1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
concerning
G4012
Περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὧν
the things whereof
G3739
ὧν
the things whereof
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγράψατε
ye wrote
G1125
ἐγράψατε
ye wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
4 of 10
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
καλὸν
It is good
G2570
καλὸν
It is good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.Genesis 20:6And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
Historical Context
Written around 55 AD from Ephesus during Paul's third missionary journey, this letter responds to reports of division and a written inquiry from Corinth. The Greco-Roman world practiced various sexual ethics—from temple prostitution to Stoic asceticism. Some Corinthian believers, possibly influenced by proto-Gnostic thought, elevated celibacy as spiritually superior, creating marital conflicts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's "good" differ from "morally superior"—what implications does this have for viewing singleness and marriage?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity fall into either extreme libertinism or asceticism regarding sexuality?
- How can the church honor both callings (single and married) as equally valid paths for devoted service to Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me—Paul transitions to answer specific questions from the Corinthian church, likely submitted in a letter. The phrase It is good for a man not to touch a woman uses haptō (ἅπτω), a euphemism for sexual relations. This may be quoting the Corinthians' own ascetic slogan, which Paul will qualify rather than endorse absolutely.
The Corinthian church struggled with two extremes: libertinism (chapters 5-6) and asceticism. Some believers, influenced by Greek dualism viewing the body as evil, advocated complete sexual abstinence even in marriage. Paul's response balances the goodness of singleness for ministry with the goodness of marriage as God's provision against sexual immorality.
The term kalón (καλόν, "good") suggests "advantageous" or "beneficial" rather than morally superior. Paul will develop this pragmatic approach throughout the chapter, emphasizing that both singleness and marriage are legitimate callings, each with distinct opportunities for serving Christ with aperispastos (undivided devotion, v. 35).