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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} concerning {G4012} the things whereof {G3739} ye wrote {G1125} unto me {G3427}: It is good {G2570} for a man {G444} not {G3361} to touch {G680} a woman {G1135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now to deal with the questions you wrote about: “Is it good for a man to keep away from women?”

Berean Standard Bible

Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 7:1 initiates a significant segment of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, directly addressing specific inquiries they had submitted in writing concerning marriage, celibacy, and sexual relations. This verse serves as Paul's initial response, acknowledging their question about whether it is "good for a man not to touch a woman," thereby setting the stage for a comprehensive and nuanced discussion on Christian ethics related to intimacy, singleness, and marital responsibilities within a morally complex and challenging societal context.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse signals a distinct shift in the flow of Paul's letter, marked by the introductory phrase "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me." This common Pauline rhetorical device (also seen in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "Paul's counsel concerning food offered to idols") and [1 Corinthians 12:1](/1_corinthians/12-1 "Paul's counsel concerning spiritual gifts")) indicates that Paul is transitioning from issues he initiated to those specifically raised by the Corinthian church. Chapter 7, in its entirety, is dedicated to answering questions about marriage, divorce, and singleness. It is highly probable that a faction within the Corinthian community, perhaps reacting to the city's pervasive immorality, had adopted an extreme ascetic stance, advocating for complete sexual abstinence even within marriage, believing it to be a path to greater spiritual purity. Paul's subsequent verses immediately qualify the statement in 1 Corinthians 7:1, demonstrating that his counsel is not a universal command but a nuanced response tailored to specific circumstances and individual spiritual gifts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman port city, a bustling commercial and cultural crossroads known for its diverse population and, notoriously, for its widespread sexual immorality. The city was home to numerous pagan temples, including that of Aphrodite, which was associated with cultic prostitution. Against this backdrop of pervasive licentiousness, the nascent Christian community in Corinth faced immense pressure to conform or to overreact. It appears some believers, perhaps in an attempt to distinguish themselves sharply from the pagan culture, had swung to an extreme asceticism, asserting that all sexual activity, even within marriage, was spiritually inferior or even detrimental. Paul's response in this chapter, therefore, is not merely a theological treatise but a deeply pastoral and practical guide for navigating Christian ethics concerning intimacy in a highly sexualized and morally ambiguous environment.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several crucial themes that Paul meticulously develops throughout [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Divorce"). Firstly, it underscores **Paul's pastoral responsiveness**, highlighting his commitment to addressing the specific, real-life dilemmas and questions of the churches under his care. Secondly, it initiates a nuanced discussion on the **value of singleness and celibacy**, presenting it as a potentially "good" or advantageous state for undistracted devotion and service to the Lord, particularly in light of the "present distress" ([1 Corinthians 7:26](/1_corinthians/7-26 "Paul's counsel on the present distress")). However, this theme is immediately balanced by the necessity and goodness of marriage for most, especially "to avoid fornication" ([1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "Paul's counsel on marriage to avoid fornication")). Finally, underlying the entire chapter is the broader theme of **sexual purity and self-control** within the Christian life, whether in marriage or singleness, a consistent and vital emphasis throughout Paul's epistles (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Paul's warning to flee fornication")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrote (Greek, _gráphō'_):** From G1125, a primary verb meaning "to grave," specifically "to write"; figuratively, "to describe." The use of this word here confirms that Paul is directly responding to a written communication he received from the Corinthian church. This detail is crucial for understanding the context of the entire chapter, indicating that Paul's counsel is not unsolicited but a direct answer to their specific inquiries, reflecting his interactive and responsive apostolic ministry.
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** From G2570, this adjective describes something that is beautiful, morally excellent, honorable, advantageous, or beneficial. It carries a qualitative sense, implying something commendable or superior in a given context, rather than merely permissible or intrinsically righteous. When Paul states it is "good," he is affirming that for certain individuals or under specific circumstances, abstaining from sexual relations can indeed be a noble, beneficial, or more excellent path, without condemning other paths.
* **touch (Greek, _háptomai'_):** From G680, a reflexive verb meaning "to attach oneself to," or "to touch" in various implied relations. In the context of discussions about marriage and sexuality, particularly when paired with "woman," it functions as a common euphemism for sexual intimacy or intercourse. Therefore, "not to touch a woman" signifies refraining from sexual relations, highlighting the specific nature of the Corinthians' question regarding celibacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me:":** This opening clause serves as a direct and formal acknowledgment by Paul of the specific questions or issues that the Corinthian church had communicated to him in writing. It marks a clear transition in the letter's subject matter, indicating that Paul is now addressing their particular concerns rather than continuing with his own agenda of correcting various church problems. This demonstrates his pastoral attentiveness and the interactive nature of apostolic correspondence.
* **"[It is] good for a man not to touch a woman.":** This is the core statement Paul is responding to, likely a direct quotation or a summary of the Corinthian believers' own assertion or question. The phrase "good" (Greek, _kalós_) suggests something honorable, advantageous, or beneficial. The expression "not to touch a woman" is a well-understood euphemism for abstaining from sexual intimacy. Paul is either affirming the validity of this sentiment for some individuals or situations, or he is directly quoting their ascetic position, which he will then proceed to qualify and elaborate upon throughout the rest of the chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The introductory phrase "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" is a classic example of a **Rhetorical Transition** or **Apostolic Responsiveness**, a common Pauline device used to signal a shift in topic to address specific questions or issues raised by the recipients of his letter (e.g., [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "Paul's counsel concerning food offered to idols")). This highlights the interactive and pastoral nature of Paul's correspondence. Furthermore, the phrase "not to touch a woman" functions as a clear **Euphemism** for sexual intercourse or intimacy. This indirect language was a common and culturally appropriate way to discuss sensitive topics in ancient literature, allowing for respectful discourse without explicit or crude terms. By adopting this euphemistic phrasing, Paul engages with the Corinthians' own language while setting the stage for a nuanced discussion on sexual ethics within and outside of marriage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly advocating for celibacy, must be understood within the broader Pauline theology of Christian freedom, spiritual gifts, and the sanctity of both marriage and singleness. Paul is not issuing a universal command against marriage or sexual relations; rather, he is affirming that for some, celibacy can be a "good" or advantageous path for undistracted devotion to God, especially given the "present distress" (likely referring to the persecution or eschatological urgency of the time). However, he immediately balances this in subsequent verses by emphasizing that marriage is also a divine institution, a safeguard against immorality, and a context for mutual fulfillment. The theological tension lies in recognizing the value of both states, each with its unique call and challenges, and discerning God's specific will and gift for the individual.

