King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:4 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:4 in the King James Version says “The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, ...” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

1 Corinthians 7:4 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

5

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

6

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband—the term exousiazei (ἐξουσιάζει, "has authority over") describes mutual authority, not ownership. Paul immediately balances this: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. This reciprocal authority is unique in ancient marriage discourse.

In the one-flesh union of marriage, each spouse's body belongs to the other. This is not license for abuse or coercion, but a call to mutual self-giving love. Neither partner may claim sexual autonomy while married; both have surrendered individual rights to serve the other's needs. This mutual "authority" operates within the framework of love, sacrifice, and benevolence (v. 3).

Paul's teaching directly counters both the ascetics who claimed Christians should abstain even in marriage and the cultural norm allowing men sexual freedom. Instead, marriage involves exclusive, reciprocal sexual commitment. This verse sets the foundation for verse 5's warning against defrauding one another through prolonged abstinence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman law gave husbands near-absolute authority over wives' bodies, while wives had little reciprocal claim. Paul's assertion that wives have authority over husbands' bodies was culturally subversive, anticipating his broader teaching on mutual submission in marriage (Ephesians 5:21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does mutual authority in marriage differ from individual autonomy or unilateral control?
  2. In what ways might spouses wrongly claim "authority" over each other's bodies outside the context of loving service?
  3. How does this verse inform Christian teaching on consent and mutuality in marital intimacy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἡ1 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνή2 of 23

“The wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

τοῦ3 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίου4 of 23

“of her own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

σώματος5 of 23

“body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

οὐκ6 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐξουσιάζει7 of 23

“hath”

G1850

to control

ἀλλ'8 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὁ9 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνὴρ10 of 23

“the husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ὁμοίως11 of 23

“likewise”

G3668

similarly

δὲ12 of 23

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ13 of 23

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ14 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνὴρ15 of 23

“the husband”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

τοῦ16 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίου17 of 23

“of her own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

σώματος18 of 23

“body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

οὐκ19 of 23

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐξουσιάζει20 of 23

“hath”

G1850

to control

ἀλλ'21 of 23

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἡ22 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνή23 of 23

“The wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 19:9Hosea 3:3Mark 10:11-12

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