1 Corinthians 7:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 7:6
6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 7 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, grace, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 7:6
6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
Analysis
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment—the phrase kata syngnōmēn (κατὰ συγνώμην, "by way of concession") has been interpreted two ways:
- Paul concedes that marriage is allowable though singleness is preferable, or
- Paul concedes that temporary abstinence is allowable (v. 5).
Context favors the second interpretation.
Paul is not diminishing marriage's goodness but clarifying that his permission for brief, consensual abstinence is a concession, not a command. He does not require couples to practice periodic abstinence for prayer; it is optional. This distinguishes Christian liberty from legalistic prescription. The contrast with epitagēn (ἐπιταγήν, "commandment") emphasizes Paul's pastoral flexibility.
Throughout this chapter, Paul carefully distinguishes between divine commands (vv. 10-11, quoting Jesus), his own authoritative apostolic teaching (vv. 12, 25), and personal judgment offered with the Spirit's guidance (v. 40). This verse reflects his nuanced approach: marriage is good, temporary abstinence is permissible with safeguards, but neither is mandated.
Historical Context
Paul writes with apostolic authority yet demonstrates humility in distinguishing his inspired counsel from direct dominical commands. This approach reflects the early church's developing understanding of how apostolic teaching related to Jesus' explicit instructions during His earthly ministry.
Reflection
- What does Paul's distinction between "concession" and "command" reveal about Christian liberty in non-moral matters?
- How should believers approach areas where Scripture gives permission but not prescription?
- Why is it important that Paul distinguishes between his own teaching, Christ's commands, and pastoral concessions?
Cross-References
- Word: 1 Corinthians 7:25, 2 Corinthians 8:8
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:12