1 Corinthians 7:5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 34
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 34
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐκ
with
G1537
ἐκ
with
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 34
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
συμφώνου
consent
G4859
συμφώνου
consent
Strong's:
G4859
Word #:
9 of 34
sounding together (alike), i.e., (figuratively) accordant (neuter as noun, agreement)
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 34
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
σχολάζητε
ye may give yourselves
G4980
σχολάζητε
ye may give yourselves
Strong's:
G4980
Word #:
13 of 34
to take a holiday, i.e., be at leisure for (by implication, devote oneself wholly to); figuratively, to be vacant (of a house)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νηστείᾳ
to fasting
G3521
νηστείᾳ
to fasting
Strong's:
G3521
Word #:
15 of 34
abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχῇ
prayer
G4335
προσευχῇ
prayer
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
18 of 34
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
20 of 34
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
ἐπὶ
together
G1909
ἐπὶ
together
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
21 of 34
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸ
G846
αὐτὸ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
συνέρχησθε,
come
G4905
συνέρχησθε,
come
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
24 of 34
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
26 of 34
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πειράζῃ
tempt
G3985
πειράζῃ
tempt
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
27 of 34
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
31 of 34
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 19:15And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.Joel 2:16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition allowed temporary sexual abstinence for Torah study or religious preparation (Exodus 19:15). Some Corinthian believers may have extended this principle, viewing ongoing sexual relations as defiling. Paul corrects this by making mutual consent and brevity essential conditions for any abstinence.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul consider unilateral or prolonged sexual abstinence in marriage a form of "defrauding"?
- How should couples balance seasons of focused spiritual discipline with their regular sexual relationship?
- What does this verse teach about Satan's strategy to exploit unmet sexual needs within marriage?
Analysis & Commentary
Defraud ye not one the other—the verb apostereite (ἀποστερεῖτε, "deprive") indicates that withholding marital intimacy is a form of theft or fraud. Paul permits temporary abstinence only with consent for a time (ek symphōnou, ἐκ συμφώνου, "by mutual agreement") for dedicated prayer and fasting. The purpose is scholē (leisure/devotion) to spiritual disciplines.
The command come together again (epi to auto, ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό) uses language of reunification, indicating that even temporary abstinence creates separation. Paul warns that prolonged deprivation opens the door for Satan tempt you to sexual sin through akrasia (ἀκρασία, "lack of self-control"). This is not fear-mongering but realistic pastoral care.
Paul's teaching honors both the spiritual value of focused prayer and the God-given legitimacy of sexual desire. The ascetic Corinthians likely advocated extended or permanent abstinence; Paul firmly restricts this practice, recognizing that most believers do not have the gift of celibacy (v. 7). Regular marital intimacy is not unspiritual but part of God's protective design.