King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:2 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **To avoid fornication.**—Better, *because of the *(*prevalent*)* fornication.* This was so general in Corinth, and so little regarded as sin. that the unmarried were liable to be led into it. It may at first sight appear as if the Apostle thus put marriage upon very low and merely utilitarian ground: but we must remember that he is here writing with a definite and limited aim, and does not enter into a general discussion of the subject. St. Paul gives a reason why those who wrote to him should marry, and the force of the argument does not extend beyond the immediate object in view. St. Paul’s view of the higher aspects of matrimony are fully set forth when he treats of that subject generally (2Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:4; Ephesians 5:25-32).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 7:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.