1 Corinthians 6:16

KJV

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G2228}? know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} he which is joined {G2853} to an harlot {G4204} is {G2076} one {G1520} body {G4983}? for {G1063} two {G1417}, saith he {G5346}, shall be {G2071} one {G1519}{G3391} flesh {G4561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don’t you know that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? For the Tanakh says, “The two will become one flesh”;

Berean Standard Bible

Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

American Standard Version

Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 6:16, the Apostle Paul confronts the Corinthian believers with a profound rhetorical question, challenging their understanding of sexual union. He asserts that anyone who engages in sexual intercourse with a harlot becomes "one body" with her, drawing upon the foundational Old Testament principle that two shall become "one flesh." This verse serves as a stark warning against sexual immorality, emphasizing the deep, unifying nature of the sexual act, even in illicit contexts, and its irreconcilable conflict with a believer's sacred union with Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader discourse in [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Addressing Immorality and Lawsuits"), where he addresses various issues plaguing the Corinthian church, including internal lawsuits and, more prominently, sexual immorality. Paul's argument builds from his assertion in [1 Corinthians 6:12](/1_corinthians/6-12 "1 Corinthians 6:12 - All Things Lawful, Not All Beneficial") that while "all things are lawful" for believers, not all are beneficial or edifying. He then pivots to the sanctity of the body, declaring in [1 Corinthians 6:13](/1_corinthians/6-13 "1 Corinthians 6:13 - The Body is for the Lord") that "the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." The immediate preceding verse, [1 Corinthians 6:15](/1_corinthians/6-15 "1 Corinthians 6:15 - Members of Christ, Not Harlots"), directly sets up verse 16 by asking, "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." This rhetorical progression underscores the gravity of sexual sin in light of a believer's union with Christ. The passage culminates in the powerful call to [flee fornication](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") and the declaration that the body is a [temple of the Holy Ghost](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Body as Temple of Holy Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a major port city, renowned for its wealth, diverse population, and, notoriously, its widespread immorality. The temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was a prominent feature, reportedly employing thousands of temple prostitutes. This environment fostered a culture where sexual promiscuity was common and often integrated into religious practices. Furthermore, some philosophical currents prevalent in Corinth, such as certain forms of Gnosticism or dualism, might have led some believers to believe that what they did with their physical bodies had no bearing on their spiritual state. They might have rationalized that since the body was considered distinct from the spirit, engaging in sexual acts, even with prostitutes, was inconsequential to their spiritual standing with God. Paul directly challenges this flawed understanding, emphasizing the holistic nature of human beings and the profound spiritual implications of physical actions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Letter to the Corinthians") and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it highlights the **profound unity in sexual union**, asserting that even an illicit sexual act creates a deep, "one flesh" bond, a concept rooted in the creation narrative of [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh in Marriage"). Secondly, Paul underscores the **sanctity and ownership of the body**, particularly for believers who are united with Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, as further elaborated in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Belong to God"). Thirdly, the verse addresses the **consequences of sexual sin**, revealing it not merely as a physical transgression but as an act that defiles the sacred union a believer has with Christ and contradicts their identity as members of His body. This leads to the urgent call to [flee fornication](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication"), recognizing its unique gravity among sins against the body.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **joined (Greek, _kolláō'_):** From the root meaning "glue," this verb signifies "to glue together," "to cleave to," or "to unite." In this context, it denotes a strong, inseparable bond, far beyond a casual encounter. Paul uses this powerful imagery to convey that sexual intercourse, even outside of marriage, creates a profound, binding connection between two individuals, as if they are permanently affixed to one another.
* **harlot (Greek, _pórnē'_):** This term refers to a prostitute or a sexually immoral woman. Paul's specific use of "harlot" emphasizes the illicit and commercial nature of the sexual act he is condemning. Beyond its literal meaning, the term also carries figurative weight in biblical literature, often representing idolatry or spiritual unfaithfulness, though here the primary reference is to physical prostitution.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** This word, while literally referring to the meat of an animal or the physical body, carries profound theological meaning. In the context of "one flesh," it signifies a holistic union of two persons—physical, emotional, and spiritual—into a new, unified entity. Paul's quotation of "one flesh" from the creation account applies this deep, covenantal language to highlight the inherent unifying power of sexual intercourse, regardless of the context.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body?"**: Paul opens with a forceful rhetorical question, implying that the Corinthians should already be aware of this truth, yet their actions suggest otherwise. The phrase "joined to an harlot" uses the powerful Greek word `kolláō` to emphasize the profound, binding nature of sexual union, even with a prostitute. The consequence of this joining is becoming "one body," suggesting a physical and perhaps even spiritual entanglement that is antithetical to a believer's union with Christ.
* **"for two, saith he, shall be one flesh."**: This clause provides the theological basis for Paul's assertion, directly quoting or alluding to the foundational principle from [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The Creation of Marriage"). By applying this sacred principle of marital union to the act of fornication with a harlot, Paul underscores the inherent, unifying power of sexual intercourse itself. He argues that this "one flesh" bond is so fundamental that it occurs regardless of the moral or relational context, making the illicit union a profound violation of one's identity in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey his urgent message. The opening **Rhetorical Question**, "What? know ye not...?", is a hallmark of Paul's pedagogical style, designed not to elicit information but to challenge the audience's assumptions and highlight a truth they should already grasp. This technique forces introspection and emphasizes the self-evident nature of his point. Furthermore, the verse contains a direct **Quotation/Allusion** to [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union"), where God declares that a man and woman in marriage "shall be one flesh." By applying this foundational principle of marital intimacy to the act of prostitution, Paul uses **Irony** and **Juxtaposition** to underscore the profound distortion and defilement that occurs when such a sacred union is misused. The phrase "one body" and "one flesh" itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the deep, holistic union that sexual intercourse creates, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, rather than merely a superficial physical act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of 1 Corinthians 6:16 lies in its profound articulation of the nature of sexual union and its implications for the believer's identity in Christ. Paul's argument is rooted in the biblical understanding that sexual intercourse is not merely a physical act but a profound covenantal bond, designed by God to create a "one flesh" unity within the sacred confines of marriage. By demonstrating that this unifying power extends even to illicit sexual acts, Paul exposes the devastating spiritual consequences of fornication. It creates a bond that is contrary to the believer's primary union with Christ, effectively making "members of Christ" into "members of a harlot" (1 Corinthians 6:15). This defiles the body, which is intended to be a temple of the Holy Spirit and a vessel for glorifying God. The verse thus highlights the sanctity of the body, the seriousness of sexual sin, and the call to live in a manner consistent with one's new identity in Christ.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Foundation of Marriage")
* [Ephesians 5:31](/ephesians/5-31 "Marriage as a Mystery of Christ and the Church")
* [1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "Flee Fornication, Glorify God in Your Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6:16 remain profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging a culture that often trivializes sexual acts and divorces them from their spiritual and relational implications. This verse compels us to recognize that sexual union, whether within or outside of marriage, carries an inherent power to create a deep, unifying bond. For the Christian, whose body is a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit, engaging in sexual immorality is not a neutral act; it is a profound betrayal of our identity and union with God. It calls us to a radical commitment to sexual purity, not as a set of restrictive rules, but as an overflow of our devotion to Christ and a recognition of the sacredness of our bodies. Understanding the "one flesh" principle should elevate our view of marriage as a unique and holy covenant, and simultaneously deepen our conviction to flee all forms of sexual sin, knowing that our choices have eternal consequences and impact our intimate walk with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "one flesh" principle, even in illicit unions, change your perspective on the seriousness of sexual sin?**
* **In what ways does contemporary culture challenge the biblical view of sexual purity, and how can believers effectively stand firm in their convictions?**
* **Considering that our bodies are members of Christ, how should this truth influence our daily choices regarding sexuality and personal holiness?**

