1 Corinthians 7:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

First Corinthians, written by the Apostle Paul, addresses numerous issues facing the young Christian community in Corinth, a prominent Roman city known for its commercial activity and, unfortunately, its widespread immorality. Chapter 7 specifically tackles questions regarding marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics, likely in response to queries sent to Paul by the Corinthian believers. Some in the church may have been advocating for strict asceticism, even within marriage, while others struggled with the pervasive sexual temptations of their culture. This verse lays a foundational principle for Christian sexual conduct, following Paul's earlier warnings against fleeing fornication.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prevention of Immorality: The primary reason given for marriage in this verse is to avoid fornication (Greek: porneia), which encompasses all forms of unlawful sexual activity. Paul presents marriage as God's ordained provision for sexual expression within a holy and committed relationship, thereby safeguarding individuals from sin and temptation.
  • Sanctity and Purpose of Marriage: This verse affirms marriage as a legitimate and necessary institution for believers. It's not merely a concession to human weakness but a divine design that channels sexual desire into a pure and honorable union. As Hebrews 13:4 states, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled."
  • Mutual Obligation and Fidelity: The phrase "let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband" emphasizes the monogamous and exclusive nature of marriage. It implies mutual responsibility and fidelity within the marital covenant, a theme Paul expands upon in the very next verse, 1 Corinthians 7:3.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word here is porneia (πορνεία), translated as "fornication." This term is broad, referring to any illicit sexual intercourse, including prostitution, adultery, premarital sex, and other forms of sexual immorality. In the context of Corinth, a city notorious for its sexual license (the verb "to Corinthianize" became synonymous with sexual debauchery), Paul's emphasis on avoiding porneia was particularly relevant and urgent. He presents marriage as a practical and divinely approved solution to the widespread problem of sexual sin.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:2 remains profoundly relevant. It underscores the biblical view that marriage is a safeguard against sexual sin and a context for pure sexual expression. In a world permeated by sexual temptation and shifting moral standards, this verse encourages:

  • Chastity before Marriage: It implies that those who are not married should remain celibate.
  • Fidelity within Marriage: It calls for exclusive sexual union between husband and wife, promoting trust, intimacy, and protection from the destructive consequences of infidelity.
  • God's Design for Relationships: It reminds us that God provides a holy and honorable path for human relationships and desires, aiming for our purity and well-being.

Ultimately, this verse is a practical directive for living a life that honors God, promoting sexual purity and the sanctity of the marital bond within the Christian community.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back