1 Corinthians 7:4

KJV

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wife {G1135} hath {G1850} not {G3756} power {G1850} of her own {G2398} body {G4983}, but {G235} the husband {G435}: and {G1161} likewise {G3668} also {G2532} the husband {G435} hath {G1850} not {G3756} power {G1850} of his own {G2398} body {G4983}, but {G235} the wife {G1135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wife is not in charge of her own body, but her husband is; likewise, the husband is not in charge of his own body, but his wife is.

Berean Standard Bible

The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.

American Standard Version

The wife hath not power over her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power over his own body, but the wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Corinthians 7:4 is a foundational statement on marital intimacy, articulating a profound principle of mutual ownership and reciprocal authority within the covenant of marriage. The Apostle Paul declares that neither spouse retains exclusive control over their own body; rather, each surrenders this authority to the other, establishing a framework of selfless giving and shared responsibility for physical intimacy within the marital bond. This verse underscores the deep unity and interdependence that should characterize a Christian marriage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger discourse in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Celibacy"), where Paul directly addresses specific questions and concerns raised by the Corinthian believers regarding marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics. Following his instruction in [1 Corinthians 7:3](/1_corinthians/7-3 "1 Corinthians 7:3 - Marital Duty") for spouses to fulfill their "conjugal rights" or "marital duty" to one another, verse 4 provides the theological basis for this duty: a mutual surrender of bodily autonomy. The immediate context of [1 Corinthians 7:5](/1_corinthians/7-5 "1 Corinthians 7:5 - Abstinence and Temptation") further clarifies that this mutual giving is intended to prevent sexual temptation and maintain purity, allowing for temporary abstinence only by mutual consent for prayer. Thus, 1 Corinthians 7:4 serves as the linchpin establishing the principle of shared physical authority that undergirds Paul's subsequent practical advice on marital relations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling Roman port city, notorious for its rampant immorality and diverse religious practices, including the worship of Aphrodite, which often involved temple prostitution. This environment posed significant challenges for the nascent Christian community, as believers grappled with how to live out their faith in stark contrast to the prevailing culture. In the Greco-Roman world, women generally held a subordinate legal and social status, and a husband typically had significant authority over his wife and household. Against this backdrop, Paul's declaration of mutual bodily authority in [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") was remarkably revolutionary, challenging conventional patriarchal norms by placing husband and wife on an equal footing regarding sexual rights and responsibilities within marriage. This radical equality would have been counter-cultural and profoundly impactful for the Corinthian believers.
* **Key Themes:** [First Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "1 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Teaching on Marriage and Celibacy") as a whole explores several key themes to which [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") contributes significantly. **Mutual Obligation and Reciprocity** is paramount, as the verse explicitly applies the same principle to both husband and wife, emphasizing a shared responsibility for marital intimacy. This directly supports the theme of **Bodily Surrender in Marriage**, where neither spouse retains exclusive authority over their own body, but rather each body is given over to the other within the covenant. This concept echoes the foundational truth of [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"), where two become "one flesh." Furthermore, Paul's broader concern for **Prevention of Immorality** is addressed, as the mutual access and satisfaction within marriage, as outlined in this verse and [1 Corinthians 7:5](/1_corinthians/7-5 "1 Corinthians 7:5 - Abstinence and Temptation"), serves as a safeguard against sexual temptation and sin, reinforcing the call to [flee sexual immorality](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") found earlier in the epistle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wife (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term (G1135) refers to a woman, and specifically in this context, a wife. Its usage here highlights the specific relational dynamic within marriage, emphasizing the role of the female spouse in the reciprocal exchange of bodily authority.
* **hath power (Greek, _exousiázō'_):** Derived from _exousia_ (authority), this verb (G1850) means "to control" or "to exercise authority upon." In this verse, it is used in the negative ("hath not power") to assert that neither spouse has independent, exclusive authority over their own body. Instead, the authority is transferred and shared mutually within the marital union, underscoring a relational control rather than individualistic autonomy.
* **husband (Greek, _anḗr'_):** This word (G435) denotes a man, particularly an individual male, and in this context, the male spouse. Paul's parallel application of the principle of mutual bodily authority to both the _gynḗ_ (wife) and the _anḗr_ (husband) is crucial for understanding the radical equality he advocates within Christian marriage.
* **body (Greek, _sōma'_):** This term (G4983) refers to the physical body, but in a broader sense, it can encompass the entire person. In this context, it specifically denotes the physical self, particularly in relation to sexual intimacy. The mutual surrender of the "body" signifies the complete giving of one's physical self to the other in the marital covenant, reinforcing the concept of unity and shared ownership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband":** This clause establishes the principle for the wife, stating that her body is not solely under her own authority once married. Instead, that authority is now shared with, or given over to, her husband. This is a profound statement of self-giving within the marital covenant, challenging any notion of individualistic control over one's physical self within the union. It implies a responsibility to be available to the husband.
* **"and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife":** This parallel clause immediately applies the identical principle to the husband. The phrase "and likewise also" (Greek _homoíōs kaí_) emphasizes the absolute reciprocity and equality of this principle. Just as the wife's body is given to the husband, so too is the husband's body given to the wife. This revolutionary statement, especially in a patriarchal society, underscores Paul's vision of mutual submission and shared responsibility in Christian marriage, ensuring that neither partner can unilaterally withhold intimacy or demand it without considering the other.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") is **Chiasm**. The structure of the verse follows an A-B-B'-A' pattern: "The wife (A) hath not power of her own body (B), but the husband (B'): and likewise also the husband (A') hath not power of his own body (B), but the wife (B')." This chiastic structure serves to highlight the central point of **Reciprocity** and **Equality** between husband and wife. By mirroring the two halves of the statement, Paul emphatically communicates that the principle applies identically to both spouses, underscoring the mutual nature of their bodily authority within marriage. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** reinforces this equality, presenting the same concept twice, first for the wife and then for the husband, ensuring that the message of shared ownership and responsibility is clear and unambiguous for both parties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") are profound, establishing a radical paradigm of self-giving and mutual submission within Christian marriage. It moves beyond a transactional view of rights to a covenantal understanding of shared personhood, where the physical body, often seen as a private domain, becomes a shared space of intimacy and responsibility. This mutual surrender is not a loss of autonomy but a profound act of love and commitment, reflecting the Trinitarian nature of God where persons exist in loving interdependence. It challenges individualistic tendencies and calls spouses to prioritize the needs and well-being of their partner, fostering a relationship marked by selfless generosity rather than self-serving demands.