### FAQ
**Does "one flesh" apply only to marriage, or does it apply to any sexual act?**

Answer: While the concept of "one flesh" originates in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "The Divine Blueprint for Marriage") as the divine design for marital union, Paul's argument in [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "The Unifying Power of Sexual Union") demonstrates that the unifying power inherent in the sexual act itself creates a "one flesh" bond, even in illicit contexts. Paul uses this very point to warn against fornication, arguing that if sexual union inherently creates such a profound bond, then engaging in it outside of marriage (especially with a harlot) creates an unholy and defiling union that is contrary to a believer's union with Christ. So, while God's *intended* context for "one flesh" is marriage, the *physical and spiritual reality* of becoming "one flesh" occurs in any sexual act, making illicit sex a profound misuse and defilement of this sacred principle.

**Why does Paul seem to treat sexual sin as uniquely serious compared to other sins?**

Answer: Paul indeed highlights the unique nature of sexual sin in [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Sin Against One's Own Body"), stating, "Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." This distinction arises from the "one flesh" principle discussed in [1 Corinthians 6:16](/1_corinthians/6-16 "The Unifying Power of Sexual Union"). Unlike other sins that might affect one's body (e.g., gluttony, drunkenness), sexual sin involves the profound union of two individuals, creating a bond that is meant to be exclusive and sacred within marriage. When committed outside of this divine design, it defiles not only the individual's body but also their spiritual identity as a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body is a Temple")). It is a sin that strikes at the very core of one's physical and spiritual being, directly contradicting the holistic union believers have with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 6:16, while a stern warning against sexual immorality, ultimately points to the profound reality of our union with Christ, which is the true fulfillment and antidote to such sin. The "one flesh" principle, originating in creation, finds its ultimate spiritual parallel in the believer's mystical union with Christ, where we are made [one spirit with Him](/1_corinthians/6-17 "One Spirit with the Lord"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus Christ redeemed humanity from the power and penalty of sin, including sexual sin. He cleanses and sanctifies those who believe, making their bodies temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The call to "flee fornication" ([1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Fornication")) is not merely a moralistic command but an invitation to live out the new reality of our identity in Christ. Because we have been [bought with a price](/1_corinthians/6-20 "Bought with a Price"), our bodies are no longer our own but belong to Him. Thus, living a life of sexual purity is an act of worship and a tangible expression of our spiritual union with the Lord, reflecting the holiness and integrity of the [new creation we are in Christ Jesus](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ"). Our ability to overcome the allure of sexual sin is not by human strength alone, but by the power of the indwelling Spirit, who enables us to [put to death the deeds of the body](/romans/8-13 "Living by the Spirit") and live in conformity to the image of our Savior.

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

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Ephesians 5:31

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Mark 10:8

And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

Matthew 19:5

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Matthew 19:6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Matthew 21:31

Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Matthew 21:32

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.