1 Corinthians 7:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:2 says that, to avoid sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The verse points to marriage as the appropriate context for sexual relationships, offering a practical solution to issues of sexual temptation.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city known for its sexual permissiveness, answering questions about marriage and sexuality. He addresses both men and women equally, emphasizing mutual responsibility and exclusivity in marriage as a safeguard against "fornication"—a word often understood as sexual activity outside of marriage.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:2

• "fornication" (πορνεία, porneia): This Greek word refers broadly to sexual immorality, not just one specific act. Paul uses it here to mean any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage, which was a major concern in Corinth.
• "have" (ἔχω, echō): The Greek word for "have" here can mean more than just possession; it often carries the sense of a committed relationship or belonging to one another, highlighting the exclusivity of marriage.
• "own" (ἑαυτοῦ, heautou for men; ἴδιος, idios for women): These words stress that the relationship is personal and exclusive—each man with his own wife, each woman with her own husband—rather than something casual or shared.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:2 matters

• This verse clarifies that Paul sees marriage as a mutual partnership, not just a solution for men but equally for women, which was a significant statement in the cultural context of the time.
• It addresses a practical concern in the Corinthian church, where questions about celibacy, marriage, and sexual morality were causing confusion.
• By grounding sexual relationships in marriage, Paul sets up the rest of the chapter’s teaching on marital responsibilities, mutual consent, and the value of faithfulness.