1 Corinthians 7:3

KJV

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G591} the husband {G435} render {G591} unto the wife {G1135} due {G3784} benevolence {G2133}: and {G1161} likewise {G3668} also {G2532} the wife {G1135} unto the husband {G435}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The husband should give his wife what she is entitled to in the marriage relationship, and the wife should do the same for her husband.

Berean Standard Bible

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.

American Standard Version

Let the husband render unto the wife her due: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse provides a foundational directive for marital intimacy, asserting the mutual obligation of both husband and wife to fulfill their conjugal duties to one another. This verse, situated within Paul's broader counsel on marriage and singleness, emphasizes reciprocity in the physical dimension of the marital covenant, promoting healthy intimacy as a safeguard against temptation and a means of strengthening the spousal bond, thereby underscoring the sacred and holistic nature of the marriage relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage, Singleness, and Christian Liberty"), which addresses various questions concerning marriage, celibacy, and sexual purity that the Corinthian church had posed to Paul (as indicated by the phrase "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me" in [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Paul's Reply on Marriage")). Paul's immediate preceding verses ([1 Corinthians 7:1-2](/1_corinthians/7-1-2 "1 Corinthians 7:1-2 - Marriage as a Remedy for Immorality")) establish the context of avoiding sexual immorality (πορνεία, _porneia_) by encouraging marriage. Verse 3 then follows as the positive command, detailing how this avoidance is facilitated within marriage through mutual conjugal duty. The subsequent verses ([1 Corinthians 7:4-5](/1_corinthians/7-4-5 "1 Corinthians 7:4-5 - Mutual Authority and Abstinence")) further elaborate on the mutual authority spouses have over each other's bodies and the conditions under which temporary abstinence might be permissible, always with mutual consent and for a spiritual purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient city of Corinth was a bustling port city renowned for its commercial prosperity but also infamous for its pervasive sexual immorality, including temple prostitution and various forms of licentiousness. This environment posed significant challenges for the nascent Christian community, which was called to live a counter-cultural life of purity. Within this context, some believers, influenced by ascetic philosophical ideas (which sometimes viewed physical intimacy as inherently impure, even within marriage), might have considered abstaining from marital relations. Others, perhaps influenced by the surrounding libertinism, might have viewed marriage obligations lightly. Paul's instruction in [1 Corinthians 7:3](/1_corinthians/7-3 "1 Corinthians 7:3 - Mutual Marital Duty") directly confronts both extremes, affirming the goodness and necessity of sexual intimacy within marriage as a divinely sanctioned means of mutual care and protection from temptation, aligning with the broader biblical understanding of marriage as a sacred covenant.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage and Singleness") is rich with themes pertinent to Christian living. A primary theme is **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, where Paul guides believers on how to exercise their freedom in Christ while considering the well-being of others and avoiding stumbling blocks. Relatedly, the chapter explores the theme of **Sexual Purity and Avoiding Fornication**, emphasizing marriage as the proper context for sexual expression to prevent sin, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "1 Corinthians 7:2 - Marriage to Avoid Fornication"). Verse 3 specifically introduces the theme of **Mutual Obligation and Reciprocity in Marriage**, asserting that both husband and wife have equal rights and duties regarding their conjugal relationship, a radical concept in a patriarchal society. This mutual giving is framed as a means of **Strengthening the Marital Bond** and fostering unity, reflecting the holistic nature of the one-flesh union described in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **render (Greek, _apodídōmi'_):** From G591, meaning "to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications):--deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield." In this context, it implies a giving back or a returning of something that is due, suggesting a reciprocal action or the fulfillment of an obligation. It's not merely a casual offering but a deliberate act of providing what is owed.
* **due (Greek, _opheílō'_):** From G3784, meaning "to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty." This word strongly emphasizes the concept of obligation or debt. The "benevolence" is not optional; it is something owed by virtue of the marriage covenant, highlighting the seriousness of the marital commitment.
* **benevolence (Greek, _eúnoia'_):** From G2133, meaning "kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty." This term is crucial. While it literally means "goodwill" or "kindness," in this specific context, it is used euphemistically to refer to the sexual intimacy within marriage. The combination with "due" (opheílō) implies that this "goodwill" or "kindness" in the marital bed is not merely an option but an expected and owed expression of care and commitment within the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence:"** This clause establishes the husband's responsibility to his wife in the realm of physical intimacy. The verb "render" (apodídōmi) signifies giving what is owed, while "due benevolence" (opheílō eúnoia) points to the specific obligation of conjugal kindness or duty. This is not a suggestion but a command, emphasizing the husband's active role in meeting his wife's needs and fulfilling his part of the marital covenant.
* **"and likewise also the wife unto the husband."** This phrase immediately follows, mirroring the command given to the husband. The word "likewise" (homoíōs) underscores the absolute reciprocity and equality of this obligation. Just as the husband is commanded to render "due benevolence" to his wife, so too is the wife commanded to do the same for her husband. This establishes a profound principle of mutual responsibility and shared authority over each other's bodies within the marriage, challenging the patriarchal norms of the time and promoting a balanced, selfless approach to marital intimacy.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Parallelism** in [1 Corinthians 7:3](/1_corinthians/7-3 "1 Corinthians 7:3 - Mutual Marital Duty") to emphasize the equality and reciprocity of the marital obligation. The structure "Let the husband render unto the wife... and likewise also the wife unto the husband" creates a clear, balanced statement, ensuring that neither party is exempt from the duty. This rhetorical device powerfully conveys the mutual nature of the conjugal relationship. Furthermore, the use of **Euphemism** in "due benevolence" (εὔνοια) allows Paul to address a sensitive topic—sexual intimacy—with appropriate decorum while still conveying the profound obligation. This choice of word softens the directness while retaining the force of the command, highlighting that the act should be given with goodwill and kindness, not begrudgingly. The verse also implicitly uses **Metonymy**, where "due benevolence" stands for the act of conjugal intimacy itself, focusing on the quality and intent behind the act rather than just the physical deed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 7:3](/1_corinthians/7-3 "1 Corinthians 7:3 - Mutual Marital Duty") is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of marriage as a covenantal union, reflecting the "one flesh" principle established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"). It underscores that physical intimacy within marriage is not merely for procreation or pleasure, but a fundamental expression of mutual love, commitment, and care, serving as a safeguard against sexual immorality (as seen in [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "1 Corinthians 7:2 - Marriage to Avoid Fornication")). This mutual giving and receiving within the marital bond is an act of selfless love, mirroring the self-giving love that Christ demonstrates for the church, as later expounded by Paul in [Ephesians 5](/ephesians/5 "Ephesians 5 - Instructions for Christian Households"). The verse challenges any notion that one spouse has a greater right or lesser duty than the other, promoting a radical equality and reciprocity in the most intimate aspect of marriage.

