1 Corinthians 7:5

Defraud ye not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

Defraud ye {G650} not {G3361} one the other {G240}, except {G1509}{G302} it be {G5100} with {G1537} consent {G4859} for {G4314} a time {G2540}, that {G2443} ye may give yourselves {G4980} to fasting {G3521} and {G2532} prayer {G4335}; and {G2532} come {G4905} together {G1909}{G846} again {G3825}, that {G3363} Satan {G4567} tempt {G3985} you {G5209} not {G3363} for {G1223} your {G5216} incontinency {G192}.

Do not deprive each other, except for a limited time, by mutual agreement, and then only so as to have extra time for prayer; but afterwards, come together again. Otherwise, because of your lack of self-control, you may succumb to the Adversary’s temptation.

Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be by consent for a season, that ye may give yourselves unto prayer, and may be together again, that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency.

1 Corinthians 7:5 addresses the delicate and important topic of physical intimacy within Christian marriage, providing guidance on marital duties and temporary abstinence.

Context

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 7, the Apostle Paul responds to specific questions from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, divorce, and singleness. His overarching aim is to provide practical wisdom for living a godly life in various relational states, emphasizing that both marriage and singleness are legitimate paths depending on one's calling and circumstances. This particular verse focuses on the marital relationship, building upon the principle of mutual obligation established in 1 Corinthians 7:3-4.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Sexual Obligation: The phrase "Defraud ye not one the other" (from the Greek apostereō, meaning to deprive or withhold what is due) underscores that sexual intimacy is a mutual right and duty within marriage. Spouses are not to deprive each other of physical affection, as their bodies belong to one another (1 Corinthians 7:4). This promotes marital harmony and unity.
  • Temporary Abstinence for Spiritual Focus: Paul allows for an exception: a temporary cessation of sexual relations "with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer." This highlights that spiritual disciplines can, by mutual agreement, take precedence for a limited period. The key elements are mutual consent and a defined duration, ensuring it's not a unilateral decision or an indefinite separation.
  • Protection Against Temptation: The verse explicitly states the reason for resuming marital relations: "that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." Incontinency (Greek: akrasia) refers to a lack of self-control, particularly in sensual matters. Paul acknowledges human weakness and the devil's strategic attempts to exploit vulnerabilities. By restoring marital intimacy, spouses help each other avoid sexual sin and remain pure, strengthening their bond and their walk with God. This practical advice aims to safeguard the marriage from external pressures and internal desires that could lead to immorality, echoing warnings about the wiles of the devil.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom for Christian marriages today:

  • Communication is Key: Any decision regarding temporary abstinence from marital intimacy must be made through mutual consent and open communication, fostering understanding and respect between spouses.
  • Prioritize Spiritual Growth: While physical intimacy is vital, there are seasons where a couple might mutually choose to intensify spiritual disciplines like fasting and prayer, temporarily setting aside other good things for a higher spiritual pursuit.
  • Guard Against Temptation: Recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare, couples should be aware of vulnerabilities to temptation. Regular and healthy marital intimacy is a God-ordained means of protection against sexual sin, reinforcing the sanctity of the marital bed (Hebrews 13:4).
  • Balance: The verse advocates for balance—neither perpetual abstinence nor neglecting spiritual disciplines. It encourages a dynamic relationship where both physical and spiritual needs are met and prioritized appropriately.
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.

  • Exodus 19:15

    And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.

  • Joel 2:16

    Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

  • 1 Samuel 21:4

    And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

  • 1 Samuel 21:5

    And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women [have been] kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and [the bread is] in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.

  • Zechariah 12:12

    And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;

  • Zechariah 12:14

    All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.

  • Matthew 19:11

    But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.

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