1 Corinthians 7:3

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

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}.

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.

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

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

1 Corinthians 7:3, from the Apostle Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth, provides foundational guidance on the physical aspect of marriage. This verse is part of a larger discussion (starting in 1 Corinthians 7:1-2) where Paul addresses various questions regarding marriage, celibacy, and sexual purity within the Christian community.

Context

The city of Corinth was notorious for its widespread immorality and diverse philosophical views, which posed unique challenges for early Christians seeking to live according to biblical principles. Paul's letter responds to specific questions and issues within the Corinthian church. In chapter 7, he directly tackles matters of marriage and singleness, emphasizing that while singleness can be beneficial for devotion to the Lord (as discussed later in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35), marriage is a God-ordained institution with its own responsibilities, particularly to prevent sexual immorality (fornication), as stated in 1 Corinthians 7:2.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Obligation: The verse explicitly states "Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." This highlights the principle of reciprocity in marital intimacy. It is a shared responsibility, not a one-sided demand or obligation.
  • Marital Rights and Duties: "Due benevolence" refers to the fulfillment of the physical and emotional intimacy within marriage. It underscores that each spouse has a right to their partner's body in this specific context, and a duty to meet their partner's needs. This mutual giving is essential for a healthy marital bond and to avoid temptation.
  • Protection from Immorality: By advocating for mutual physical intimacy within marriage, Paul implicitly addresses the problem of sexual sin. A healthy and fulfilling marital relationship can serve as a safeguard against illicit desires and temptations outside the marriage covenant, echoing the purpose mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "due benevolence" translates the Greek ὀφειλομένην εὔνοιαν (opheilomenēn eunoian). The word opheilomenēn means "owed" or "due," indicating a debt or obligation. Eunoian means "goodwill," "favor," or "benevolence." While some ancient manuscripts use δουλείαν (douleian), meaning "duty" or "service," eunoian is widely accepted and suggests a more gracious and willing fulfillment of marital intimacy, rooted in affection and consideration rather than mere obligation. This points to the idea that marital intimacy should be given with kindness and good intent, not begrudgingly.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant for Christian marriages today. It calls spouses to:

  • Prioritize Each Other's Needs: Husbands and wives are encouraged to be attentive to and fulfill each other's physical and emotional needs within the marriage.
  • Foster Selflessness: The principle of "due benevolence" promotes a selfless attitude, where each partner seeks the well-being and satisfaction of the other, rather than focusing solely on personal gratification. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on mutual submission in marriage and husbands loving their wives as their own bodies.
  • Strengthen the Marital Bond: Regular and loving physical intimacy, rendered mutually and with goodwill, strengthens the marital bond and helps to create a secure and satisfying relationship, serving as a protective factor against temptations from outside the marriage.

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.

  • 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.
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