* [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is Honorable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[First Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") offers a timeless and counter-cultural challenge to married couples today. In a world that often champions individual rights and personal autonomy above all else, Paul's teaching calls us to a radical self-giving within the context of marriage. It means understanding that one's body, in the marital union, is not exclusively one's own to control or withhold, but is given in love to the spouse. This principle fosters a profound sense of shared responsibility for intimacy, encouraging open and honest communication about desires, needs, and boundaries. It promotes a selfless approach to marital relations, where each partner seeks to serve and satisfy the other, not out of obligation, but out of a deep, Christ-like love. Embracing this truth can transform marital intimacy from a potential source of conflict or neglect into a powerful expression of unity, vulnerability, and mutual blessing, safeguarding the marriage from external temptations and strengthening the bond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of mutual bodily authority in [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") challenge modern notions of individual autonomy within marriage?**
* **In what practical ways can couples demonstrate this mutual surrender and shared responsibility for intimacy in their daily lives?**
* **How does understanding this verse contribute to preventing sexual temptation and fostering faithfulness within the marital relationship?**

### FAQ

**Does 1 Corinthians 7:4 imply that spouses have no personal boundaries or right to refuse intimacy?**

Answer: While [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") emphasizes mutual bodily authority, it's crucial to interpret it within the broader biblical context of love, respect, and mutual submission (cf. [Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")). It does not negate the importance of consent, communication, or the sanctity of the individual. Instead, it frames marital intimacy as a shared responsibility and a mutual giving, rather than a unilateral right or demand. The "power" (Greek _exousia_) is reciprocal, meaning both spouses are equally called to consider the other's needs and well-being. This mutual surrender should be exercised in love, understanding, and open dialogue, not in a way that is coercive or disrespectful. As [1 Corinthians 7:5](/1_corinthians/7-5 "1 Corinthians 7:5 - Abstinence and Temptation") clarifies, even temporary abstinence should be "by agreement" (KJV: "with consent"), highlighting the necessity of mutual understanding and agreement in all aspects of marital intimacy. The verse promotes a selfless approach, where each partner prioritizes the other's needs within a loving and respectful relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 7:4](/1_corinthians/7-4 "1 Corinthians 7:4 - Mutual Bodily Authority") directly addresses the dynamics of human marriage, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the self-giving love of Christ for His Church. Just as the husband and wife are called to surrender their bodies to one another in love and service, so Christ completely gave Himself for His bride, the Church. He "loved the church, and gave himself for it" ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). This profound act of self-sacrifice, culminating in His death on the cross, demonstrates the ultimate "power" given over for the sake of another – not a power of control or domination, but a power of redemptive love and service. In Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of the selfless, reciprocal love that Paul encourages in marriage. Our bodies, as members of Christ, are no longer our own, but are bought with a price ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies are Temples")), consecrated to His service. Thus, the mutual bodily surrender in marriage becomes a tangible, earthly reflection of the spiritual reality of our union with Christ and His complete devotion to us, calling us to live out our marital vows in imitation of His divine 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

Matthew 19:9

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Hosea 3:3

And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for [another] man: so [will] I also [be] for thee.

Mark 10:11

And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

Mark 10:12

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.