1 Corinthians 7:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Because of the strong pull toward immorality, Paul affirms marriage as the proper and honorable setting for sexual life.
What Does 1 Corinthians 7:2 Mean?
Corinth was a city saturated with sexual license, and Paul writes into that pressure. "Nevertheless" balances the previous verse: abstinence may be good, but marriage is the ordinary and right path for most. He speaks to husband and wife alike, with parallel words for each.
Marriage here is not a concession to weakness so much as a gift designed for faithfulness and joy. By giving each spouse "his own" and "her own," Paul honors the exclusive, mutual belonging that marriage creates. Against a culture that cheapened the body, he upholds a covenant in which two persons are wholly given to one another.
1 Corinthians 7:2 in the Original Language
porneia (πορνεία), 'fornication' -- sexual immorality of any kind outside marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 7:2
What does 1 Corinthians 7:2 mean?
Because of the strong pull toward immorality, Paul affirms marriage as the proper and honorable setting for sexual life.