King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:5 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:5 in the King James Version says “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; a... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 7:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Defraud ye not one the other—the verb apostereite (ἀποστερεῖτε, "deprive") indicates that withholding marital intimacy is a form of theft or fraud. Paul permits temporary abstinence only with consent for a time (ek symphōnou, ἐκ συμφώνου, "by mutual agreement") for dedicated prayer and fasting. The purpose is scholē (leisure/devotion) to spiritual disciplines.

The command come together again (epi to auto, ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό) uses language of reunification, indicating that even temporary abstinence creates separation. Paul warns that prolonged deprivation opens the door for Satan tempt you to sexual sin through akrasia (ἀκρασία, "lack of self-control"). This is not fear-mongering but realistic pastoral care.

Paul's teaching honors both the spiritual value of focused prayer and the God-given legitimacy of sexual desire. The ascetic Corinthians likely advocated extended or permanent abstinence; Paul firmly restricts this practice, recognizing that most believers do not have the gift of celibacy (v. 7). Regular marital intimacy is not unspiritual but part of God's protective design.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition allowed temporary sexual abstinence for Torah study or religious preparation (Exodus 19:15). Some Corinthian believers may have extended this principle, viewing ongoing sexual relations as defiling. Paul corrects this by making mutual consent and brevity essential conditions for any abstinence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul consider unilateral or prolonged sexual abstinence in marriage a form of "defrauding"?
  2. How should couples balance seasons of focused spiritual discipline with their regular sexual relationship?
  3. What does this verse teach about Satan's strategy to exploit unmet sexual needs within marriage?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
μὴ1 of 34

not

G3361

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

ἀποστερεῖτε2 of 34

Defraud ye

G650

to despoil

ἀλλήλους3 of 34

one the other

G240

one another

εἰ4 of 34
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ5 of 34

not

G3361

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

τι6 of 34

it be

G5100

some or any person or object

ἂν7 of 34
G302

whatsoever

ἐκ8 of 34

with

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

συμφώνου9 of 34

consent

G4859

sounding together (alike), i.e., (figuratively) accordant (neuter as noun, agreement)

πρὸς10 of 34

for

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

καιρὸν11 of 34

a time

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἵνα12 of 34

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

σχολάζητε13 of 34

ye may give yourselves

G4980

to take a holiday, i.e., be at leisure for (by implication, devote oneself wholly to); figuratively, to be vacant (of a house)

τῇ14 of 34
G3588

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

νηστείᾳ15 of 34

to fasting

G3521

abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement

καὶ16 of 34

and

G2532

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

τῇ17 of 34
G3588

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

προσευχῇ18 of 34

prayer

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

καὶ19 of 34

and

G2532

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

πάλιν20 of 34

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἐπὶ21 of 34

together

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ22 of 34
G3588

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

αὐτὸ23 of 34
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

συνέρχησθε,24 of 34

come

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

ἵνα25 of 34

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ26 of 34

not

G3361

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

πειράζῃ27 of 34

tempt

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

ὑμᾶς28 of 34

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

29 of 34
G3588

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

Σατανᾶς30 of 34

Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

διὰ31 of 34

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν32 of 34
G3588

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

ἀκρασίαν33 of 34

incontinency

G192

want of self-restraint

ὑμῶν34 of 34

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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