King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 7:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 7:6 in the King James Version says “But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Corinthians 7:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment—the phrase kata syngnōmēn (κατὰ συγνώμην, "by way of concession") has been interpreted two ways: (1) Paul concedes that marriage is allowable though singleness is preferable, or (2) Paul concedes that temporary abstinence is allowable (v. 5). Context favors the second interpretation.

Paul is not diminishing marriage's goodness but clarifying that his permission for brief, consensual abstinence is a concession, not a command. He does not require couples to practice periodic abstinence for prayer; it is optional. This distinguishes Christian liberty from legalistic prescription. The contrast with epitagēn (ἐπιταγήν, "commandment") emphasizes Paul's pastoral flexibility.

Throughout this chapter, Paul carefully distinguishes between divine commands (vv. 10-11, quoting Jesus), his own authoritative apostolic teaching (vv. 12, 25), and personal judgment offered with the Spirit's guidance (v. 40). This verse reflects his nuanced approach: marriage is good, temporary abstinence is permissible with safeguards, but neither is mandated.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul writes with apostolic authority yet demonstrates humility in distinguishing his inspired counsel from direct dominical commands. This approach reflects the early church's developing understanding of how apostolic teaching related to Jesus' explicit instructions during His earthly ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's distinction between "concession" and "command" reveal about Christian liberty in non-moral matters?
  2. How should believers approach areas where Scripture gives permission but not prescription?
  3. Why is it important that Paul distinguishes between his own teaching, Christ's commands, and pastoral concessions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
τοῦτο1 of 8

“this”

G5124

that thing

δὲ2 of 8

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγω3 of 8

“I speak”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

κατ'4 of 8

“by”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

συγγνώμην5 of 8

“permission”

G4774

fellow knowledge, i.e., concession

οὐ6 of 8

“and not”

G3756

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

κατ'7 of 8

“by”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐπιταγήν8 of 8

“commandment”

G2003

an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:81 Corinthians 7:251 Corinthians 7:122 Corinthians 11:17

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