1 Corinthians 6:16

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

What {G2228}? know ye {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} he which is joined {G2853} to an harlot {G4204} is {G2076} one {G1520} body {G4983}? for {G1063} two {G1417}, saith he {G5346}, shall be {G2071} one {G1519}{G3391} flesh {G4561}.

Don’t you know that a man who joins himself to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? For the Tanakh says, “The two will become one flesh”;

Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”

Or know ye not that he that is joined to a harlot is one body? for, The twain, saith he, shall become one flesh.

Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 6:16, the Apostle Paul issues a rhetorical question, "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh." This verse serves as a powerful warning against sexual immorality, particularly fornication with a prostitute, by highlighting the profound spiritual and physical unity that occurs in sexual union.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader argument in 1 Corinthians chapter 6, where he addresses the Corinthian church's issues with sexual immorality, legal disputes among believers, and the proper understanding of Christian freedom. The city of Corinth was notoriously immoral, with widespread prostitution, including temple prostitution. Paul challenges the believers to understand that while "all things are lawful" for them, not all are beneficial, and that their bodies, as members of Christ, are not meant for sexual sin but for the Lord. He has just stated in verse 15 that they should not make the members of Christ the members of a harlot, leading directly to this verse.

Key Themes

  • Profound Unity in Sexual Union: Paul emphasizes that sexual intercourse creates a profound unity, making two individuals "one flesh." This principle, originating from the creation account of marriage, is so powerful that it applies even to illicit unions.
  • Sanctity of the Body: The verse underscores the sacred nature of the human body, especially for believers who are united with Christ. Engaging in sexual immorality defiles this sacred union.
  • Consequences of Sexual Sin: Sexual sin is not merely a physical act but has deep spiritual implications, binding a person to another in a way that is contrary to their union with Christ. This is why Paul urges believers to "flee fornication" in the verses immediately following.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "joined to" comes from the Greek word kollaō (κολλάω), meaning "to glue together," "to cleave to," or "to unite." This word denotes a strong, inseparable bond, not just a casual encounter. The phrase "one flesh" (Greek: sarka mian - σάρκα μίαν) is a direct quotation from the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) version of Genesis 2:24, which describes the marital union. Paul applies this deep, covenantal language to warn about the profound, albeit illicit, bond formed through sexual immorality.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 6:16 serves as a vital reminder of:

  • The seriousness with which God views sexual union, whether within or outside of marriage.
  • The importance of purity and self-control in a world that often trivializes sexual acts.
  • That our bodies are not our own but belong to the Lord, and are intended to glorify Him, as further explained in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Our choices regarding sexual integrity have profound spiritual consequences and affect our relationship with Christ.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:24 (17 votes)

    Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

  • Ephesians 5:31 (13 votes)

    For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

  • Mark 10:8 (9 votes)

    And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

  • Matthew 19:5 (9 votes)

    And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

  • Matthew 19:6 (9 votes)

    Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

  • Matthew 21:31 (4 votes)

    Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

  • Matthew 21:32 (4 votes)

    For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen [it], repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.