1 Corinthians 7:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G1223}{G1161}, to avoid fornication {G4202}, let {G2192} every man {G1538} have {G2192} his own {G1438} wife {G1135}, and {G2532} let {G2192} every woman {G1538} have {G2192} her own {G2398} husband {G435}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

But, because of fornications, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:2 provides a foundational directive on sexual ethics within the Christian community, asserting that in order to prevent widespread sexual immorality, both men and women should be married to their own respective spouses. This verse establishes marriage as God's ordained provision for sexual expression, serving as a safeguard against the prevalent sin of fornication and promoting purity and order within the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the opening statement of 1 Corinthians 7, where Paul begins to address specific questions posed to him by the Corinthian believers regarding marriage, celibacy, and sexual relations (cf. [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "Paul Addresses Marriage")). The broader context of 1 Corinthians 6-7 deals extensively with issues of sexual immorality, contrasting the pagan sexual practices of Corinth with the call to holiness for believers. Paul had just admonished them to "flee fornication" in [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "Flee Fornication"), emphasizing that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Chapter 7 then elaborates on how marriage serves as a divine provision to fulfill sexual desires within a sanctified framework, thus preventing the very sins condemned in the preceding chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Corinth was a bustling port city renowned for its commercial activity and, notoriously, its pervasive immorality. The temple of Aphrodite, with its cult prostitutes, contributed to a culture where sexual license was common. Within this environment, the nascent Christian community faced immense pressure and temptation. Some believers, possibly influenced by ascetic philosophical trends, may have advocated for complete abstinence, even within marriage, while others struggled with the rampant sexual promiscuity of their society. Paul's counsel in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "Instructions on Marriage and Celibacy") is therefore highly practical, addressing both extremes and providing a balanced, divinely-informed perspective on marriage and sexual purity in a morally compromised world.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in 1 Corinthians 7, to which this verse contributes, include the **sanctity of marriage** as a divine institution, the **prevention of sexual immorality** (porneia) through legitimate sexual expression within marriage, and the **mutual obligation and fidelity** of spouses. Paul emphasizes that marriage is not merely a concession to human weakness but a God-ordained means for channeling sexual desire into a holy and committed relationship. This theme of sexual purity is foundational to Paul's broader teaching on Christian conduct and the call to live a life set apart for God, as seen in his appeals for holiness throughout the epistle (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "Our Bodies Are Temples")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fornication (Greek, _porneía'_):** This term (G4202) is derived from a word meaning "harlotry" and encompasses a broad range of illicit sexual intercourse, including prostitution, adultery, premarital sex, incest, and other forms of sexual immorality. In the context of Corinth, a city infamous for its sexual license, Paul's use of _porneía_ highlights the pervasive nature of sexual sin and the urgent need for a divine counter-measure.
* **Wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This word (G1135) refers to a woman, specifically a wife. Its inclusion emphasizes the specific, exclusive, and covenantal relationship intended for sexual expression. The directive "his own wife" underscores the monogamous nature of Christian marriage, distinguishing it sharply from the polygamy or promiscuity common in some ancient cultures.
* **Husband (Greek, _anḗr'_):** This term (G435) denotes a man, properly as an individual male, and in this context, specifically a husband. Paired with "wife," it completes the reciprocal nature of the command, ensuring that the principle of marital fidelity and sexual expression within marriage applies equally to both genders. The phrase "her own husband" reinforces the exclusivity and personal ownership within the marital bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication":** This opening clause, using the Greek particles _diá_ (G1223, "through, by means of") and _dé_ (G1161, "but, and"), signifies a contrast or a purpose. Paul is stating that despite any arguments for celibacy or asceticism, the practical reality of human sexual desire and the pervasive temptation of _porneía_ necessitate a specific response. Marriage is presented as the divinely appointed means to "avoid" or "prevent" this widespread sexual sin.
* **"let every man have his own wife":** This is a direct, prescriptive command. The verb "have" (Greek, _échō_, G2192) implies possession and relationship, here specifically referring to the marital union where sexual intimacy is legitimately expressed. The phrase "his own wife" (Greek, _heautoû gynḗ_, G1438 G1135) stresses the monogamous and exclusive nature of the relationship, emphasizing fidelity and personal commitment.
* **"and let every woman have her own husband":** This parallel clause reiterates the command, applying the same principle to women. The conjunction "and" (Greek, _kaí_, G2532) links the two directives, highlighting their equal importance and reciprocal nature. "Her own husband" (Greek, _ídios anḗr_, G2398 G435) similarly underscores the exclusivity and personal bond required within the marital covenant for women, promoting mutual fidelity and safeguarding against immorality for both parties.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Didactic Tone**, as he issues a direct command ("let every man have... and let every woman have...") to instruct the Corinthian believers on proper conduct. The structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("let every woman have her own husband") largely echoes and reinforces the sentiment of the first clause ("let every man have his own wife"), applying the same principle to both genders. This creates a sense of universality and mutual obligation. Furthermore, the phrase "[to avoid] fornication" functions as a **Teleological Statement**, clearly articulating the purpose or goal behind the command, which is the prevention of sexual sin. The verse is a clear **Prescription**, offering a practical and divine solution to a pressing moral issue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores a profound theological truth: God, in His wisdom and grace, has provided marriage as a holy and honorable context for human sexual expression, serving as a bulwark against the destructive forces of sexual immorality. It affirms that sexual desire is not inherently sinful but is designed by God to be fulfilled within the covenantal bond of marriage, where it fosters intimacy, procreation, and companionship. This perspective elevates marriage beyond a mere social construct, presenting it as a divine institution with a specific purpose in God's plan for humanity's purity and well-being. The emphasis on "his own wife" and "her own husband" further highlights the biblical mandate for monogamy and exclusive fidelity within the marital union, reflecting God's design for covenant faithfulness.

* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")
* [Proverbs 5:15-20](/proverbs/5-15-20 "Drink from Your Own Cistern")
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "One Flesh Union")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly characterized by sexual confusion and pervasive immorality, 1 Corinthians 7:2 serves as a timeless and counter-cultural declaration of God's wise design for human sexuality. It reminds believers that marriage is not an outdated institution but a divine provision intended to protect individuals from the spiritual, emotional, and physical wreckage of sexual sin. For those who are married, it calls for unwavering fidelity and the joyful expression of intimacy exclusively within the marital bond. For those who are single, it implicitly calls for chastity, recognizing that God's design for sexual expression is reserved for marriage. This verse challenges us to embrace God's boundaries as expressions of His love and wisdom, leading to true freedom and flourishing rather than the false promises of unbridled license. It encourages us to cultivate a high view of marriage, respecting its sanctity and purpose as a reflection of God's covenant faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding marriage as a safeguard against fornication shape your view of its purpose and value?**
* **In what ways does society's current view of sexuality contrast with the biblical principle presented in this verse?**
* **How can individual believers and the church community better uphold and promote the sanctity of marriage as described here?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that everyone *must* get married?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mandate marriage for everyone. Paul's broader discussion in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "Instructions on Marriage and Celibacy") acknowledges and even commends celibacy for those who have the gift and calling for it (cf. [1 Corinthians 7:7-8](/1_corinthians/7-7-8 "Paul's Preference for Celibacy")). The directive in [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "Marriage to Avoid Fornication") is given "to avoid fornication," implying that for those who struggle with sexual temptation and do not possess the gift of celibacy, marriage is the appropriate and God-ordained path for sexual expression and purity. It's a practical solution for a common human struggle, not a universal command for all individuals to marry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 7:2 primarily addresses practical sexual ethics, its underlying principle of purity and covenant faithfulness finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Christ. The call to avoid fornication and to embrace the sanctity of marriage is not merely a legalistic command but an invitation to live a life transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables believers to walk in holiness (cf. [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Walk by the Spirit")). Christ Himself is the embodiment of perfect fidelity and covenant love, as depicted in His relationship with the Church, His bride (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ's Love for the Church")). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are cleansed from sin, including sexual immorality, and empowered to live lives that honor God with their bodies (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "Your Body is a Temple")). Thus, the ability to live out the principles of 1 Corinthians 7:2—whether in faithful marriage or consecrated celibacy—is a fruit of Christ's redemptive work, enabling believers to reflect His purity and love in their relationships and desires.

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

Ephesians 5:28

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Ephesians 5:33

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.

1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Proverbs 18:22

¶ [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 5:18

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Proverbs 5:19

[Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.