* [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "Paul's counsel on marriage to avoid fornication")
* [1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "Paul's counsel on gifts of celibacy and marriage")
* [Matthew 19:10-12](/matthew/19-10-12 "Jesus' teaching on eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, 1 Corinthians 7:1 serves as a crucial starting point for understanding God's diverse callings regarding relationships and sexuality. It challenges any simplistic view that one state (marriage or singleness) is inherently superior for all. Instead, it invites us to consider how our relational status can best enable us to serve God without distraction. For those who are single, it affirms that their state is not merely a waiting period but a valid and potentially highly fruitful season for dedicated service and spiritual growth. It encourages a positive and purposeful embrace of singleness as a gift, rather than a lack. For those who are married, it reminds them that while their union is blessed and ordained by God, the spiritual pursuit of purity, mutual respect, and devotion remains paramount within their covenant. Ultimately, the verse encourages a thoughtful, prayerful discernment of God's individual calling and the unique gifts He bestows, ensuring that all our relationships and choices are oriented towards His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might the historical and cultural context of Corinth influence our understanding of Paul's counsel regarding celibacy and marriage today?**
* **In what ways does contemporary society, or even segments of the church, sometimes implicitly devalue singleness, and how can we better affirm its spiritual validity and purpose?**
* **How does Paul's statement, "[It is] good for a man not to touch a woman," when read in conjunction with the rest of [1 Corinthians chapter 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Divorce"), inform our understanding of Christian freedom and responsibility in sexual matters?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that marriage or sexual intimacy is inherently bad or sinful?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean that marriage or sexual intimacy within marriage is inherently bad or sinful. The Greek word translated "good" (_kalós_) implies something that is honorable, advantageous, or beneficial, not that everything else is bad. Paul is responding to a specific question or assertion from the Corinthians, likely from a group advocating for extreme asceticism. In the very next verse, [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "Paul's counsel on marriage to avoid fornication"), Paul immediately clarifies, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." This demonstrates that marriage is God's ordained path for most people, providing a holy context for sexual expression and a safeguard against immorality. Paul himself affirms that marriage is honorable and the marriage bed undefiled ([Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is honorable in all")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:1 addresses the practicalities of Christian living regarding marriage and singleness, its deepest theological resonance and ultimate fulfillment are found in Christ. Jesus himself lived a life of celibacy, demonstrating that a life fully devoted to God does not require marriage for completeness, spiritual efficacy, or profound intimacy with the Father. His teaching in [Matthew 19:10-12](/matthew/19-10-12 "Jesus' teaching on eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven") speaks of those who make themselves "eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake," directly validating singleness as a legitimate, purposeful, and even advantageous path for focused service to God. Christ is the ultimate example of purity, self-control, and undistracted devotion, embodying the very "good" that Paul commends. Furthermore, the New Testament culminates in the imagery of the Church as the pure bride of Christ ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), depicting a spiritual union that transcends and ultimately fulfills all earthly relational longings. Thus, whether single or married, believers are ultimately called to a singular devotion to Christ, finding their deepest identity, satisfaction, and purpose in their relationship with Him, the true Bridegroom who perfectly fulfills all human longings for intimacy and belonging.

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 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

1 Corinthians 7:26

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, [I say], that [it is] good for a man so to be.

1 Corinthians 7:27

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

Matthew 19:10

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with [his] wife, it is not good to marry.

Matthew 19:11

But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.

1 Corinthians 7:37

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

1 Corinthians 7:38

So then he that giveth [her] in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth [her] not in marriage doeth better.