Marital Sex and Fornication in 1 Corinthians 7
In 1 Corinthians 7:2, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church, stating, "but because of fornication, let each have his own wife, and let each have her own husband" (LITV) [1]. This verse serves as a foundational directive regarding marriage, presented as a divinely appointed remedy for widespread sexual sin [3, 5].
The broader context of 1 Corinthians 7 reveals Paul responding to specific questions posed by the Corinthian believers concerning marriage and related matters [3, 5]. The preceding chapter, 1 Corinthians 6, contains strong warnings against various forms of sexual immorality, including fornication, and emphasizes the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul's advice in chapter 7, therefore, builds upon these earlier admonitions, offering practical guidance for living a holy life in a sexually permissive culture [3]. The Corinthians had written to Paul with their inquiries, indicating a desire for apostolic instruction on these complex issues [5].
The historical setting of Corinth was one where sexual immorality was rampant and often not even considered sinful among the pagan population [4]. This cultural backdrop made Paul's directives particularly crucial for the nascent Christian community. The city was known for its licentiousness, and reports of scandalous behavior, such as the incestuous relationship mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, had already reached Paul [7, 9]. It is against this backdrop of prevalent "fornications" (plural, suggesting various irregular lusts) that Paul offers marriage as a means to maintain sexual purity [4, 6].
Key terms in 1 Corinthians 7:2 include "fornication" (πορνεία, porneia) and the repeated phrase "let each have his own wife, and let each have her own husband." The term porneia is a broad Greek word encompassing various forms of sexual immorality, including prostitution, adultery, and other illicit sexual acts [4, 6]. The use of the plural "fornications" (πορνείας, porneias) by some interpreters emphasizes the diverse and pervasive nature of these irregular lusts in Corinth [4, 6]. The phrase "let each have his own wife, and let each have her own husband" is a direct command, emphasizing the exclusive and reciprocal nature of the marital relationship [4, 6]. It underscores that marriage is the proper sphere for sexual expression and a safeguard against illicit desires [4].
One major exegetical decision in understanding this verse revolves around the interpretation of "because of fornication." Some commentators, like Matthew Henry, view marriage primarily as a "remedy against fornication" [3, 5]. John Gill similarly states that marriage is a means to avoid "fornications" or "all sorts of uncleanness and pollution" [6]. This perspective highlights the preventative aspect of marriage, suggesting that it is instituted to curb sinful sexual desires and practices [6]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary also emphasizes this, noting that "unmarried persons might be tempted" by the prevalent fornications in Corinth [4].
Another interpretive nuance concerns the scope of Paul's advice. While Paul acknowledges the ideal of a celibate life for those with the "gift of continency" (1 Corinthians 7:7), 1 Corinthians 7:2 is presented as a general rule for the majority [4, 8]. Tyndale House notes that Paul "tempers the ideal of the celibate life with awareness of physical realities," encouraging most Christians to marry "because of widespread sexual immorality" [8]. This suggests that for those who do not possess the gift of continence, marriage is not merely an option but a necessary and positive command to prevent sexual sin [4]. The phrase "let every man have his own wife" is seen as a "positive command to all who have not the gift of continency" [4].
The verse also implicitly addresses the concept of marital fidelity and exclusivity. By stating "his own wife" and "her own husband," Paul reinforces the idea that sexual relations are to be confined within the bounds of a monogamous marriage [1, 2]. This stands in stark contrast to the promiscuous practices common in the Greco-Roman world. The emphasis on "own" highlights the unique and personal bond within marriage, where sexual intimacy is reserved for one's spouse [6].
The passage has functioned in Christian tradition as a foundational text for understanding the purpose of marriage, particularly its role in providing a legitimate outlet for sexual desire and preventing sexual immorality. It has been cited in discussions about the sanctity of marriage, the importance of sexual purity, and the practical challenges faced by believers in a fallen world. The Reformers, for instance, often emphasized marriage as a divine institution for companionship, procreation, and as a remedy for sin, drawing on passages like 1 Corinthians 7. This verse underscores the biblical understanding that while celibacy can be a spiritual gift, marriage is the normative and divinely sanctioned context for sexual expression, serving as a bulwark against the temptations of fornication.
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 7:2 (LITV) — but because of fornication, let each have his own wife, and let each have her own husband.”
- 1 Corinthians “But, because of sexual immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. -- 1 Corinthians 7:2”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7 (introduction): In this chapter the apostle answers some cases proposed to him by the Corinthians about marriage. He, I. Shows them that marriage was appointed as a remedy against fornication, and therefore that persons had better marry than burn (Co1 7:1-9). II. He gives direction to those who are married to continue together, though they might have an unbelieving relative, unless the unbeliever would part, in which case a Christian would not be in bondage (Co1 7:10-16). III. He shows them that becoming Christians does not change their external state; and ther”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:2: Here the general rule is given to avoid fornication--More literally, "on account of fornications," to which as being very prevalent at Corinth, and not even counted sins among the heathen, unmarried persons might be tempted. The plural, "fornications," marks irregular lusts, as contrasted with the unity of the marriage relation [BENGEL]. let every man have--a positive command to all who have not the gift of continency, in fact to the great majority of the world (Co1 7:5). The dignity of marriage is set forth by Paul (Eph 5:25-32), in the fact”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 7:1: The apostle comes now, as a faithful and skilful casuist, to answer some cases of conscience which the Corinthians had proposed to him. Those were things whereof they wrote to him, Co1 7:1. As the lips of ministers should keep knowledge, so the people should ask the law at their mouths. The apostle was as ready to resolve as they were to propose their doubts. In the former chapter, he warns them to avoid fornication; here he gives some directions about marriage, the remedy God had appointed for it. He tells them in general, I. That it was good, in that junct”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 7:2: Nevertheless, to avoid fornication,.... Or "fornications"; meaning either the frequent commission of that sin; or all sorts of uncleanness and pollution, which may be avoided by wedlock, and the proper use of the marriage bed, where the gift of continency is not bestowed: wherefore to prevent unlawful copulations, as of single persons with one another, or of a married person with a single one, the apostle advises, as being what is right and proper, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband; that is, let every man that has a wife”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 5 (introduction): THE INCESTUOUS PERSON AT CORINTH: THE CORINTHIANS REPROVED FOR CONNIVANCE, AND WARNED TO PURGE OUT THE BAD LEAVEN. QUALIFICATION OF HIS FORMER COMMAND AS TO ASSOCIATION WITH SINNERS OF THE WORLD. (Co1 5:1-13) commonly--rather, "actually" [ALFORD]. Absolutely [BENGEL]. "It is reported," implies, that the Corinthians, though they "wrote" (Co1 7:1) to Paul on other points, gave him no information on those things which bore against themselves. These latter matters reached the apostle indirectly (Co1 1:11). so much as named--The oldest”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 7:2: 7:2 Because of widespread sexual immorality, Paul encourages most Christians to get married (7:9). He tempers the ideal of the celibate life with awareness of physical realities.”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 5:1: Here the apostle states the case; and, I. Lets them know what was the common or general report concerning them, that one of their community was guilty of fornication, Co1 5:1. It was told in all places, to their dishonour, and the reproach of Christians. And it was the more reproachful because it could not be denied. Note, The heinous sins of professed Christians are quickly noted and noised abroad. We should walk circumspectly, for many eyes are upon us, and many mouths will be opened against us if we fall into any scandalous practice. This was not a common”