1 Corinthians 7:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 7:3 mean?

1 Corinthians 7:3 teaches that a husband and wife each have a responsibility to show loving care and fulfill their marital duties to one another. The verse emphasizes mutual respect and the giving of what is owed in the marriage relationship, not just from one spouse but from both.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, answering their questions about marriage and relationships. In this verse, Paul addresses both husbands and wives, making it clear that both have obligations to each other in marriage. The focus is on the equality and mutuality of these responsibilities, especially in the context of physical and emotional care.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 7:3

• "Render" (ἀποδιδότω, apodidotō): This Greek word means "to give back" or "to pay what is due." Paul uses it to stress that what is given in marriage is not a favor but something owed, highlighting the seriousness of marital commitment.
• "Due" (ὀφειλὴν, opheilēn): This word refers to a debt or obligation. In this context, it means the duty or responsibility each spouse has toward the other, especially regarding affection and care.
• "Benevolence" (εὔνοιαν, eunoian): The Greek here is often understood as "goodwill" or "kindness," but in the marriage context, it points to the loving and intimate duties spouses share. It is not just about feelings but about actions that show love and care.

Why 1 Corinthians 7:3 matters

• This verse corrects the idea that only one spouse has responsibilities in marriage; it makes clear that both husband and wife are equally called to care for each other.
• The language of "due" and "render" frames marital love and intimacy as a mutual obligation, not something one-sided or optional.
• In the wider context of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is addressing questions about marriage, celibacy, and sexual ethics, and this verse sets a tone of equality and mutual respect in the marriage relationship.