and purpose, recognizing them as sacred instruments for His glory, rather than mere tools for personal gratification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 6:13, while addressing specific Corinthian issues, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The verse's assertion that "the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body" echoes the very nature of Christ's incarnation. In taking on a human body ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), Jesus sanctified human flesh, demonstrating its inherent goodness and its potential for divine purpose. His sinless life in a human body exemplified perfect obedience and purity, setting the standard for how our bodies are to be used "for the Lord." Furthermore, Christ's death and resurrection are the ultimate guarantee that our bodies, too, will be redeemed and glorified. His resurrection is the "firstfruits" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")) of our own bodily resurrection, transforming our "lowly body" to be like His "glorious body" ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Lowly Body")). The reciprocal phrase, "and the Lord for the body," highlights Christ's active care and redemptive work for our physical selves, not just our souls. He is the Head of the body, the Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Body")), and through His Spirit, He indwells believers, making their bodies temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - The Body as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring their ultimate conformity to His image and their future glorification.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 3:16

¶ Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

1 Corinthians 6:15

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make [them] the members of an harlot? God forbid.

1 Thessalonians 4:3

For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thessalonians 4:7

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Ephesians 5:23

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.