* [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Honor Marriage")
* [Proverbs 5:18-19](/proverbs/5-18-19 "Proverbs 5:18-19 - Rejoice in Your Wife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that Christian marriage is a covenant of mutual giving, not just in broad terms but specifically in the intimate physical relationship. It calls both husband and wife to a posture of selfless consideration, actively seeking to meet the needs of their spouse. "Due benevolence" implies that this intimacy should be rendered with goodwill, kindness, and a willing heart, not as a grudging obligation or a bargaining chip. When spouses prioritize each other's physical and emotional needs in this way, they not only strengthen their bond and deepen their unity but also create a healthy, satisfying environment that serves as a protective barrier against external temptations and illicit desires. This mutual care fosters an atmosphere of security and love, allowing the marriage to flourish as a testament to God's design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "due benevolence" align with a selfless, Christ-like approach to my spouse's needs?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally prioritize my spouse's physical and emotional well-being within our marriage?**
* **How does fulfilling my marital duties contribute to the overall health and spiritual strength of our marriage?**

### FAQ
**What does "due benevolence" mean in a practical sense for Christian couples today?**

Answer: In a practical sense, "due benevolence" means that both husband and wife have a mutual obligation and privilege to engage in sexual intimacy with each other, doing so with kindness, goodwill, and a willing spirit. It implies actively seeking to meet your spouse's physical and emotional needs within the marital relationship, recognizing that this is not merely a right but a loving duty. It encourages open communication about intimacy and a selfless approach, where each partner considers the other's desires and well-being, fostering a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship that strengthens the marital bond and provides a safeguard against temptation, as hinted at in [1 Corinthians 7:5](/1_corinthians/7-5 "1 Corinthians 7:5 - Temporary Abstinence").

**Does this verse imply that sexual intimacy is always an obligation, regardless of circumstances?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 7:3](/1_corinthians/7-3 "1 Corinthians 7:3 - Mutual Marital Duty") establishes a clear mutual obligation, [1 Corinthians 7:5](/1_corinthians/7-5 "1 Corinthians 7:5 - Temporary Abstinence") provides an important qualification: temporary abstinence is permissible, but only by mutual consent, for a limited time, and for the specific purpose of devotion to prayer. This suggests that while the general principle is one of regular, mutual intimacy, there can be exceptions agreed upon by both spouses for spiritual or other legitimate reasons (e.g., illness, exhaustion), provided it is not used as a weapon or a means of withholding affection. The emphasis remains on mutual consideration and agreement, rather than unilateral withholding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:3](/1_corinthians/7-3 "1 Corinthians 7:3 - Mutual Marital Duty") directly addresses marital duties, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's relationship with the Church. Just as husband and wife are called to mutual giving and selfless service in the marital covenant, so Christ exemplified the ultimate act of self-giving love for His bride, the Church. He "loved the church and gave himself up for her" ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")), fulfilling His "due benevolence" not through physical intimacy, but through sacrificial atonement on the cross. This divine example transforms the understanding of marital obligation from a mere duty into an opportunity to mirror Christ's selfless love. When spouses "render due benevolence" to one another, they are participating in a divine pattern of reciprocal love and service that ultimately points to the profound union between Christ and His people, where both give themselves fully for the good of the other, leading to sanctification and glorification ([Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26-27 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). The mutual submission encouraged in [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission") for all believers, and specifically applied to marriage, reflects the very heart of the Gospel: giving oneself for the other, just as Christ gave Himself for us ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love")).

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 Peter 3:7

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Exodus 21:10

If he take him another [wife]; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.