1 Corinthians 7:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Corinthians 7:4 is a concise yet profound statement from the Apostle Paul, addressing the reciprocal rights and responsibilities of married individuals concerning their bodies within the marital union. It underscores a key principle of mutual ownership and submission within Christian marriage.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extensive teaching in 1 Corinthians 7, where he responds to specific questions from the Corinthian church regarding marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics. The city of Corinth was known for its moral laxity and widespread sexual immorality, making Paul's instructions on purity and marital conduct particularly vital. Following his admonition in 1 Corinthians 7:3 for spouses to fulfill their marital duty to one another, verse 4 elaborates on the basis of this duty: a mutual surrender of bodily authority.

Key Themes

  • Mutual Obligation and Reciprocity: The verse strikingly applies the same principle to both husband and wife. In a culture where women often had fewer rights, Paul's declaration of equal "power" or authority over each other's bodies was revolutionary. It highlights a shared responsibility for marital intimacy.
  • Bodily Surrender in Marriage: Neither spouse retains exclusive authority over their own body; rather, each body is given over to the other within the covenant of marriage. This concept reinforces the idea of two becoming "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
  • Prevention of Immorality: By emphasizing mutual access and satisfaction within marriage, Paul implicitly addresses the need to prevent sexual temptation and sin (as he discusses further in the very next verse). This mutual giving helps to maintain purity and faithfulness within the marital bond.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "power" in this verse comes from the Greek term exousia (แผฮพฮฟฯ…ฯƒฮฏฮฑ), which means authority, right, or control. It signifies that neither spouse has independent, exclusive authority over their own body once married. Instead, that authority is shared mutually within the marital union. This concept of shared authority promotes a balanced and selfless approach to marital intimacy, moving away from individualistic desires towards a partnership of giving.

Practical Application

For Christian couples today, 1 Corinthians 7:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the selfless nature of marital love and intimacy. It encourages:

  • Selflessness: Spouses are called to prioritize their partner's needs and desires in this area, understanding that their bodies are not solely their own.
  • Communication: Open and honest communication about sexual needs and expectations within marriage is essential for fulfilling this mutual obligation.
  • Protection from Temptation: A healthy, fulfilling sexual relationship within marriage can be a safeguard against external temptations and immorality, reinforcing Paul's broader message to "flee fornication" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
  • Equality: The verse promotes equality between husband and wife, reflecting a biblical pattern of mutual submission and respect within the marital covenant.

Ultimately, this verse highlights the sacred and unifying aspect of sexual intimacy within the confines of God-ordained marriage, intended for mutual blessing, procreation, and the prevention of sin.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:9 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Mark 10:12 (2 votes)

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