What does 1 Corinthians 6:13 mean?

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 1 Corinthians 6:13

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:13 addresses both physical appetite and sexual morality, contrasting temporal desires with eternal truths. The phrase “Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats” recognizes a basic human need: food is meant for the stomach. This reflects an understanding of a physical need that is natural and necessary for survival. However, in saying “but God shall destroy both it and them,” Paul points out that both food and our physical bodies are temporary and will eventually be done away with by God, according to Christian belief.

Paul then shifts focus by stating, “the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.” Here, fornication refers to sexual immorality, and Paul argues that the purpose of the human body is not to pursue sexual immorality but to serve and honor God. In essence, this part of the verse elevates the body’s purpose from merely satisfying physical desires to fulfilling a spiritual destiny.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around 55 AD. The city of Corinth was known for its wealth, commerce, and also for its moral laxity. At the time, pagan religious practices often included sexual activities as a part of their worship, and this presented a significant challenge to the early Christians in maintaining sexual purity. In this context, Paul is addressing issues within the Christian community, particularly the notion that Christian freedom allowed for engaging in behaviors that were at odds with the teachings of Jesus.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer varying insights into this verse:

• Traditional view: The body is sacred and should be used in ways that honor God, hence sexual purity is mandated for Christians.
• Liberal view: While recognizing the value of sexual ethics, a more liberal theological view might focus on the relationship of the individual with God, interpreting the body’s purpose beyond just the confines of sexual morality.
• Eschatological view: This refers to the verse’s mention of the temporal nature of both food and the body, prompting an understanding that the physical existence is not the ultimate concern for Christians, as they look forward to a new creation.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can be used to:

• Encourage people to consider the temporary nature of physical pleasures and to prioritize spiritual values.
• Advocate for a lifestyle that reflects sexual purity according to Christian ethics.
• Remind individuals of the higher calling of their bodies, which is to serve and honor God.

Cross-References

• Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 – “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”

Language Study

• Meats (βρώματα – brōmata): The Greek word for “meats” or “foods,” suggesting items that are edible.
• Belly (κοιλία – koilia): Refers to the stomach or the innermost part of a person, often associated with appetite or basic needs.
• Destroy (καταργέω – katargeō): Often means to render inoperative or abolish, indicating an end to the former state of things.
• Fornication (πορνεία – porneia): This term is used broadly in biblical Greek to refer to various forms of sexual immorality.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons with other cultural practices:

• Ancient Greek religion: Ritual prostitution and sexual rites were common in some temples, contrasted with Christian teachings of sexual morality.
• Asceticism: Some ancient philosophies and religions advocated for the suppression of physical desires, including sex and food, as a route to spiritual enlightenment, differing from the Christian view which values the body as God’s temple.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern nutrition science emphasizes the importance of diet for health but does not imbue food with moral or spiritual significance. Similarly, modern medicine views sexual health as a matter of physical health and personal choice, often apart from moral considerations. These scientific perspectives can contrast with theological interpretations that frame these issues in the context of morality and spirituality.

Commentaries

Various experts and theologians have provided commentaries on 1 Corinthians 6:13:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the idea that Christians should use their bodies to honor God and avoid sexual sins that defile the body.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary discusses the tension between Christian freedom and the call to holiness, citing Paul’s instructions as a guide for ethical behavior.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament explores the socio-historical context of Corinth, highlighting the contrast between pagan practices and Christian ethics.