1 Corinthians 7:3

Authorized King James Version

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
γυνὴ
the wife
a woman; specially, a wife
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀνδρί
the husband
a man (properly as an individual male)
#5
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ὀφειλομένην
due
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
#7
εὔνοιαν
benevolence
kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty
#8
ἀποδιδότω
Let
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
#9
ὁμοίως
likewise
similarly
#10
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#11
καὶ
also
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
γυνὴ
the wife
a woman; specially, a wife
#14
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἀνδρί
the husband
a man (properly as an individual male)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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