1 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 6:16 mean?

1 Corinthians 6:16 says that when someone joins themselves to a prostitute, they become “one body” with her, because as Scripture says, “the two shall be one flesh.” This verse highlights the deep, uniting nature of sexual relations, showing that it is not just a physical act but creates a real bond between people.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing believers who lived in a city known for its sexual immorality. He reminds them that sexual union is meant to be a significant, unifying act, quoting from Genesis to show that even casual encounters have lasting effects. Paul’s point is to warn against treating sex as something trivial, because it involves the whole person.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 6:16

• “Joined” (κολλώμενος, kollōmenos) means to glue or bind closely together. Paul uses this word to stress how sexual union creates a strong, inseparable connection, not just a temporary interaction.
• “Harlot” (πόρνη, pornē) refers specifically to a prostitute. The use of this word makes clear Paul is talking about sexual relations outside of marriage, especially those that were common in Corinth’s pagan temples.
• “One flesh” (εἰς σάρκα μίαν, eis sarka mian) is a direct reference to Genesis, where marriage is described as two people becoming one. Paul applies this to any sexual union, not just marriage, to show its seriousness.

Why 1 Corinthians 6:16 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that sex is only a physical act without deeper consequences, showing that it always involves the whole person.
• Paul’s teaching here connects sexual ethics to the believer’s identity and spiritual life, not just to rules or social customs.
• By quoting Genesis, Paul ties Christian sexual morality back to the creation story, emphasizing that God’s design for sex is meaningful and not to be taken lightly.