King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:1 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:1 in the King James Version says “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

1 Corinthians 7:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

2

Nevertheless , to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

3

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Read 1 Corinthians 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me—Paul transitions to answer specific questions from the Corinthian church, likely submitted in a letter. The phrase It is good for a man not to touch a woman uses haptō (ἅπτω), a euphemism for sexual relations. This may be quoting the Corinthians' own ascetic slogan, which Paul will qualify rather than endorse absolutely.

The Corinthian church struggled with two extremes: libertinism (chapters 5-6) and asceticism. Some believers, influenced by Greek dualism viewing the body as evil, advocated complete sexual abstinence even in marriage. Paul's response balances the goodness of singleness for ministry with the goodness of marriage as God's provision against sexual immorality.

The term kalón (καλόν, "good") suggests "advantageous" or "beneficial" rather than morally superior. Paul will develop this pragmatic approach throughout the chapter, emphasizing that both singleness and marriage are legitimate callings, each with distinct opportunities for serving Christ with aperispastos (undivided devotion, v. 35).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written around 55 AD from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey, this letter responds to reports of division and a written inquiry from Corinth. The Greco-Roman world practiced various sexual ethics—from temple prostitution to Stoic asceticism. Some Corinthian believers, possibly influenced by proto-Gnostic thought, elevated celibacy as spiritually superior, creating marital conflicts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's "good" differ from "morally superior"—what implications does this have for viewing singleness and marriage?
  2. In what ways might contemporary Christianity fall into either extreme libertinism or asceticism regarding sexuality?
  3. How can the church honor both callings (single and married) as equally valid paths for devoted service to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Περὶ1 of 10

“concerning”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 10

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὧν3 of 10

“the things whereof”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγράψατε4 of 10

“ye wrote”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

μοι,5 of 10

“unto me”

G3427

to me

καλὸν6 of 10

“It is good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἀνθρώπῳ7 of 10

“for a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

γυναικὸς8 of 10

“a woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

μὴ9 of 10

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἅπτεσθαι·10 of 10

“to touch”

G680

properly, to attach oneself to, i.e., to touch (in many implied relations)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:81 Corinthians 7:26-27Matthew 19:10-111 Corinthians 7:37-38Genesis 20:6Proverbs 6:29

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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