1 Corinthians 7:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul turns to answer questions the Corinthians had written him, beginning with matters of marriage and abstinence.
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:1 Mean?
With these words Paul shifts from correcting reported scandals to responding to a letter the Corinthians had sent him. The phrase "now concerning" marks a new topic, and a series of such phrases will organize the rest of his reply. "To touch a woman" is a gentle idiom for sexual relations.
Paul opens by granting the value of a disciplined, undivided life. Yet he does not make a rule of it. What is "good" in one circumstance is not the only good, as the very next verse shows. The chapter that follows is pastoral wisdom for real people in real situations, holding together purity, faithfulness, and freedom under God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 7:1
What does 1 Corinthians 7:1 mean?
Paul turns to answer questions the Corinthians had written him, beginning with matters of marriage and abstinence.