1 Corinthians 7:6

But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment.

But {G1161} I speak {G3004} this {G5124} by {G2596} permission {G4774}, and not {G3756} of {G2596} commandment {G2003}.

I am giving you this as a suggestion, not as a command.

I say this as a concession, not as a command.

But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

1 Corinthians 7:6 (KJV)

But I speak this by permission, [and] not of commandment.

Commentary

This verse comes in the midst of Paul's response to questions from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, singleness, and sexual relations. He is addressing various situations and offering guidance to the believers in Corinth.

The phrase "I speak this by permission, and not of commandment" is key to understanding Paul's tone and authority here. He is distinguishing between advice or counsel that he is giving ("by permission" - from the Greek word *gnōmē*, which can mean opinion, judgment, or counsel) and a direct, binding command from the Lord ("not of commandment" - from *epitagē*, meaning injunction or order).

In the preceding verses (1 Corinthians 7:1-5), Paul has affirmed the importance of marital relations and mutual sexual duty within marriage, while also allowing for temporary abstinence by mutual consent for a dedicated time of prayer. This verse clarifies that the allowance for temporary abstinence (or perhaps the advice regarding marriage/singleness in general within this section) is a concession or counsel based on wisdom and understanding of human nature and circumstances, not a rigid divine command that *must* be followed by all believers in all situations in the same way.

Paul is careful to delineate when he is relaying a direct command from the Lord (as he does later in verse 10, "unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord...") and when he is offering inspired apostolic counsel or practical wisdom tailored to their specific context. This verse teaches us the importance of discerning between different types of biblical instruction – some are universal commands, others are specific counsel or examples.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    ¶ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:12

    But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:17

    That which I speak, I speak [it] not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
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