1 Corinthians 7:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀποστερεῖτε

G650

Defraud ye

to despoil

ἀλλήλους

G240

one the other

one another

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τι

G5100

it be

some or any person or object

ἂν

G302

whatsoever

ἐκ

G1537

with

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

συμφώνου

G4859

consent

sounding together (alike), i.e., (figuratively) accordant (neuter as noun, agreement)

#10

πρὸς

G4314

for

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,

#11

καιρὸν

G2540

a time

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

#12

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#13

σχολάζητε

G4980

ye may give yourselves

to take a holiday, i.e., be at leisure for (by implication, devote oneself wholly to); figuratively, to be vacant (of a house)

#14

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

νηστείᾳ

G3521

to fasting

abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

προσευχῇ

G4335

prayer

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

#19

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

πάλιν

G3825

again

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

#21

ἐπὶ

G1909

together

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#22

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

αὐτὸ

G846

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

#24

συνέρχησθε,

G4905

come

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

#25

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#26

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#27

πειράζῃ

G3985

tempt

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

#28

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#29

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#30

Σατανᾶς

G4567

Satan

the accuser, i.e., the devil

#31

διὰ

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#32

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

ἀκρασίαν

G192

incontinency

want of self-restraint

#34

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Corinthians. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to pastoral letter addressing practical Christian living issues, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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