What does 1 Corinthians 6:16 mean?

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 1 Corinthians 6:16

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:16 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically within a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church. The verse reads: “What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.” This passage discusses the moral implications of sexual relations, highlighting the concept that engaging in sexual intercourse with a prostitute (or “harlot” in the King James Version language) unites the individual with the prostitute in a profound way. The phrase “one body” indicates a physical and perhaps spiritual union. The latter part of the verse, “for two, saith he, shall be one flesh,” references the Genesis account of marriage, evoking the deep, covenantal union designed for the marital relationship, and implying that this union should not be entered into lightly or outside of the marriage covenant.

Historical Context

The city of Corinth, during the time Paul was writing, was known for its immorality, specifically sexual immorality. It was a major economic hub in ancient Greece, leading to a cosmopolitan and morally lax atmosphere. The phrase “to live like a Corinthian” had become synonymous with an indulgent, debauched lifestyle. In the Greco-Roman world, it was not uncommon for prostitution to be intertwined with religious practices at pagan temples, and the social acceptance of using the services of a prostitute was high. Paul wrote to a fledgling Christian community within this culture, aiming to instill in them a different set of ethics and values which were to be based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 1 Corinthians 6:16 emphasizes the Christian doctrine of the sanctity of the human body and the belief in sexual union as something sacred, designed by God for marriage. Paul’s teaching stands in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural practices of Corinth at the time. It upholds the Jewish and Christian understanding that sexual relations are not merely a physical act but also have spiritual implications. Some theologians argue that this reflects the concept that a person’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned elsewhere in the same epistle (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse cautions against casual or extramarital sexual relationships, urging believers to view their bodies as sacred and to engage in sexual intimacy only within the confines of a committed marital relationship. The application extends to modern Christians by reminding them to adhere to biblical principles regarding sexual purity and to honor their own bodies and those of others by making choices that align with their faith’s teachings.

Cross-References

• Genesis 2:24 “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
• Matthew 19:5 “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”
• 1 Corinthians 6:15 “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.”
• Ephesians 5:31 “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for “joined” is κολλάω (kollaō), which means “to glue,” implying a very strong bond. The term “harlot” is translated from the Greek πόρνη (pornē), from which the term “pornography” derives, traditionally meaning a prostitute or one who is sexually immoral. “One flesh” in Greek is “εἰς σάρκα μίαν” (eis sarka mian), which reinforces the idea of a single, unified entity emerging from two individuals.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the wider context of ancient religions and cultures, the use of sexual union in religious rites was not uncommon, with “sacred prostitution” being practiced in some cultures. The biblical perspective highlighted by Paul represents a counter-narrative to such practices, emphasizing monogamy and chastity. This is in stark contrast with the practices associated with some temples of Aphrodite, a Greek goddess associated with love and sexuality, where prostitution was part of worship.

Scientific Perspectives

From a contemporary scientific perspective, this verse intersects with the understanding of the psychological and physiological bonding that occurs during sexual intercourse, such as the release of oxytocin, which fosters a sense of connection and bonding between sexual partners. The implications of this bonding emphasize the potential for psychological impact and the complexities of human sexual relationships, supporting the idea that sexual union is not merely a casual physical act but carries with it deeper connections.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse. Some emphasize the importance of sexual purity in Paul’s teachings, while others focus on the broader message of unity in human relationships as ordained by God. Commentaries may also discuss the historical and cultural background of Paul’s letter to understand the radical nature of his message to a community surrounded by a culture with vastly different values. Many agree that Paul’s directive aims to elevate the view of the human body and sexual relations among the Corinthian believers, setting a standard that remains influential in Christian ethics today.